Replace an existing vehicle tracker with a Vehicle Data Device

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

Some peripherals that you might have installed in your vehicle, such as Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or Driver ID are not currently supported by the Vehicle Data Device, but they will be supported later in the year. If you have road-facing and driver-facing cameras installed, they will work with the Vehicle Data Device.

Preparation

Before you install the Vehicle Data Device, there are a few things that you need to do to ensure a smooth installation process.

Get your fleet ready

Move the vehicle to an area with good network coverage and with a clear view of the sky.
Switch the vehicle's engine off.

What you should receive

Vehicle Data Device (VDD)
31" OBD-II extension cable
8" zip ties (x2)
14" zip ties (x2)

Suggested tools

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

Cutting tool to trim the zip ties
Flashlight
Dash panel removal tool
Additional zip ties

Procedure

The engine must be OFF when installing the Vehicle Data Device.

Read and follow the instructions in this guide to properly install the Vehicle Data Device.

Download the Spotlight Mobile app

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

Select the device you want to install

Go to Account > Device setup.
On the What do you want to install?screen, tap Vehicle tracker.

Select the vehicle with the device you want to replace

From the list, select the name of the vehicle that has the vehicle tracker you want to replace.
You might see additional entries in the vehicle list that contain the serial numbers of the new Vehicle Data Devices you have received. Do not select these entries as the vehicle tracker replacement will fail.

Scan the device you are installing

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

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

Confirm that you want to replace the existing vehicle tracker

On the Replace the existing vehicle tracker?screen, tap CONFIRM.

Enter vehicle's year, make and model

Enter the year, make and model of the vehicle.

Alternatively, to scan the vehicle identification number (VIN), tap SCAN VIN.
Select the confirmation check box and tap CONFIRM.

In some older vehicles, the Vehicle Data Device only operates in GPS mode. This means that some features, such as getting odometer readings and diagnostic troubling shooting codes from the vehicle are unavailable. You are still able to track the vehicle and receive harsh driving alerts. To install the Vehicle Data Device in GPS mode, tap CONFIRM.
Learn more about GPS mode.

Install the Vehicle Data Device with no cable

In the Spotlight app, on the Welcome screen, tap GET STARTED.
On the How do you want to install your device?screen, tap VDD with no cable.
Locate the OBD-II port.

The port is usually located under the dashboard or beneath the steering wheel column. If not located beneath the steering column, look for the port in the areas indicated in the image.
Find the OBD-II port.
Remove the existing vehicle tracker, if required.
- If you are replacing a plug-in device, remove it from the OBD-II port and dispose of it responsibly.
- If you are 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 Vehicle Data Device is installed, Verizon Connect will remotely deactivate the old device over the network.
Plug the Vehicle Data Device into the OBD-II port.
Listen for a beep sound.
A single beep indicates your device is plugged in correctly and receiving power.
Didn't hear the beep?
Close the guide (if in app) and choose NEXT.
Skip ahead to: Connect vehicle to Verizon Connect

Install the device with an extension cable

Follow the instructions to properly install the device with an extension cable.

About the extension cable

The cable consists of the following parts:

(A)Connector that plugs into the vehicle's OBD-II port
(B)Fuse holder with replaceable fuse
(C)Device connector for the VDD

Procedure

In the Spotlight app, on the Welcome screen, tap GET STARTED.
On the How do you want to install your device?screen, tap VDD with extension cable.
Locate the OBD-II port.
The port is usually located under the dashboard or beneath the steering wheel column. If not located beneath the steering column, look for the port in the areas indicated in the image.
Find the OBD-II port.
Remove the existing vehicle tracker, if required.
- If you are replacing a plug-in device, remove it from the OBD-II port and dispose of it responsibly.
- If you are 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 Vehicle Data Device is installed, Verizon Connect will remotely deactivate the old device over the network.
Plug the end of the cable that has pins (A) into the vehicle's OBD-II port.

Take care if you are removing the dash panel. Improper removal can cause damage. If you are not familiar with removing these panels, consult someone who has such experience.
Route the cable under the dash to where you intend to secure the device.
Plug the Vehicle Data Device into the extension cable (connector B).
Listen for a beep sound. A single beep indicates your device is plugged in correctly and receiving power.
Didn't hear the beep?
Look for a stable mounting location under the dashboard, such as a wire bundle or bracket.

Avoid mounting the device directly under metal surfaces as this can block the network signal.
Secure the device to the vehicle with zip ties.
Ensure that the device does not dangle or move around. This will cause inaccurate reporting of harsh driving or crash events.
Coil up the cable and secure it safely underneath the dash using zip ties.
Ensure that the placement of the cable does not interfere with the driver's operation of the vehicle or with any vehicle controls (such as brakes and pedals).
Check everything is fastened tightly and cut off excess length if needed.
Use extreme caution when trimming the zip ties. Accidentally cutting or nicking nearby vehicle wires will cause performance issues with the vehicle.
If you have removed the dash panel, do not replace it until the network connection is confirmed in the following steps.
Return to the Install the VDD with the extension cable screen and tap SKIP TO CONNECT VEHICLE.

Connect vehicle to Verizon Connect

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

Update vehicle information

While waiting for the device to connect, you can update the vehicle information. Tap EDIT VEHICLE PROFILE WHILE YOU WAIT.
On the Vehicle identity screen, enter the vehicle information and choose Save.

Complete setup

When the vehicle is successfully connected, the vehicle appears on the map with a pop-up that says Vehicle Connected.

If the vehicle does not connect, see Why is my vehicle not reporting?
Choose COMPLETE SETUP and then CLOSE to complete the 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 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.