Installation guide: XT63xx with Volvo diagnostic backbone harness for Mack and 2018+ Volvo on Reveal
Skill level: Expert
The installer can identify and connect to common engine and electrical systems on vehicles and assets; such as control modules, sensors, trigger wires, alternators, starters, and solenoids. The installer can use pull-up and pull-down resistors, relays, and diodes.
This guide explains how to install a Xirgo XT63xx device in 2018 and later Volvo and Mack trucks with a Volvo diagnostic backbone harness. It also includes steps for installing the tracker in a vehicle that has a master shut-off switch or kill switch.
Time required: 15-30 minutes
This guide applies to:
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2018+ Volvo (All)
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2018+ Anthem (AN)
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2018+ Granite (GU/GR)
In this guide:
Position the vehicle in a location that has good network coverage.
Warning
The engine must be off when you are installing the device.
Depending on the vehicle type, you may need the following tools:
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Work light
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Dash panel removal tools
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Driver bits and socket set
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Zip ties
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Wire stripping tools
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Digital voltmeter
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Xirgo device
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Volvo diagnostic backbone harness, including
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Fuse (used for pre-2018 installations)
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2018+ power adapter (used for new model installations)
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Legacy power adapter (used for pre-2018 installations)
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Connectors
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Terminating resistor connector (CAN/J1939)
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Vehicle side connector (CAN/J1939)
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Aux/J1708 connectors
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Cable side power adapter connector (power adapters plug in here)
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Universal diagnostic cable connector (hardware-specific cable adapter plugs in here)
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Xirgo adapter cable
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I/O harness (required for vehicles that have a master shut-off switch or kill switch, or installations with optional peripherals)
(A) Fastening tabs
(B) 14-pin Y-cable diagnostics connector
(C) 24-pin I/O harness connector
(D) Amber LED for cellular network
(E) Blue LED for Bluetooth (if equipped)
(F) Green LED for GPS
(G) Device label
(1) Volvo diagnostic backbone harness
(2) Fuse (used for pre-2018 installations)
(3) 2018+ power adapter (used for new model installations)
(4) Legacy power adapter (used for pre-2018 installations)
(1) Terminating resistor connector (CAN/J1939)
(2) Vehicle side connector (CAN/J1939)
(3) Aux/J1708 connectors
(4) Cable side power adapter connector (power adapters plug in here)
(5) Universal diagnostic cable connector (hardware-specific cable adapter plugs in here)
(A) Connector for Xirgo device
(B) Universal connector (male)
(A) OBD-II 24-pin I/O harness (RFID compatible), connects to Xirgo device
(B) Input 4 - black/green wire (ground trigger)
(C) Input 2 - black/orange wire (negative trigger)
(D) Input 1 - purple wire (positive trigger)
(E) Panic/privacy - 4-pin connector
(F) Driver ID reader - 2-pin connector
(G) Garmin - 10-pin connector
(H) Driver ID buzzer - 3-pin connector
(I) RFID reader - 6-pin connector
(J) Software controlled ignition input/output - white wire (use only for vehicles with master shut-off switch or kill switch, or when specified by Verizon Connect)
(K) 3-amp fuse
Record the device's ESN/serial number (you will need it in a later step).
Verizon Connect installation partners can scan the device's ESN/serial number using the Reveal Hardware Installer (RHI) app.
Note
The device serial number (called "ESN on Reveal) is on the information label on the top of the device.
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Remove the panel from the top of the dash to expose the power distribution junction box.
Volvo: see blue arrow in image
Mack: see orange arrow in image
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Identify the power distribution junction box. It should look similar to the below.
Volvo: see blue area in image
Mack: see orange area in image
Caution
The truck must not be running when working with J1939 connections/terminating resistors.
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Access the terminating resistor in the power distribution junction box.
Volvo: At front of center dash; under power distribution module (see blue arrow)
Mack: At top front left corner of power distribution module (see orange arrow)
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Identify the DL1 J1939 terminating resistor.
The DL1 terminating resistor is labeled (see green arrow in image below)
Caution
2019+ trucks also have a DL3 J1939 terminating resistor (see red arrow in image below). Do not connect to the DL3 terminating resistor.
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Remove the terminating resistor (see pink arrow in image below).
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Reconnect the removed terminating resistor to the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness (see green arrow in image below).
Caution
The terminating resistor must be installed for the vehicle to operate correctly. Do not start the truck without the terminating resistor installed.
The terminating resistor must be installed for the vehicle to operate correctly. Do not start the truck without the terminating resistor installed.
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Plug the remaining J1939 connector on the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness into the location from where you removed the termination resistor at point 3 above (see yellow arrow in image above).
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Plug the power adapter into the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness.
Use the 2018+ power adapter for 2018+ installations.
Note
Note: The 2018+ power adapter is black, and the cable end is 3-pin.
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Locate the vehicle’s power expansion plug.
Volvo: located under the power distribution module, close to J1939 connections.
