FAQ: Why is my Vehicle Data Device not receiving power?

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When you plug the Vehicle Data Device into the OBD-II port (without or without a cable) the device will beep once to tell you that it is receiving power.

If the Vehicle Data Device does not beep, then the device is not receiving power.

The most common reason is that the device or cable is not plugged in fully. Check all connections to the OBD-II port first.

Check OBD-II port connections

If you are plugging the device directly into the OBD-II, unplug the tracker and plug it back in firmly.

If using a cable with the Vehicle Data Device, try the following:

  • Check the cable connection to the OBD-II port

    1. With the engine off, unplug the cable from the vehicle's OBD-II port.
    2. Wait 5 minutes and plug it back in.
      If you hear the Vehicle Data Device beep, the Vehicle Data Device is receiving power.
  • Check cable connection to the Vehicle Data Device

    If you don't hear a beep:
    1. With the engine off, unplug the Vehicle Data Device from the cable.
    2. Wait 5 minutes and then plug the Vehicle Data Device back into the cable.
      If you hear the Vehicle Data Device beep, the Vehicle Data Device is receiving power.
  • Check that the Vehicle Data Device is working correctly

    To check if the Vehicle Data Device is working:
    1. Disconnect the cable from the OBD-II port and the Vehicle Data Device.
    2. Plug the Vehicle Data Device directly into the OBD-II port. If the Vehicle Data Device beeps, then the issue is either that the fuse on the Vehicle Data Device cable or the cable itself may need to be replaced.
  • Check the cable's fuse

    Test the Vehicle Data Device cable's fuse with a multimeter or replace the fuse. (3A mini-blade fuses can be purchased at auto parts stores.)
    1. Open the fuse holder cap to access and remove the fuse.
    2. With the cable connected to the OBD-II port and the Vehicle Data Device, plug the replacement fuse into the fuse holder.

Check the OBD-II port and fuses

Check the power of the OBD-II port using a digital multimeter. Test the voltage on pins16 (power), 4 (chassis ground), and 5 (signal ground).

If the multimeter shows 0 volts then check for a blown fuse - often the OBD-II is fused on the auxiliary circuit (they're usually still called "cigarette" on the fuse diagram panel).

If the OBD-II port and the power receptacle fuse check out OK, then the cable or the Vehicle Data D may need to be replaced.

Here is a good reference article on how to check car fuses with a multimeter.

Still stuck?

Once you have carried out all these checks and the vehicle is still not reporting, it is time to contact Customer Support. They can perform further troubleshooting and book a technician if needed.

Ahead of your call to support, have the following information available:

  • Vehicle name and vehicle ID
  • Date and time of last report
  • Tracker ESN (if possible)
  • Name of contact
  • Address of vehicle location where the technician can check the installation

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