Heavy-duty Volvo vehicles feature various diagnostic connectors. Using the manufacturer's recommended port ensures the proper functionality of aftermarket telematics devices and prevents potential issues.
Overview
The two most commonly recommended connectors for Volvo's vehicle installation are the DL1 J1939 data link connector and the RP1226 connector.
- DL1 J1939: The DL1 J1939 connector uses a yellow/green twisted pair and a 120‑ohm terminating resistor, creating a stable CAN bus environment that the Motive Vehicle Gateway can safely read for Volvo telematics data.
- RP1226: The RP1226 port is a standardized, OEM-designed interface dedicated to aftermarket telematics, giving newer Volvo vehicles a clean, powered connection that supports richer data access and simpler cable routing for Motive hardware.
Installing Vehicle Gateway for Volvo Trucks - Models 2013-2018
1. Locate the access panel on the top center of the dashboard while the engine is off. This is located on the right side of the steering wheel.
2. Remove the access panel cover. If needed, use a screwdriver.
3. The J1939 bus connectors can generally be found by following the green and yellow wires.
4. Detach the terminating resistor from the J1939 bus connector. Do not discard this resistor.
5. Attach the male end of the cable to the female end of the vehicle’s J1939 bus connector.
| Note: The point of attachment is where the terminating resistor was previously attached. |
6. Attach the terminating resistor to the female end of the cable.
7. Find an available power outlet in the fuse area of the access panel. Plug the power connector from the cable into an outlet in the access panel. Make sure the red wire goes to power and the black wire goes to the ground.
8. Place the cable where you will attach the Vehicle Gateway.
9. Replace the cover of the access panel. Depending on your vehicle, you may have to modify the cover of the access panel in order to run the cable to the mounting area. Ensure that you don't pinch the cable, as this can damage it.
10. Attach the other side of the cable to the Vehicle Gateway. Screw down the thumbscrews on the 15-pin connector to secure the cable to the Vehicle Gateway.
11. Once plugged in, the indicator lights flash momentarily before turning solid red. After approximately one minute, the left-side indicator light turns green, indicating a successful GPS connection. If this doesn't occur, try moving the Vehicle Gateway to increase exposure to the sky.
12. Place it away from any vents or electrical components that may cause interference.
13. Use the provided alcohol swab to clean the mounting area.
14. Remove the backing from the adhesive strip and attach the Vehicle Gateway to the cleaned area.
15. Once the process is completed, start the engine. If the engine does not start, it is possible that the circuits were left open inside the access panel. Ensure that the terminating resistors and power cables are connected properly.
Vehicle Gateway Installation Best Practices for Volvo Vehicles
DL1 J1939 connector
When using the DL1 J1939 connector, consider the following:
- If two ports are available, always use the one labeled DL1J1939.
- Always reinsert the terminating resistor into the other end of the Motive cable before you turn on the vehicle.
- Ensure the vehicle's yellow and green cables align with the Motive's yellow and green cables.
- Use only 120-ohm terminating resistors. Don't use or insert any other resistor unless Volvo approves it.
- Power and ground connections must be made separately in specified locations based on the model year, Fuse panel, or spare battery/ground Molex.
RP1226 connector
The RP1226 connector is designed specifically for aftermarket devices and is the preferred connector because it has a dedicated standardized port in newer vehicles.
When using the RP1226 connector, remember these points:
- Ensure the vehicle is turned off when you install this cable.
- The standard Motive RP1226 cable (3035) is a straight, inline cable. Use cable 3036 if a secondary device needs to connect to this port.
- If the Vehicle Gateway doesn't power up when you plug into this cable, verify that the vehicle's RP1226 pin 1 has constant 12V battery power.
- If pin 1 doesn't have power, check pin 14 for constant 12V battery power. Manufacturers sometimes populate these pins in reverse.
- You can re-pin the Motive cable 3036 to address this issue.
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