Installation guide: Xirgo with powered Y-cable | OBD-II

Time required: 20-40 minutes

This guide explains how to install a Xirgo device using a powered Y-cable in a vehicle that has an OBD-II port. It also includes steps for installing the tracker in a vehicle that has a kill switch or master shut off.

In this guide:

Step 1: Position the vehicle
Step 2: Gather your tools
Step 3: Check the kit contents
Step 4: Identify the parts of the Xirgo device
Step 5: Identify the parts of the OBD-II Y-cable
Step 6: Identify the parts of the I/O harness
Step 7: Record the device serial number
Step 8: Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port
Step 9: Remove the vehicle’s OBD-II port
Step 10: Mount the powered Y-cable in the vehicle
Step 11: Plug the OBD-II bypass connector into the OBD-II port
Step 12: Connect the powered Y-cable to the device
Step 13: Use the LED lights to identify device status
Step 14: Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device
Step 15: Connect the I/O harness's white ignition wire (vehicles with a kill switch)
Step 16: Connect optional peripherals or sensor inputs
Step 17: Route and secure the cabling
Step 18: Mount and secure the device
Step 19: Link the device and verify operation
Step 20: Update the vehicle tracker configuration (vehicles with a kill switch)

Step 1: Position the vehicle

Position the vehicle in a location that has good network coverage.

The engine must be off when you are installing the device.

Step 2: Gather your tools

Depending on the vehicle type, you may need the following tools:

• Work light
• Dash panel removal tools
• Driver bits and socket set
• Zip ties
• Wire stripping tools
• Digital voltmeter

Step 3: Check the kit contents

• Xirgo device
• Powered Y-cable
• I/O peripherals harness (required for vehicles that have a kill switch or master shut off, or installations with optional peripherals)

Step 4: Identify the parts of the Xirgo device

(A) Fastening tabs
(B) 14 pin Y-cable diagnostics connector
(C) 24 pin I/O harness connector
(D) Amber LED for cellular network
(E) Blue LED for Bluetooth (if equipped)
(F) Green LED for GPS
(G) Device label

Step 5: Identify the parts of the OBD-II Y-cable

(A) OBD-II bypass connector (connects to the vehicle’s OBD-II port)
(B) OBD-II replacement port (mounts in place of the vehicle’s OBD-II port)
(C) 14 pin Molex connector (plugs into the Xirgo device)

Step 6: Identify the parts of the I/O harness

(A) OBD-II 24 pin I/O harness (RFID compatible), connects to Xirgo device
(B) Input 4 - black/green wire (ground trigger)
(C) Input 2 - black/orange wire (negative trigger)
(D) Input 1 - purple wire (positive trigger)
(E) Panic/privacy - 4 pin connector
(F) Driver ID reader - 2 pin connector
(G) Garmin - 10 pin connector
(H) Driver ID buzzer - 3 pin connector
(I) RFID reader - 6 pin connector
(J) Software controlled ignition input/output - white wire (use only for vehicles with kill switch or master shutoff, or when specified by Verizon Connect)
(K) 3-amp fuse

Step 7: Record the device serial number

Record the device's ESN/serial number (you will need it in a later step).

Verizon Connect installation partners can scan the device's ESN/serial number using the Reveal Hardware Installer (RHI) app.

The device serial number (called "ESN" on Reveal) is on the device label.

Step 8: Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port

Locate the vehicle’s OBD-II port by inspecting the following areas (in this order):

1. Under the dashboard
2. Beneath the steering wheel column
3. Each area indicated in the image below

If you cannot locate the vehicle’s OBD-II port, check the vehicle owner’s manual or go to https://www.hum.com/setup/#section_locateobd

Step 9: Remove the vehicle’s OBD-II port

Remove the vehicle’s OBD-II port from its mounting bracket by pressing the release tabs or by removing the screws that hold it in place. You may need to remove a dash cover panel to access the OBD-II port.

Use caution when unmounting the vehicle's OBD-II port. Putting stress on the wires or otherwise damaging the OBD-II port can cause performance issues with the vehicle.

Step 10: Mount the powered Y-cable in the vehicle

1. Check and compare the replacement OBD-II port and the vehicle’s OBD-II port.
   Depending on the shape of the vehicle’s OBD-II port, you may need to remove the screw plate on the replacement OBD-II port to match the vehicle fitting.
   
   
2. Route the powered Y-cable's replacement port behind the dash panels and mount it in place of the vehicle’s OBD-II port.
   

Step 11: Plug the OBD-II bypass connector into the OBD-II port

Plug the powered Y-cable’s OBD-II bypass connector into the vehicle’s OBD-II port. This will provide power and a diagnostic data feed to the device.

Step 12: Connect the powered Y-cable to the device

1. Plug the powered Y-cable's 14 pin Molex connector into the device.
   You may need to route harnesses to the device's mounting location through tight spaces before connecting them to the device.
   
