Installation FAQ
Common questions about installation.
There are a range of different vehicle trackers. While they all serve the same basic function, there are some differences in the data they collect, how they attach to a vehicle and how they are powered.
The following vehicle trackers are supported by Reveal:
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OEM devices (built-in telematics) - Verizon Connect Fleet is available as a built-in solution from leading vehicle and equipment manufacturers. These are installed as standard or as an optional extra by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
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Plug-in vehicle trackers - These devices plug into a vehicle’s OBD-II port and provide information such as location, speed, odometer readings, and vehicle diagnostics.
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Hard-wired vehicle trackers - These trackers are connected to a vehicle’s wiring harness. These devices are used when adding features like power takeoff (PTO) monitoring, Driver ID to your GPS fleet tracking solution.
Many of our customers install the trackers themselves. Depending on the vehicle tracker, installation can be as simple as plugging a vehicle tracking unit into a vehicle’s OBD-II port or hard-wiring it to the vehicle’s wiring harness.
The Spotlight app will guide you through the installation and set-up of many of our devices. We also have installation videos and step-by-step guides to help you get up and running.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing the installation yourself, or if you don’t have someone on staff who can install the devices, we recommend taking the vehicle to your mechanic or any 12 volt installer in your area.
Depending on the vehicle tracker and the accessories used, installation can take 10 minutes for a plug-in tracker to 30 minutes for a hard-wired tracker.
If you are installing a Vehicle Data Device, an Equipment Asset Tracker or a Dashcam, we recommend that you use the Spotlight app to guide you through the installation and setup of the device. For devices not supported by the app, we have installation guides to help you with the installation.
Vehicle trackers are designed to minimise battery drain. For a vehicle with a healthy 12 volt battery, it would take a minimum of 31 days of non-use for a vehicle tracker alone to completely discharge the battery.
The vehicle tracker is powered by your vehicle through the OBD-II port, or wires, depending on if you have a plug-in or hard-wired device.
The OBD-II port location varies from car to car, but typically it’s located underneath the dashboard panel and to the left or right of the steering wheel. Find the OBD-II port.
If the device is not installed correctly, you could experience poor connection and inaccurate reporting of location and harsh driving events.
Always ensure that the tracker is secure and cannot move around.
Furthermore, 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.
If you install the device using the Spotlight app (Vehicle Data Device only), the app will tell you when it is connected and sending data.
Alternatively, you can log in to Reveal and search for the device on Live Map. If the device is installed correctly and in an area with good network and GPS coverage, you will see location reports to Reveal.
Once the device is installed, you can log in to Reveal, search for the device and then update the required vehicle information.
If you install using the Spotlight app, you are prompted to enter the required vehicle information during the installation.
Vehicle and asset trackers have built-in GPS receivers that collect real-time data about the current location and status of the vehicle or asset. If the tracker cannot connect to the GPS network, it cannot record any trip information. Make sure that the vehicle or asset is in a location that has good GPS and cellular coverage and a clear view of the sky.
The most common reasons why a device is not reporting are:
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The device is in an area with poor cellular coverage.
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The device has become unplugged.
We suggest moving the vehicle or asset to an area with good cellular coverage. If it still doesn't communicate, check the connections between the device and the vehicle or asset.
You can find more troubleshooting suggestions in our help center.