Installation guide: XT63xx with Volvo diagnostic backbone harness for Volvo 2014-2018 on Reveal

This guide explains how to install a Xirgo XT63xx device on 2014-2018 Volvo trucks with a Volvo diagnostic backbone harness. It also includes steps for installing the tracker in a vehicle that has a kill switch or master shut off.

Time required: 20-40 minutes

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 Volvo diagnostic backbone harness
• Step 6: Identify the connectors
• Step 7: Identify the parts of the Xirgo adapter cable
• Step 8: Identify the parts of the I/O harness
• Step 9: Record the device serial number
• Step 10: Access the power distribution junction box
• Step 11: Install the J1939 connection
• Step 12: Install the power connection
• Step 13: Connect the backbone harness to the Xirgo adapter cable
• Step 14: Connect the Xirgo adapter cable to the device
• Step 15: Use the LED lights to identify the device status
• Step 16: Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device
• Step 17: Connect the I/O harness's white wire (vehicles with a kill switch)
• Step 18: Connect optional peripherals or sensor inputs
• Step 19: Route and secure the cabling
• Step 20: Mount and secure the device
• Step 21: Link the device and verify operation
• Step 22: 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
• Volvo diagnostic backbone harness and connectors
• Xirgo adapter cable
• I/O 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 Volvo diagnostic backbone harness

(1) Volvo diagnostic backbone harness
(2) Fuse (used for pre-2018 installations)
(4) 2018+ power adapter (used for new model installations)
(4) Legacy power adapter (used for pre-2018 installations)

Step 6: Identify the connectors

(1) Terminating resistor connector (CAN/J1939)
(2) Vehicle side connector (CAN/J1939)
(3) Aux/J1708 connectors
(4) Cable side power adapter connector (power adapters plug in here)
(5) Universal diagnostic cable connector (hardware-specific cable adapters plug in here)

Aux connectors should not be used. Do not connect aux connectors.

Step 7: Identify the parts of the Xirgo adapter cable

(A) Connector for Xirgo device
(B) Universal connector (male)

Step 8: 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 9: 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 information label on the top of the device.

Step 10: Access the power distribution junction box

1. Remove the tray (see orange arrow in image below).
   
2. Remove the screws (see green arrows in image below).
3. Remove the panel (see blue arrow in image below) to expose the power distribution junction box.
   
   
   The power distribution junction box should look similar to that in the image below.
   
   

Step 11: Install the J1939 connection

The truck must not be running when working with J1939 connections/terminating resistors.

1. Locate the terminating resistor in the power distribution box (see pink arrow in image below).
   
2. Remove the terminating resistor (see blue arrow in image above).
3. Install the terminating resistor into the provided Volvo diagnostic backbone harness (see green arrow in image below).
   The terminating resistor must be installed for the vehicle to operate correctly. Do not start the truck without the terminating resistor installed.
   
   
4. Plug the vehicle side connector (it is the remaining connector on the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness) into the location from where you removed the terminating resistor at point 2 above (see orange arrow in image below).
   

Step 12: Install the power connection

1. Plug the power adapter into the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness.
   Use the legacy power adapter for pre-2018 installations.
   The legacy power adapter is white with a red retainer and the cable end is 3-pin.
   
   
   
2. Identify locations B1-1, B1-2, and B1-3 in the power distribution box (refer to the blue area in the image below).
   
3. Check for +12V at locations B1-1, B1-2, and B1-3.
   The +12V power terminal is on the windshield side. The ground terminal is on the cab side.
   If there is no power found at locations B1-1, B1-2, B1-3, you will need to install the included fuse (see pink arrow in image below).
   
   For further details, refer to the Fuse & Expansion information label (example in image below) on the back of the cover panel of the power distribution junction box.
   
4. Once power is verified, plug the power adapter into location B1-1, B1-2, or B1-3 (see red arrow in image below).
   Use the legacy power adapter for pre-2018 installations.
   
5. Using the 24-pin power harness, locate and connect an ignition source. The device will be supplied with Battery and Ground through the diagnostic connector and harness.

Wire colours

• White: Ignition
  Ignition can be found at the fuse box.
• Red: Battery
  The red wire should not be used. Do not connect the red wire.
  Insulate all wire and secure excess wire.
• Black: Ground
  The black wire should not be used. Do not connect the black wire.
  Insulate all wire and secure excess wire.

Step 13: Connect the backbone harness to the Xirgo adapter cable

Plug the backbone harness into the Xirgo adapter cable.

Step 14: Connect the Xirgo adapter cable to the device

1. Plug the Xirgo adapter cable's 14-pin Molex connector into the Xirgo device.
   You may need to route harnesses to the mounting location through tight spaces before connecting them to the device (see Step 19).
2. Confirm the device is receiving power (LEDs are illuminated).
   You may need to turn on the ignition for the device to receive power.

Step 15: Use the LED lights to identify the 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 16: 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 17: 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. Familiarise 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 18: Connect optional peripherals or sensor inputs

Connect optional peripherals as described in the relevant Peripherals section.

Pinout and wiring diagram for I/O harness

Step 19: 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 21).

Step 20: 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 instrument cluster
             (C) Behind the centre console
             (D) 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.

Behind the switch panel (see green area in image below) can be a good location for securing the device.

Step 21: 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.

If you’re a Verizon Connect installer using Reveal, use the Reveal Hardware Installer app.

Step 22: 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.