1. Device Help
  2. Vehicle trackers
  3. Vehicle Data Device

Installation guide: Replace a vehicle tracker with a Vehicle Data Device

This is a printed page that might be out of date. To read the most up-to-date help content, visit https://device-help.verizonconnect.com.

Time required: 20-40 minutes

This guide explains how to replace an existing plug-in or hardwired vehicle tracker with a Vehicle Data Device (VDD). What happens when I replace an existing vehicle tracker?

Some peripherals that you may have installed in your vehicle, such as Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or Driver ID, are not currently supported by VDD. If you have road-facing and driver-facing cameras installed, they will work with the replacement device (VDD) after they are reassigned to it.

In this guide:
Step 1: Position the vehicle
Step 2: Gather your tools
Step 3: Download the Spotlight Mobile app
Step 4: Select the type of device you want to install
Step 5: Select the vehicle that has the device you want to replace
Step 6: Scan the device you are installing
Step 7: Confirm you want to replace the existing vehicle tracker
Step 8: Enter the vehicle's year, make and model
Step 9: Locate the OBD-II port
Step 10: Install the Vehicle Data Device
Step 11: Connect the vehicle to Verizon Connect
Step 12: Update the vehicle information
Step 13: Complete the setup
Step 14: Check the camera alignment
Step 15: Finish

Step 1: Position the vehicle

  1. Move the vehicle to an area that has good network coverage and a clear view of the sky.
  2. Switch the vehicle's engine off.
    The engine must be off when you are installing the device.

Step 2: Gather your tools

Depending on your vehicle type, you might need some of the following tools:

  • Cutting tool to trim zip-ties
  • Flashlight
  • Dash panel removal tool
  • Additional zip-ties

Step 3: Download the Spotlight Mobile app

  1. Download the Spotlight Mobile App.
    Spotlight.pngApp_store_for_Spotlight.png
  2. Log in to the app with your Verizon Connect credentials.
    If you do not have login credentials, contact your administrator.

Step 4: Select the type of device you want to install

  1. Go to Account > Device setup.
    DEVICE SETUP.png
  2. On the What do you want to install? screen, tap Vehicle tracker. Choose_a_device_to_install.png

Step 5: Select the vehicle that has the device you want to replace

  1. From the list, select the name of the vehicle that has the vehicle tracker you want to replace.
    Select vehicle.png The vehicle list may have additional entries with the serial numbers of new VDDs that you have received. Do not select any of these entries (the vehicle tracker replacement will fail if you select one of these entries).

Step 6: Scan the device you are installing

Use the app to scan the barcode that is located on the back of the device.
Scan_vehicle_tracker.png

If you can't scan the barcode, choose Manual input, and enter the ESN or IMEI number.
What barcode do I use?

Step 7: Confirm you want to replace the existing vehicle tracker

  1. On the Replace the existing vehicle tracker screen, tap CONFIRM.
    ScanDevice.png

Step 8: Enter the vehicle's year, make and model

  1. Enter the year, make and model of the vehicle.
    Tell us about this vehicle.png
    Alternatively, to scan the vehicle identification number (VIN), tap SCAN VIN.
  2. Select the confirmation check box and tap CONFIRM.
    Confirm details and acknowledge disclaimer.png
    In some older vehicles, the VDD only operates in GPS mode. This means that some features, such as getting odometer readings and diagnostic troubleshooting codes from the vehicle, are unavailable. However, you are still able to track the vehicle and receive harsh driving alerts.
    To install the VDD in GPS mode, tap CONFIRM.
    Learn more about GPS mode.
    GPS mode confirmation.png

Step 9: Locate the OBD-II port

  1. Locate the OBD-II port.
    The OBD-II port is usually located under the dashboard or beneath the steering wheel column. If it is not located beneath the steering column, look for the port in the areas indicated in the image below. For help finding the OBD-II port, read Find the OBD-II port.
    2-LocateOBD.png
  2. Remove the existing vehicle tracker, if required.
    • If replacing a plug-in device, remove it from the OBD-II port and dispose of it responsibly.
    • If replacing a hardwired device (that is, a device that has been connected directly to the vehicle's ground, power, and ignition wires) you do not need to remove it. Once the new VDD is installed, Verizon Connect will remotely deactivate the old device over the network.

Step 10: Install the Vehicle Data Device

  1. In the Spotlight app, on the Welcome screen, tap GET STARTED. Install_without_cable.png
  2. On the How do you want to install your device? screen, tap the required installation method.