2. Confirm the device is receiving power (the LEDs are illuminated).
   You may need to turn on the ignition for the device to receive power.

Step 13: Use the LED lights to identify device status

The Xirgo tracker has three LEDs that are used to identify the status of the device.

(A) Amber LED (Cellular Network)

• OFF: No power to device
• Flashing: Ignition is OFF
• Fast Flashing: searching for cell signal / Ignition is ON
• Solid: Cell signal acquired / Ignition is ON

(B) Blue LED (Bluetooth), only for Bluetooth-enabled devices

• OFF: Bluetooth is not connected
• Flashing: Bluetooth is connected

(C) Green LED (GPS)

• OFF: Searching for satellites
• Flashing: Satellite count +1
  • The LED flashes once to indicate a GPS signal is acquired.
  • The LED continues flashing to indicate the number of satellites visible to the device.

Step 14: Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device

Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device.

Refer to the Xirgo I/O harness versions article for details about I/O harness versions.

Step 15: Connect the I/O harness's white wire (vehicles with a kill switch)

This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with a kill switch or master shut off.

(A) Xirgo device
(B) I/O harness (connects to Xirgo's 24-pin connector)
(C) White wire (connects to vehicle's ignition source)

1. Familiarize yourself with approved methods for making wire connections:
   For information about poke-and-wrap, butt connectors, posi-tap and add-a-circuit fuse block adapters: see Verizon Connect electrical connection standards and installation policy guidance.
   For information about poke-and-wrap: see FAQ: How to make a poke and wrap connection (solderless splice).
2. In the vehicle, locate the true ignition source. This can be an ignition switch, a factory spare wire connector labelled for ignition supply, or an ignition supply labelled on the fuse box.
   Use a digital multimeter to verify the voltage does not drop below 9 VDC while the engine is cranking.
3. Connect the harness’s white wire to the vehicle’s ignition source using an approved connection method.

Step 16: Connect optional peripherals or sensor inputs

Connect optional peripherals as described in the relevant Peripherals section.

Wiring diagram and pin out for I/O harness

Step 17: Route and secure the cabling

1. Route the cables to the mounting location and connect them.
   Coil and secure any loose cabling using zip ties to ensure it will not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle.
   
   
2. Check everything is fastened tightly, and trim zip ties if they have excess length.
   Use caution when trimming the zip ties. Accidentally cutting or nicking nearby vehicle wires will cause performance issues with the vehicle.
3. Make sure the installation does not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle. If you have removed the dash panel, do not replace it until the network connection is confirmed (see Step 19).

Step 18: Mount and secure the device

1. Find a suitable location to mount the device. Suggested mounting locations are shown below.
   
             (A) Behind the driver's side knee panel
             (B) Behind the centre console
             (C) Behind the glove box
   
   To ensure strong network coverage, consider the following when choosing the mounting location:
   - The device should be mounted label-side up and skyward-facing for best signal.
   - The device should not be mounted directly under large metal parts.
   - The device will work through glass, plastics, and composites.
   
2. Fasten the device securely to a stable mounting bracket or wire bundle using zip ties, VHB tape, or industrial strength Velcro. Do not cover the ESN/Serial Number with two-sided tape, the label will peel and be unreadable when the tape is removed.
   The device must be fastened securely to prevent it from moving and generating erroneous harsh driving event reporting.
   
   

Step 19: Link the device and verify operation

Use Spotlight or the Reveal portal to link and verify successful installations. Learn how to Verify an installation in Reveal.

Step 20: Update the vehicle tracker configuration (vehicles with a kill switch)

This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with a kill switch or master shut off.

To prevent erroneous Reveal statuses such as false towing notifications, the device must be configured correctly as Ignition (3-wire, hardwired).

To update the tracker configuration, you can do one of the following:

• In Reveal, update the power source tracker setting for the vehicle. For more information on updating this setting, see Update the power source tracker setting for Xirgo vehicle trackers.
• Call Reveal Support at 866.908.1165 to update the device configuration so ignition status is sensed for the white-wire installation.

Disclaimer

Verizon Connect shall have no liability whatsoever for any damages that arise from, or are connected with, your use of our services, including the GPS tracking hardware and dash cams, in a manner contrary to the(se) instructions or in violation of law and/or our agreement. Tracking hardware connected to the diagnostic port in any vehicle that has third-party devices also connected to the diagnostic port can cause interference or loss of functionality of the third-party device. These third-party devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts, lifesaving equipment, emergency lighting, and radar guns. If such a conflict exists, contact Verizon Connect support to have the tracking hardware configured to support the third-party device. Failure to do so relieves Verizon Connect of all liability for damages that arise from or are connected with your use of the devices. Installed devices may only be removed and transferred to another vehicle if the second vehicle has been tested for compatibility, as per the(se) instructions. Transfers between vehicles which do not follow the(se) instructions will void any and all warranties from Verizon Connect, and relieve Verizon Connect of all liability for damages that arise from or are connected with your use of the devices.