Installation guide: Vehicle Data Device with Y-cable
Skill level: Intermediate
Installers must be able to remove dash panels and instrument clusters, and mount and secure devices safely.
- Installation overview
- Prepare for installation
- Use Spotlight to install and set up a device
- Install by plugging directly to OBD-II port
- Install using a Y-cable
- Verify your installation
This guide explains how to install a Vehicle Data Device using a Y-cable.
Time required: 20 to 30 mins
The Y-cable allows you to keep the OBD-II port free for diagnostic tool scanning and to conceal the Vehicle Data Device.
If you are installing a Verizon Connect road-facing camera in the same vehicle, keep the OBD-II port free by connecting the Y-cable to the OBD-II passthrough cable that's included in the camera kit.
The engine must be OFF when installing the Vehicle Data Device.
In this guide:
Step 1: Check the box contents
Step 2: Identify the parts of the Y-cable
Step 3: Choose the installation method
Step 4: Record the device and vehicle information
Step 5: Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port
Step 6: Unmount the vehicle's OBD-II port
Step 7: Assemble the replacement OBD-II port
Step 8: Mount the replacement OBD-II port
Step 9: Connect the OBD-II passthrough cable (optional)
Step 10: Connect the bypass connector to the original OBD-II port
Step 11: Plug the Vehicle Data Device into the Y-cable
Step 12: Mount the Vehicle Data Device
Step 13: Switch the engine on
Step 14: Verify the installation in Reveal
Step 1: Check the box contents
(A) Vehicle Data Device
A Vehicle Data Device Y-cable kit containing
(B) Y-cable | OBD-II Vehicle Data Device
(C) Vehicle adapters (14)
(D) Adapter clips (4)
(E) Clip removal tool (1)
(F) Zip ties (5)
(G) Setup guide
Step 2: Identify the parts of the Y-cable
The Y-cable has the following parts:
(A) Black replacement connector (replaces the vehicle’s OBD-II port)
(B) Yellow bypass connector (connects to the vehicle’s OBD-II port)
(C) Fuse
(D) Blue device connector (connects to the Vehicle Data Device)
Step 3: Choose the installation method
There are two installation methods: using Spotlight, and not using Spotlight.
It is recommended to Use Spotlight to install and set up the Vehicle Data Device.
Using Spotlight
If you use Spotlight to install the Vehicle Data Device, the app:
- Guides you through the installation and set-up of the device.
- Assigns the device to the vehicle.
- Allows you to enter vehicle information.
- Connects the device to Verizon Connect.
- Provides help when you need it.
Not using Spotlight
If you do not use Spotlight to install the Vehicle Data Device:
- The Vehicle Data Device will only operate in GPS mode.
- The Vehicle Data Device will not receive data from the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM).
- This means that some data, such as VBUS-calculated odometer readings, are unavailable.
- You can still track the vehicle and receive harsh driving alerts. To activate the ECM in compatible vehicles without using Spotlight, contact Customer Support.
Step 4: Record the device and vehicle information
Record the device IMEI number and the details of the vehicle it's being installed into. You need this information later to verify the installation.
The IMEI number can be found on the back of the device or on the box label.
Step 5: Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port
- Move the vehicle to an area with good network coverage.
- Make sure the vehicle is turned off.
- Locate the vehicle's OBD-II port.
The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard or beneath the steering wheel column. If the OBD-II port is not located beneath the steering wheel column, look for it in the areas indicated in the image.
For help finding the OBD-II port, read Find the OBD-II port.
Step 6: Unmount the vehicle's OBD-II port
- Remove any cover that may be over the vehicle’s OBD-II port.
- Remove the OBD-II port from its mounting bracket by pressing the release tabs or by removing the screws that hold it in place.
You might need to remove the dash panel to remove the vehicle's OBD-II port.
Use extreme caution when you unmount the vehicle's OBD-II port. Putting stress on the wires or otherwise damaging the port can cause performance issues with the vehicle.