Mack: located at top of dash.
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Once power is verified, plug the vehicle’s power expansion plug into the 2018+ power adapter.
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Using the 24-pin power harness, locate and connect an ignition source. The device will be supplied with Battery and Ground through the diagnostic connector and harness.
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Red: battery
Caution
The red wire should not be used. Do not connect the red wire.
Insulate all wire and secure any excess wire.
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Black: ground
Caution
The black wire should not be used. Do not connect the black wire.
Insulate all wire and secure any excess wire.
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White: ignition
Note
Ignition can be found at a connector similar to that used for battery/ground (see pink area in image below).
Plug the backbone harness into the Xirgo adapter cable.
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Plug the Xirgo adapter cable's 14-pin Molex connector into the Xirgo device.
Note
You may need to route harnesses to the mounting location through tight spaces before connecting them to the device (see Step 19).
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Confirm the device is receiving power (LEDs are illuminated).
Note
You may need to turn on the ignition for the device to receive power.
The Xirgo tracker has three LEDs that are used to identify the status of the device.
(A) Amber LED (Cellular Network)
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OFF: No power to device
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Flashing: Ignition is OFF
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Fast Flashing: searching for cell signal / Ignition is ON
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Solid: Cell signal acquired / Ignition is ON
(B) Blue LED (Bluetooth), only for Bluetooth-enabled devices
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OFF: Bluetooth is not connected
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Flashing: Bluetooth is connected
(C) Green LED (GPS)
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OFF: Searching for satellites
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Flashing: Satellite count +1
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The LED flashes once to indicate a GPS signal is acquired.
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The LED continues flashing to indicate the number of satellites visible to the device.
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Plug the I/O harness connector into the Xirgo device.
Refer to the Xirgo I/O harness versions article for details about I/O harness versions.
Step 17: Connect the I/O harness's white wire (vehicles with a master shut-off switch or kill switch)
Note
This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with amaster shut-off switch or kill switch.
(A) Xirgo device
(B) I/O harness (connects to Xirgo's 24-pin connector)
(C) White wire (connects to vehicle's ignition source)
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Familiarize yourself with approved methods for making wire connections:
For information about poke-and-wrap, butt connectors, posi-tap and add-a-circuit fuse block adapters: see Verizon Connect electrical connection standards and installation policy guidance.
For information about poke-and-wrap: see FAQ: How to make a poke and wrap connection (solderless splice).
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In the vehicle, locate the true ignition source. This can be an ignition switch, a factory spare wire connector labeled for ignition supply, or an ignition supply labeled on the fuse box.
Note
Use a digital multimeter to verify the voltage does not drop below 9 VDC while the engine is cranking.
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Connect the harness’s white wire to the vehicle’s ignition source using an approved connection method.
Connect optional peripherals as described in the relevant Peripherals section.
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Route the cables to the mounting location and connect them.
Note
Coil and secure any loose cabling using zip ties to ensure it will not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle.
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Check everything is fastened tightly, and trim zip ties if they have excess length.
Caution
Use caution when trimming the zip ties. Accidentally cutting or nicking nearby vehicle wires will cause performance issues with the vehicle.
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Make sure the installation does not interfere with the driver or normal operation of the vehicle. If you have removed the dash panel, do not replace it until the network connection is confirmed (see Step 21).
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Find a suitable location to mount the device. Suggested mounting locations are shown below.
(A) Behind the driver's side knee panel
(B) Behind the instrument cluster
(C) Behind the center console
(D) Behind the glove box
To ensure strong network coverage, consider the following when choosing the mounting location:
- The device should be mounted label-side up and skyward-facing for best signal.
- The device should not be mounted directly under large metal parts.
- The device will work through glass, plastics, and composites.
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Fasten the device securely to a stable mounting bracket or wire bundle using zip ties, VHB tape, or industrial strength Velcro. Do not cover the ESN/Serial Number with two-sided tape, the label will peel and be unreadable when the tape is removed.
Note
The device must be fastened securely to prevent it from moving and generating erroneous harsh driving event reporting.
Behind the switch panel (see green area in image below) can be a good location for securing the device.
Use Spotlight or the Reveal portal to link and verify successful installations. Learn how to Verify an installation in Reveal.
If you’re a Verizon Connect installer using Reveal, use the Reveal Hardware Installer app.
Step 22: Update the vehicle tracker configuration (vehicles with a master shut-off switch or kill switch)
Note
This step should only be performed if you are installing the tracker in a vehicle with a master shut-off switch or kill switch.
Caution
To prevent erroneous Reveal statuses such as false towing notifications, the device must be configured correctly as Ignition (3-wire, hardwired).
To update the tracker configuration, you can do one of the following:
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In Reveal, update the power source tracker setting for the vehicle. For more information on updating this setting, see Update the power source tracker setting for Xirgo vehicle trackers.
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Call Reveal Support at 866.908.1165 to update the device configuration so ignition status is sensed for the white-wire installation.
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.