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

Technician guide: Vehicle Data Device

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Time required: 20-40 minutes

This guide describes how to install a Vehicle Data Device into light- or medium-duty vehicles.

The Vehicle Data Device can be installed with a Y-cable, with an extension cable, or directly into the OBD-II port (with no cable).

In this guide:

Step 1: Confirm you can access the Reveal Hardware Installer app

Step 2: Gather your tools

Step 3: Check the vehicle

Step 4: Installation procedure

Protocol detection and key on sequence

The VDD will ship in GPS mode by default. The Reveal Hardware Installer app will place the device in ECM mode if found compatible with the vehicle during the protocol detection process. The following steps will help prevent ECM communication errors and malfunction indicator lights ​from arising ​during the ​protocol detection process. 
     1. Plug in VDD.
     2. Using the Reveal Hardware Installer app, link and verify the device compatibility by entering the VIN           or Y/M/M.

              A. If the VDD is not compatible it will stay in GPS mode. (Continue to step 4)

              B. If the VDD is compatible with the vehicle it will update to ECM mode. (Continue to step 3) 

           

     3. Place vehicle into accessory power with the engine off.
              A. The VDD will scan the CANBUS to find the correct matching vehicle protocol.
              B. Most will complete in < 2 mins, unless a communication protocol isn't found on the first pass                    at which time the VDD will continue searching until it times out at 8 mins. If timeout occurs                        the VDD will stay in GPS mode.

      4. Turn engine on.
              A. Complete installation by verifying vehicle in RHI.

Step 1: Confirm you can access the Reveal Hardware Installer app

During the installation, you will use the Reveal Hardware Installer app to set up the Vehicle Data Device on Reveal.

To obtain and access the Reveal Hardware Installer app:

  1. Download the Reveal Hardware Installer app.

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    Quick start guide: Reveal Hardware Installer

  2. Log in to the app with your Verizon Connect credentials.

    If you do not have login credentials, contact your administrator

Step 2: Gather your 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

Step 3: Check the vehicle

  1. Check the vehicle is in an area with good network coverage and with a clear view of the sky. If the vehicle does not have good network coverage and a clear view of the sky, request that it is moved to a suitable location.

  2. Ensure the vehicle's engine is off.

    Warning: The engine must be OFF when you are installing the device.

Step 4: Installation procedure

  1. Select the work ticket from the work ticket list.

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  2. Scan the barcode that's located on the box or the back of the device. If you are unable to scan the barcode, manually enter the ESN or IMEI number and tap SEARCH.

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  3. On the SELECT SERVICE screen, choose Installation - Multiple Devices and tap CONTINUE.

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  4. Go to the Account section and tap Device setup, then Vehicle tracker to select the type of device you want to install.

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  5. Select the vehicle you want to track and then scan the IMEI barcode located on the back of the device.

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    If you are unable to scan the barcode, manually enter the IMEI number and tap SEARCH.

  6. Scan the VIN to enter the vehicle's year, make and model; or manually enter these vehicle details and tap NEXT.

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    If you are installing the device in an Emergency Vehicle, do not scan or enter the VIN manually, instead enter the following information:

    - Year: The year the vehicle was manufactured.

    - Make: Select 'Emergency vehicle'.

    - Model: Select one of the following: 'Police Vehicle', 'Ambulance', 'Fire Engine', or 'Other.

  7. Verify the vehicle details and then tap CONFIRM, or tap the pencil icon to edit the vehicle details.

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    In some older vehicles, the RHI app will report that the device will only operate in GPS mode. Tap CONFIRM to proceed. These vehicles will still be tracked and receive harsh driving alerts, but some features, such as odometer readings and vehicle DTCs are unavailable.

  8. On the Welcome screen, tap GET STARTED.

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    On the How do you want to install your device? screen, tap the required installation method and install the Vehicle Data Device using the instructions for the relevant method.

    There are three possible methods for installing a Vehicle Data Device:

    Method 1: Install the Vehicle Data Device with no cable (plug directly into OBD-II port)

    Method 2: Install the Vehicle Data Device with an extension cable

    Method 3: Installation the Vehicle Data Device with a Y-cable

    • Method 1: Install the Vehicle Data Device with no cable (directly into OBD-II port)

      1. Locate the vehicle’s OBD-II port.

        For help finding the OBD-II port, read Find the OBD-II port.

      2. Plug the Vehicle Data Device into the OBD-II port.

      3. 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?

      4. When the Vehicle Data Device is installed, tap SKIP TO CONNECT VEHICLE.

    • Method 2: Install the Vehicle Data Device with an extension cable

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

      2. When the Vehicle Data Device is installed, tap SKIP TO CONNECT VEHICLE.

    • Method 3 : Install the Vehicle Data Device with a Y-cable

      1. Install the Vehicle Data Device as described in Installation guide: Vehicle Data Device with Y-cable.

      2. When the Vehicle Data Device is installed, tap SKIP TO CONNECT VEHICLE.

  9. Tap CONNECT once the device is recognized and the vehicle information is correct.

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  10. Tap EDIT VEHICLE PROFILE to display the Vehicle identity screen, and enter additional vehicle information while waiting for the device to connect.

    • Vehicle name (mandatory)

    • License plate details

    • VIN

    • Year, make, model

    • Odometer/hours

    • Fuel type

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  11. Once the vehicle is successfully connected, its details appear on Live Map with a pop-up that says Vehicle Connected. Choose COMPLETE SETUP and tap 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 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.

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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