Removal guide: Vehicle tracker with diagnostics harness or 3-wire harness

This guide explains how to remove vehicle telematics and asset tracking devices such as the Verizon Connect VDD, VT400, and EAT devices as well as CalAmp, Xirgo, and GenX devices. It can also be applied for reference when removing other similar telematics devices.

Time required: 15 minutes or less

Before you begin

Read this entire guide before starting to remove a vehicle tracker to ensure a smooth process.

Gather your tools

Depending on the vehicle type, you may need the following tools:

• Work light
• Dash panel removal tools
• Flat antenna pry tool
• Driver bits and socket set
• Diagonal wire cutters (no scissors)
• Electrical tape - Super 33 grade or better
• Zip-ties

Procedure

The vehicle ignition must be off when you are removing the vehicle tracker.

Step 1: Locate and access the vehicle tracker

Most telematics units use an internal antenna; however, the CalAmp 42xx series uses an external antenna that is commonly found on the windshield or occasionally behind the A-pillar.

1. Locate the device by inspecting the following areas (in this order):
   • Behind the driver's side knee panel
   • Behind the instrument cluster
   • Behind the center console
   • Behind the glove box
     

     

     GPS Unit Locations
     External Antenna Locations

2. Once you have located the device, remove all zip-ties or other fasteners holding the harnesses in place.

Step 2: Unplug all connections to the device

1. Unplug the diagnostics harness.
2. Unplug the power harness if it is present.
   The power harness can be left in place; it is not necessary to disconnect it from the vehicle.
3. Unplug any serial communication harnesses.
4. Unplug the external antenna leads for GPS and cellular signal if present.
   Vehicle trackers such as the CalAmp 4225, 4233, or 4235 models are typically outfitted with antenna leads for GPS and cell signal.

Step 3: Secure the power harness

1. Remove any hardwired (wire to wire) connections using a wire cutter and reinsulate the wires using electrical tape,
   OR
   Leave any hardwired (wire to wire) connections in place in the vehicle.
2. Secure the hardwired connections to adjacent brackets or wiring bundles using zip-ties or electrical tape.
   Take care to ensure hardwired harnesses connected to the vehicle's ignition wiring have enough free travel to allow the full range of telescopic steering wheel adjustments.

Step 4: Remove the Y-cable or ECMD cable (if present)

1. Remove the Y-cable or ECMD cable if used to connect the device.
2. Replace the original OBD-II port or OEM Data Link Connector (DLC) into its original location.

Step 5: Remove the external antenna (if present)

If there is an external antenna, remove it by using light, even pressure to slowly pry it away from the glass or A-pillar area.
Turning the vehicle front defrost on high will help loosen antennas that are mounted to the windshield with two-sided tape.
Take care when removing the antenna from the glass to prevent cracking the windshield:
- When removing the antenna from the glass.
- If removing the plastic A-pillar trim cover.

Trim clips can be difficult to line up to reseat panels and are brittle.

Step 6: Remove optional peripherals

This step is only for installations that have a Driver ID or a panic/privacy button.

1. Disconnect the peripheral’s Molex pin from the harness.
2. If retiring peripherals in place: disconnect the wires, and leave the button in place.
   If removing peripherals fully: disconnect the wires and remove the button.
3. If retiring peripherals in place: secure any excess wire to an adjacent wire bundle or bracket using zip-ties.
   If removing peripherals fully: remove any wiring.
4. Reinsulate any bare wire ends using electrical tape.

Step 7: Remove sensor inputs

This step is only for installations that have sensor inputs.

Ensure there is no power to the sensor input connection.

1. Disconnect the sensor input wire from its source voltage location using wire cutters.
2. Reinsulate any bare wire ends using electrical tape.
3. Remove any excess wiring or loom.

Step 8: Replace removed items

Replace any trim pieces that you removed during the procedure.

Step 9: Record and update the vehicle information

1. Record the vehicle ID and the device serial number.
   The device serial number is on the back of the device.
2. Remove the device from your fleet portal:

• Use your fleet administration portal to systematically remove the device yourself, or
• Contact Support to have the device removed.

Step 10: Return equipment

1. Return any keys to the customer.
2. Identify equipment to be returned to the customer if applicable.

• Installation partners: inform the customer of equipment to be returned.
• Verizon Connect Customers: Contact Support to arrange return of equipment.

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 any vehicle that has third-party devices also connected to the diagnostic port can cause interference or loss of functionality of the third-party device. These third-party devices include, but are not limited to, wheelchair lifts, lifesaving equipment, emergency lighting, and radar guns. 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 vehicle 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.