Installation guide: 2014+ Mack trucks with universal diagnostic backbone harness

This article explains how to install a device on 2014 and later Mack trucks with a universal diagnostic backbone harness and Mack add-on kit.

Time required: 15-30 minutes

Configuration file updates
1. Installation technicians must call Support to enable all installed accessory hardware, and apply its parameter settings. For example, a Driver ID and buzzer must be enabled along with parameter settings for the buzzer's grace period and time out settings by calling Support.
2. The configuration file must also be updated to enable white wire ignition detection if a 3-wire (hardwired) power connection is used. 

This article applies to:

• 2014-2016 Anthem (AN)*
• 2014-2016 Granite (GU/GR)*
• 2014+ Titan (TD)
• 2014+ Pinnacle (CXU/CHU/PI)
  *For newer Anthem and Granite vehicles, use the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness instructions in this article.

The Mack add-on kit includes adapters that allow the universal diagnostic backbone harness to be used with older design Mack trucks. This add-on kit replaces the traditional diagnostic port installation as requested by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

In this guide:

• Step 1: Identify the parts
• Step 2: Access the power distribution junction box
• Step 3: Install the J1939 connection
• Step 4: Install the power connection
• Step 5: Connect the hardware adapter cable

Step 1: Identify the parts

Universal diagnostic backbone harness

1. Universal diagnostic backbone harness
2. 2018+ Volvo/Mack Power adapter (not used for this installation)
3. Legacy Volvo Power adapter (not used for this installation)
4. Legacy Mack J1939 Deutsch to Delphi adapters
5. Legacy Mack Power adapter
6. Mack J1708 adapter (not used at this time)

Connectors

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)
Aux connectors should not be used. Do not connect aux connectors.

Step 2: Access the power distribution junction box

1. Remove the panel from the top center of the dash (see yellow arrow in image below) to expose the power distribution junction box.
   
2. Identify the power distribution junction box. It should look similar to that in the image below.
   For location of fuse and relay panel: see green area in image
   For location of power and signal distribution terminals: see yellow area in image
   

Step 3: Install the J1939 connection

The truck must not be running when working with J1939 connections/ terminating resistors.

1. Connect both Deutsch to Delphi adapters to the universal diagnostic backbone harness (see blue arrow in image below).
   
2. Locate and remove the terminating resistor (see pink arrow in image below).
3. Reconnect the removed terminating resistor to the universal diagnostic backbone harness (see green arrow in image below).
   
   The terminating resistor must be installed for the vehicle to operate correctly. Do not start the truck without the terminating resistor installed.

4. Plug the remaining J1939 connector on the universal diagnostic backbone harness into the location from where you removed the termination resistor at point 2 above (see orange arrow in image below).
   

5. Check the J1939 connection.
   A good J1939 connection has aligned yellow and green wires (see image below).
   
   
   If the yellow and green wires are not aligned (see image below), repair the J1939 connectors as described in this article.
   

Step 4: Install the power connection

1. Plug the Mack legacy power adapter into the universal diagnostic backbone harness.
   Position the ring connectors at the ends.
   
   
   Connect the terminals as follows:
   The vehicle terminals are colored as follows:
   red: battery, black: ground
   Test the connections with a digital multimeter before connecting the terminals.
   
   1. Using the legacy Mack power adapter, connect the red battery ring terminal to the vehicle's +12V battery terminal.
   2. Using the legacy Mack power adapter, connect the black ground ring terminal to the vehicle's ground/chassis terminal.
      

Step 5: Connect the hardware adapter cable

Plug the universal diagnostic backbone cable into the provided hardware adapter cable.

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.