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Installation guide: 2014-2018 Volvo and 2018+ Volvo and Mack trucks with Volvo diagnostic backbone harness

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Skill level: Intermediate

Installers must be able to remove dash panels and instrument clusters, and mount and secure devices safely.

This article explains how to install a device on legacy (2014-2018 Volvo) trucks and new (2018+ Volvo and Mack) trucks with a Volvo diagnostic backbone harness.

Time required: 15-30 minutes

000_-_Volvo.png

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 (not applicable to RP1226).

This article applies to:

  • Legacy model trucks:
    • 2014-2018 Volvo (all)
  • New model trucks:
    • 2018+ Volvo (all)
    • 2018+ Mack Anthem (AN)
    • 2018+ Mack Granite (GU/GR)
      For Mack trucks not listed here, use the instructions in this guide.
  • 2022+ Volvo trucks that have an RP1226 connector:
    • For Reveal installations, use the instructions in this guide.
    • For Fleet installations, use the instructions in this guide.

In this article:

Preparing for installation

Before you install the device, identify the parts:

  • Volvo diagnostic backbone harness
  • Connectors

Installing the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness

1. Legacy (2014-2018 Volvo) trucks

  • Step 1.1: Access the power distribution junction box
  • Step 1.2: Install the J1939 connection
  • Step 1.3: Install the power connection
  • Step 1.4: Connect the hardware adapter cable

2. New (2018+ Volvo and Mack) trucks

  • Step 2.1: Access the power distribution junction box
  • Step 2.2: Install the J1939 connection
  • Step 2.3: Install the power connection
  • Step 2.4: Connect the hardware adapter cable

Preparing for installation

Identify the parts

Volvo diagnostic backbone harness and power adapters

00_-_Kit1.png

1. Volvo diagnostic backbone harness
2. Fuse (may need to be installed in the vehicle fuse box)
3. 2018+ power adapter (used for new model installations)
4. Legacy power adapter (used for pre-2018 installations)

Connectors

00_-_Kit2a.png

00_-_Kit2b.png

00_-_Kit2c.png

00_-_Kit2d.png

1. Terminating resistor connector (J1939)
2. Vehicle side connector (J1939)
3. Aux/J1708 connectors
4. Cable side power adapter connector (power adapters plug in here)
5. Universal diagnostic cable connector (hardware-specific cable adapters plug in here)

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

Installing the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness

1. Legacy (2014-2018 Volvo) trucks

Step 1.1: Access the power distribution junction box

  1. Remove the tray (see orange arrow in image below).
    01-1a_-_Remove_Tray.png
  2. Remove the screws (see green arrows in image below).01-1b_-_Remove_Screws_%2B_Panel.png
  3. Remove the panel (see blue arrow in image above) to expose the power distribution junction box.
    The power distribution junction box should look similar to that in the image below.01-1c_-_Power_Distrib_Junction_Box.png

Step 1.2: Install the J1939 connection

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

  1. Locate the terminating resistor in the power distribution box (see pink arrow in image below).
    01-2a_-_Terminating_Resistor_-_Locate__Remove.png
  2. Remove the terminating resistor (see blue arrow in image above).
  3. Install the terminating resistor into the provided universal backbone diagnostic harness (see green arrow in image below).
    01-2b_-_Terminating_Resistor_-_Install_into_Harness.png
    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 vehicle side connector (it is the remaining connector on the universal backbone diagnostic harness) into the location from where you removed the terminating resistor at point 2 above (see orange arrow in image below).
    01-2c_-_J1939__Vehicle_Side_Connector.png
  5. Check the J1939 connection.
    A good J1939 connection has aligned yellow and green wires (see image below).
    01-2d_-_Verify_J1939.png

    If the yellow and green wires are not aligned (see image below), repair the J1939 connectors as described in this repair guide.
    01-2e_-_Incorrect_J1939.png

Step 1.3: Install the power connection

  1. Plug the power adapter into the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness.
    Use the legacy power adapter for pre-2018 installations.
    The legacy power adapter is white with a red retainer and the cable end is 3 pin.
    01-3a_-_Power_Adaptor__Legacy_1.png
  2. Identify locations B1-1, B1-2 and B1-3 in the power distribution box (refer to the blue area in the image below).
    01-3b_-_Power_Distrib_Junction_Box.png
  3. Check for +12V at locations B1-1, B1-2 and B1-3.
    The +12V power terminal is on the windshield side. The ground terminal is on the cab side.
    If there is no power found at locations B1-1, B1-2, B1-3, you will need to install the included fuse (see pink arrow in image below).
    01-3c_-_Fuse_Required__if_no_power_.png

