Installation guide: XT63xx with universal diagnostic backbone harness for 2014+ Mack
Skill level: Intermediate
Installers must be able to remove dash panels and instrument clusters, and mount and secure devices safely.
This guide explains how to install a Xirgo XT63xx device on 2014 and later Mack trucks with a universal diagnostic backbone harness and Mack add-on kit. It also includes steps for installing the tracker in a vehicle that has a kill switch or master shut off.
Time required: 15-30 minutes
This guide applies to:
- 2014-2016 Anthem (AN)*
- 2014-2016 Granite (GU/GR)*
- 2014+ Titan (TD)
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2014+ Pinnacle (CXU/CHU/PI)
*For newer Anthem and Granite vehicles, use the instructions for the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness.
The Mack add-on kit includes adapters that allow the universal diagnostic backbone harness to be used with older design Mack trucks. This add-on kit replaces the traditional diagnostic port installation as requested by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
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 universal 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
- Universal 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 universal diagnostic backbone harness
(1) Universal diagnostic backbone harness
(2) Legacy Volvo Power adapter (not used for this installation)
(3) 2018+ Volvo/Mack Power adapter (not used for this installation)
(4) Legacy Mack J1939 Deutsch to Delphi adapters
(5) Legacy Mack Power adapter
(6) Mack J1708 adapter (not used at this time)
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 adapter plugs 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
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Remove the panel from the top of the dash to expose the power distribution junction box.
-
Identify the power distribution junction box.
It should look similar to the below.
For location of fuse and relay panel: see green area in image
For location of power and signal distribution terminals: see yellow area in image
Step 11: Install the J1939 connection
The truck must not be running when working with J1939 connections/terminating resistors.
-
Connect both Deutsch to Delphi adapters to the universal diagnostic backbone harness (see blue arrow in image below).
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Locate and remove the terminating resistor (see pink arrow in image below).
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Reconnect the removed terminating resistor to the universal 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. -
Plug the remaining J1939 connector on the universal diagnostic backbone harness into the location from where you removed the termination resistor at point 2 above (see orange arrow in image below).
Step 12: Install the power connection
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Plug the Mack legacy power adapter into the universal diagnostic backbone harness.
Position the ring connectors at the ends.
-
Connect the terminals as follows:
The vehicle terminals are coloured as follows:
red: battery, white: ignition, black: ground
Test the connections with a digital multimeter before connecting the terminals.
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Using the legacy Mack power adapter, connect the red battery ring terminal to the vehicle's +12V battery terminal.
- Using the 24-pin I/O harness, connect the white ignition wire to the vehicle's +12V ignition terminal (ring terminal required)
- Using the legacy Mack power adapter, connect the black ground ring terminal to the vehicle's ground/chassis terminal.
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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
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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). -
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)
-
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). -
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. - 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
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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. -
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. - 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
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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.
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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.