There are three possible methods for installing a VDD:
Method 1: Install the VDD with no cable
Method 2: Install the VDD with an extension cable
Method 3: Install the VDD with a Y-cable

Method 1: Install the VDD with no cable

  1. Plug the VDD into the OBD-II port.
  2. Listen for a beep sound.
    A single beep indicates the VDD is plugged in correctly and receiving power.
    Didn't hear the beep?
  3. Close the guide (if in the Spotlight app) and choose NEXT.
  4. Go to Step 11: Connect the vehicle to Verizon Connect.

Method 2: Install the VDD with an extension cable

  1. Install the VDD as described in Installation guide: Vehicle Data Device with extension cable.

  2. Go to Step 11: Connect the vehicle to Verizon Connect.

Method 3: Install the VDD with a Y-cable

  1. Install the VDD as described in Installation guide: Vehicle Data Device with Y-cable.
  2. Go to Step 11: Connect the vehicle to Verizon Connect.

Step 11: Connect the vehicle to Verizon Connect

When the device is recognised and you have entered the vehicle information, tap CONNECT MY VEHICLE.

Connect_my_vehicle.png

Step 12: Update the vehicle information

While waiting for the device to connect, you can update the vehicle information.

  1. Tap EDIT VEHICLE PROFILE WHILE YOU WAIT. EDIT_VEHICLE_PROFILE.png
  2. On the Vehicle identity screen, enter the vehicle information and choose Save.
    Enter_vehicle_profile.png

Step 13: Complete the setup

  1. Check the map to see if the vehicle has connected to Verizon Connect.
    When the vehicle is successfully connected to Verizon Connect, an icon for the vehicle appears on the map along with a pop-up that says Vehicle Connected.
    devicesetup_completed.png
    If the vehicle does not connect, refer to Why is my vehicle not reporting?
  2. Choose COMPLETE SETUP.
    Complete_setup.png

  3. Complete the installation as follows:
  • If no camera was previously installed in the vehicle, a Congratulations screen displays.
    Tap Close. The VDD installation is now complete.
    Complete_Setup.png
  • If a camera is present, it is detected and an Installation successful screen displays.
    The detected camera is automatically reassigned to the successfully installed VDD.
    InstallSuccessful.png
  • Tap Next and go to Step 14.

Step 14: Check the camera alignment (optional)

It is recommended to check the camera alignment and realign the camera if necessary.

CamReassigned.png

Refer to the relevant section for the installed camera type: Dual dashcam, Road-facing camera or Driver-facing camera.

Dual dashcam

  1. Tap Check alignment. The road-facing camera image displays.
    If the camera needs to be adjusted, tap How to adjust the camera angle and adjust the camera as necessary (see Step 4 in Installation guide: Dual-Facing AI Dashcam).
  2. Tap Next camera. The driver-facing camera image displays.
    If the camera needs to be adjusted, tap How to adjust the camera angle and adjust the camera as necessary (see Step 5 in Installation guide: Dual-Facing AI Dashcam).
  3. OnThe camera was reassigned screen, tap Finish and go to Step 15.

Road-facing camera

Old model

  1. Tap Check alignment. The road-facing camera image displays.
    If the camera needs to be adjusted, tap How to adjust the camera angle and adjust the camera as necessary (see Step 4 in Installation guide: Road-Facing AI Dashcam).
  2. On The camera was reassigned screen, tap Finish and go to Step 15.

New model

  1. Tap Check alignment.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. On The camera was reassigned screen, tap Finish and go to Step 15.

Driver-facing camera

Old model

  1. Tap Check alignment. The driver-facing camera image displays.
    If the camera needs to be adjusted, tap How to adjust the camera angle and adjust the camera as necessary (see Step 4 in Installation guide: Driver-Facing AI Dashcam).
  2. On The camera was reassigned screen, tap Finish and go to Step 15.

New model

  1. Tap Check alignment.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. On The camera was reassigned screen, tap Finish and go to Step 15.

Step 15: Finish

On the Congratulations screen, tap Close.
Congratulations.png

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 Vehicle Data Device (VDD), in a manner contrary to the(se) instructions or in violation of law and/or our agreement. 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.

FCC compliance statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

  • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
  • Increase the separation between equipment and receiver.
  • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or install technician for help.

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