Step 7: Assemble the replacement OBD-II port
- Choose a vehicle adapter based on the vehicle make using the provided vehicle adapter list.
Each vehicle adapter has a number printed on it. Refer to the provided vehicle adapter list to identify an adapter that suits the make of vehicle. If the vehicle make is not on the list, choose an adapter that best matches the shape of the vehicle’s OBD-II port. - Slide the vehicle adapter onto the Y-cable’s black replacement connector and push it on as far as it will go.
The adapter’s edge that will be secured with clips (see next sub-step) goes onto the connector last.
When the adapter is on the connector the correct way around and pushed on as far as it can go, its edge will align with the connector’s groove.
If the adapter’s edge does not align with the connector’s groove: remove the adapter, slide it onto the connector the other way around, and push it onto the connector as far as it will go. - Secure the adapter to the replacement connector by sliding 2 metal clips, one on each side, along the connector’s groove.
Step 8: Mount the replacement OBD-II port
Screw or snap the replacement OBD-II port assembly into the vehicle's original OBD-II port location.
Step 9: Connect the OBD-II passthrough cable (optional)
If you are installing a Verizon Connect road-facing camera along with the Vehicle Data Device, connect the OBD-II passthrough cable to the vehicle's original OBD-II port.
The OBD-II passthrough cable is included in the camera kit.
Step 10: Connect the bypass connector to the original OBD-II port
- Plug the Y-cable’s bypass connector (yellow) into the vehicle's original OBD-II port (or into the OBD-II passthrough cable if present).
- Secure the bypass connector to the OBD-II port with a zip tie.
Step 11: Plug the Vehicle Data Device into the Y-cable
Ensure the engine is still off before performing this step.
- Plug the Vehicle Data Device into the Y-cable's device connector.
- Listen for a beep sound.
A single beep indicates the Vehicle Data Device is plugged in correctly and receiving power.
Didn't hear the beep?
Step 12: Mount the Vehicle Data Device
If you are also installing a road-facing camera in the same vehicle, install the camera before you mount and secure the Vehicle Data Device. Install a road-facing camera
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Identify a stable mounting location under the dashboard, such as a wire bundle or bracket.
Consider the following when choosing the mounting location:
Do not mount the device directly under metal surfaces as this can block the network and GPS signal.
You must secure the device firmly so it cannot move around. If the device is not secure, it will impact the accuracy of harsh driving events.
You must coil up and secure the cable so that it does not get in the driver's way or interfere with the driver's operation of the vehicle. -
Secure the device to the vehicle with zip ties.
- Tidy up the cable and secure it with zip ties.
- Check everything is fastened tightly and trim zip ties that have excess length.
Step 13: Switch the engine on
Switch the engine on after 10 minutes.
Wait 10 minutes before switching the engine on. This gives the Vehicle Data Device time to download the latest updates.
Step 14: Verify the installation in Reveal
This step describes how to verify in Reveal that the Vehicle Data Device has been installed correctly.
- Log in to Reveal.
- On Live Map, choose the search icon.
- Type the device IMEI number and press Enter.
If you are using Spotlight for the installation, the vehicle name you entered in Spotlight will be the vehicle name in Reveal.
If you are not using Spotlight for the installation, the device IMEI number will be the vehicle name in Reveal. - If the vehicle is connected, its details display on Live Map.
Update the vehicle information in Reveal
If you haven’t already done so, we recommend that you update the vehicle name and enter vehicle information to ensure you receive more accurate data about your vehicle in Reveal.
- When logged in to Reveal, identify the vehicle in the vehicle list.
- Click the pencil icon beside the vehicle. The Edit vehicle page displays.
- Enter the following information:
- Vehicle name.
Give the vehicle a name that is easily identifiable on Live Map and in Reports. - Vehicle license plate
- Vehicle year, make and model
- Vehicle current odometer reading
- Vehicle name.
Learn more in our article Update vehicle and powered asset information.
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 vehicles that have third-party devices present can cause the third-party device or vehicle to lose functionality. These third-party devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts, idle control modules and PTOs. 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 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.