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Cable VCBL-Y-6PIN: AI Dashcam Plus Installation Guide for vehicles with a 6-Pin J1708 port

Updated

What comes in the box?

  • Cable VCBL-Y-6PIN 
  • Cable ties

Tools 

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Philips screwdriver

Installing Cable VCBL-Y-6PIN J1708

Pre-installation safety precautions

Before starting the installation, ensure the following:

  • The parking brake is engaged
  • The engine is off
  • The main power switch (if available) is turned off

Identifying the cable ends

The VCBL-Y-6PIN includes three labelled ends:

  1. P1: Connects to the vehicle adapter
  2. P2: 6-pin male connector plugs into the vehicle’s 6-pin diagnostic port
  3. P3: 6-pin female connector maintains access to diagnostics when using the Y-cable installation

Note: 6-pin connectors include a locking collar to secure the connection in place.

Locating the vehicle’s 6-pin diagnostic port

The 6-pin J1708 diagnostic port is typically located on the driver’s side, underneath the dashboard. The connector is circular and may be grey or black.

Note: The numbers in the above image indicate the most probable locations of the diagnostic port.

Connecting the AI Dashcam Plus

WARNING: For vehicles that may operate in the State of California, regulations prohibit relocating the in-vehicle diagnostic port during installation. To remain compliant, always follow the direct plug-in instructions when installing this cable, and do not relocate the port. Motive customers are solely responsible for their compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
  1. Plug the AI Dashcam Plus cable into the vehicle adapter.

  1. Plug the vehicle adapter into one end of the Y cable (P1).

Connecting the cable

There are two ways to connect the cable to the vehicle’s diagnostic port:

  • Direct connection: The quickest method to get started. Plug the cable directly into the diagnostic port.
  • Y-cable connection: Maintains access to the diagnostic port. This is ideal for covert installations.
Direct cable connection

Use this method if you are connecting the cable directly to the vehicle’s diagnostic port or if you are operating in the state of California.

  1. Secure the connection and use a cable tie to fasten the shorter cable P3 (with the spare diagnostic connector) to the main cable. Place the zip tie near the spare diagnostic connector for secure fastening.

  1. Plug the male end of the Motive cable (P2) directly into the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
  2. The P3 end is not used for this installation type.

Note: The OEM diagnostic port is unavailable while the cable is plugged in.
Y-cable connection

Use the Y splitter method if you want to maintain access to the vehicle’s diagnostic port or prefer a covert installation.

  1. Remove the OEM diagnostic port from its receptacle in the dashboard. 

  1. Plug the male end of the Motive cable (P2) into the removed diagnostic port
  2. Secure the female end of the Motive Cable (P3) by installing it back into the vehicle's original diagnostic port receptacle.

Note: The vehicle's diagnostics will remain accessible using the additional port on the Cable VCBL-Y-6PIN (P3).

Testing and mounting the AI Dashcam Plus

  1. Refer to the AI Dashcam Plus Installation Guide for instructions on testing and mounting the device to the vehicle's windscreen or the left side of the rearview mirror. 
  2. Once mounted, the final installation should resemble the example shown here.

  1. Start the vehicle’s engine. Once the alert or right LED turns blue, the AI Dashcam Plus is powered on and connected.

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