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    Cable VCBL-Y-1939: AI Dashcam Plus Installation Guide for vehicles with a 9-Pin port

    Updated
    Audience Drivers, Fleet Admins
    Applies To AI Dashcam Plus, Cable VCBL-Y-1939

     

    Opening

    This article guides you through installing the AI Dashcam Plus using the VBCL-Y-1939 cable for vehicles equipped with a 9-pin diagnostic port.

    Installation Requirements: Cable VCBL-Y-1939

    What comes in the box?

    • Cable VCBL-Y-1939
    • Flange clip
    • Screw clip
    • Round jam clip
    • Washer
    • Front nut
    • Type 2 indicator label
    • Cable ties

    Tools 

    • Screwdriver set
    • Adjustable wrench
    • Socket set
    • Plastic prybar

    Steps: Installing Cable VCBL-Y-1939

    Note: 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.

     

    Identify the Cable Ends

    The VCBL-Y-1939 cable includes three labeled ends:

    • P1: Connects to the vehicle adapter
    • P2: Connects to the vehicle’s diagnostic port
    • P3: It’s an optional cable; connects to the dashboard receptacle (used in Y-Cable setup to maintain diagnostic access)



    Locate the Vehicle’s Diagnostic Port

    The 9-pin J1939 diagnostic port is typically under the driver’s side dash. It may be black (type 1) or green (type 2) with 9 male pins.

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

     

    Connect the AI Dashcam Plus

    WARNING: For vehicles that may operate in the State of California, regulations may prohibit the installation of any Y-cable configuration if it involves relocating the in-vehicle diagnostic port. If the vehicle may be operated in California, ensure the installation doesn’t relocate the diagnostic port. Motive customers are solely responsible for their compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

    1. Direct Connection

    • The quickest method to get started. Plug the cable directly into the diagnostic port.

    2. Y-Cable Connection

    • Maintains access to the diagnostic port. This is ideal for covert installations
    Note: If you are choosing Direct Connection and skipping the Y-cable setup, proceed directly to step 8.


    3. Choose the mounting clip that matches the vehicle's existing connector.

    Blue Clip (Flange) For square bracket style ports
    Red Clip (Screw Mount) For Navistar/International Trucks
    Yellow Clip (Jam Mount) For hex nut-style ports (older/larger trucks)

     

    4. If the vehicle is a 2016 model year or newer and uses a Type 2 (green pin) connector, apply the green Type 2 indicator label to the P3 end of the cable. 

    5. If the vehicle is a 2015 model year or older with a Type 1 (black pin) connector, don’t apply any label.

    6. Attach the appropriate mounting clip on the connector (P3), and match the colored line with the white line on the connector.

    7. Apply inward pressure to the left and right tabs until the clip is fully seated. Ensure that the locking teeth are engaged at the positions marked by the upward arrows.

    8. Plug the AI Dashcam Plus cable into the vehicle adapter.

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

    Connect the Cable

    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. Plug the P2 (male end of the Motive cable) directly into the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
    2. Don’t use the P3 end for this installation type.
    3. Use a cable tie to secure the unused P3 (spare diagnostic connector) to the main cable.
      • Place the zip tie near the spare diagnostic connector to ensure it is fastened securely.
    4. Plug the P1 end of the cable into the vehicle adapter. Your connection is now complete for the Direct Cable setup.
    Note: The OEM diagnostic port is not available while the cable is plugged in.

     

    Y-Cable Connection

    Use this 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.

    2. Plug the P2 (male end of the Motive cable) into the removed OEM diagnostic port.

    3. Install and secure the P3 (female end of the Motive cable) into the original dashboard receptacle using the appropriate mounting clip.

    Note: The vehicle's diagnostics remain accessible using the additional port on the Cable VCBL-Y-1939 (P3).

    Test and Mount 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 windshield or the left side of the rearview mirror. Once mounted, the final installation should resemble the example shown in the original guide.

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

     

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