    For further details, refer to the Fuse & Expansion information label (example in image below) on the back of the cover panel of the power distribution junction box.
    01-3d_-_Fuse_Info_Label.png
  4. Once power is verified, plug the power adapter into location B1-1, B1-2, or B1-3 (see red arrow in image below).
    Use the legacy power adapter for pre-2018 installations.
    Use the 2018+ power adapter for new model installations.
    01-3e_-_Check_for_B1-1__B1-2__B1-3.png
  5. 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.

Wire colors

  • White: Ignition
    Ignition can be found at the fuse box.
  • Red: Battery
    The red wire should not be used. Do not connect the red wire.
    Insulate wire and secure excess wire.
  • Black: Ground
    The black wire should not be used. Do not connect the black wire.
    Insulate wire and secure excess wire.

Step 1.4: Connect the hardware adapter cable

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

01-4_-_UDBC_into_HW_Adaptor_Cable.png

2. New (2018+ Volvo and Mack) trucks

Step 2.1: Access the power distribution junction box

  1. Remove the panel from the top of the dash to expose the power distribution junction box.
    Volvo: see blue arrow in image
    02-1a_-_Remove_Panel__Volvo_.png

    Mack: see orange arrow in image
    02-1a_-_Remove_Panel__Mack_.png

  2. Identify the power distribution junction box. It should look similar to the below.

    Volvo: see blue area in image
    02-1b_-_Power_Distrib_Jn_Box__Volvo_.png

    Mack: see orange area in image
    02-1b_-_Power_Distrib_Jn_Box__Mack_.png

Step 2.2: Install the J1939 connection

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

  1. Access the terminating resistor in the power distribution junction box.

    Volvo: At front of center dash; under the
    power distribution module (see blue arrow)
    02-2a_-_J1939_Connection__Volvo_.png

    Mack: At top front left corner of power
    distribution module (see orange arrow)
    02-2a_-_J1939_Connection__Mack_.png

  2. Identify the DL1 J1939 terminating resistor.
    The DL1 terminating resistor is labeled (see green arrow in image below)
    2019+ trucks also have a DL3 J1939 terminating resistor (see red arrow in image below). Do not connect to the DL3 terminating resistor.
    02-2b_-_Identify_J1939_Network__DL1_.png
  3. Remove the terminating resistor (see pink arrow in image below).
    02-2c_-_J1939__Rmv_Terminating_Resistor.png
  4. Reconnect the removed terminating resistor to the Volvo 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.
    02-2d_-_J1939__Install_Terminating_Resistor.png
  5. 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).
  6. Check the J1939 connection.
    A good J1939 connection has aligned yellow and green wires (see image below).
    02-2e_-_Verify_J1939.png

    If the yellow and green wires are not aligned (see image below), repair the J1939 connectors as described in this repair guide.
    02-2f_-_Incorrect_J1939.png

Step 2.3: Install the power connection

  1. Plug the power adaptor into the Volvo diagnostic backbone harness.
    Use the 2018+ power adaptor for 2018+ installations. 
    Note: The 2018+ power adapter is black, and the cable end is 3 pin.
    02-3a_-_Power_Adaptor__2018%2B_1.png
  2. Locate the vehicle’s power expansion plug.
    02-3b_-_Power_Connection__2018%2B_Adaptor.png

    Volvo: located under the power distribution module, close to J1939 connections.
    Mack: located at top of dash.
  3. Once power is verified, plug the vehicle’s power expansion plug into the 2018+ power adapter.
  4. 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.

Wire colors

  • Red: battery
    The red wire should not be used. Do not connect the red wire.
    Insulate wire and secure excess wire.
  • Black: ground
    The black wire should not be used. Do not connect the black wire.
    Insulate wire and secure excess wire.
  • White: ignition
    Ignition can be found at a connector similar to the one used for battery/ ground (see pink area in image below).

02-3c_-_Power_Connection__Ignition_Source.png

Step 2.4: Connect the hardware adapter cable

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

02-4_-_UDBC_into_HW_Adaptor_Cable.png

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.

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