Installation guide: XT Vehicle Tracker with Y-cable | OBD-II
Skill level: Advanced
Installers must have a working knowledge of vehicle electrical and starting systems, and know how to use relays, diodes, sensor inputs.
Time required: 20-40 minutes
This guide explains how to install an XT Vehicle Tracker using a Y-cable in a vehicle that has an OBD-II port.
In this guide:
Position the vehicle in a location that has good network coverage.
Warning
The engine must be off when you are installing the device.
Depending on the vehicle type, you may need the following tools:
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Work light
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Dash panel removal tools
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Driver bits and socket set
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Zip ties
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Wire stripping tools
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Digital voltmetre
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XT Vehicle Tracker
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Y-cable
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Vehicle adapters
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Adapters clips
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Clip removal tool
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Cable ties
(A) 14 pin Y-cable diagnostics connector
(B) Amber LED for cellular network
(C) Blue LED for Bluetooth (if equipped)
(D) Green LED for GPS
(E) 24 pin accessory cable connector
(F) Fastening tabs
(A) Blue 14 pin Molex connector (plugs into the XT Vehicle Tracker)
(B) Yellow OBD-II bypass connector (connects to the vehicle’s OBD-II port)
(D) Fuse
(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 a master shut-off switch or kill switch, or when specified by Verizon Connect)
(K) 3-amp fuse
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.
Note
The device serial number (called "ESN" on Reveal) is on the device label.
Locate the vehicle’s OBD-II port by inspecting the following areas (in this order):
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Under the dashboard
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Beneath the steering wheel column
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Each area indicated in the image below
Note
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.
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.
Warning
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.
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Choose a vehicle adapter based on the vehicle make using the provided vehicle adapter list.
Each vehicle adapter has a number printed on it. If the vehicle make is not on the list, choose an adapter that best matches the shape of the vehicle’s OBD-II port.
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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 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.
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Secure the adapter to the replacement connector by sliding 2 metal clips, one on each side, along the connector’s groove.
Caution
Ensure the engine is still off before performing this step.
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Plug the powered Y-cable's 14 pin Molex connector into the device.
Note
You may need to route the cable to the device's mounting location through tight spaces before connecting them to the device.
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Confirm the device is receiving power (the LEDs are illuminated).
Note
You may need to turn on the ignition for the device to receive power.
The XT Vehicle Tracker has three LEDs that are used to identify the status of the tracker.
(A) Amber LED (Cellular Network)
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OFF: No power to device
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Flashing: Ignition is OFF
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Fast Flashing: searching for cell signal / Ignition is ON
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Solid: Cell signal acquired / Ignition is ON
(B) Blue LED (Bluetooth), only for Bluetooth-enabled devices
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OFF: Bluetooth is not connected
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Flashing: Bluetooth is connected
(C) Green LED (GPS)
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OFF: Searching for satellites
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Flashing: Satellite count +1
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The LED flashes once to indicate a GPS signal is acquired.
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The LED continues flashing to indicate the number of satellites visible to the device.
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Plug the accessory cable into the XT Vehicle Tracker
Refer to the XT Vehilce Tracker accessory cable versions article for details about accessory cable versions.
Step 16: Connect the accessory cable's white wire (vehicles with a master shut-off switch or kill switch)
Note
This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with a kill switch or master shut off.
(A) XT Vehicle Tracker
(B) Accessory cable(connects to the tracker's 24-pin connector)
(C) White wire (connects to vehicle's ignition source)
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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).
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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.
Note
Use a digital multimeter to verify the voltage does not drop below 9 VDC while the engine is cranking.
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Connect the harness’s white wire to the vehicle’s ignition source using an approved connection method.
Connect optional peripherals as described in the relevant Peripherals section.
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Route the cables to the mounting location and connect them.
Note
Coil and secure any loose cabling using zip ties to ensure it will not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle.
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Check everything is fastened tightly, and trim zip ties if they have excess length.
Caution
Use caution when trimming the zip ties. Accidentally cutting or nicking nearby vehicle wires will cause performance issues with the vehicle.
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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).
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Find a suitable location to mount the tracker. 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 tracker 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.
Note
The tracker must be fastened securely to prevent it from moving and generating erroneous harsh driving event reporting.
Use Spotlight or the Reveal portal to link and verify successful installations. Learn how to Verify an installation in Reveal.
Note
This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with a master shut-off switch or kill switch.
Caution
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:
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In Reveal, update the ignition source tracker setting for the vehicle. For more information on updating this setting, see Update the ignition source tracker setting for XT Vehicle Trackers.
In accord with the terms and conditions of the Master Technology and Subscription Services Agreement between you and Verizon Connect, Verizon Connect shall not be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever in connection with the self-installation of equipment, including without limitation, if equipment or services are not able to properly function, unless such damages have been caused by the negligent act or omission of Verizon Connect. 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.