Motive devices work with various cables that fit different vehicle types and diagnostic ports. Choosing the right cable is crucial for accurate data capture, smooth integration, and compliance. The correct cable simplifies installation and ensures real-time data transmission, keeping your fleet connected and efficient.
Basics
This article provides an overview of the various cables offered by Motive for connecting to the Motive Vehicle Gateway and Asset Gateway. Each cable is described with its purpose and use case. The different types of cables offered by Motive and supported vehicle-specific connections are listed in the image below.
Cables for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
9-pin cables
- Cable 3000: A basic plug-and-play 9-Pin cable that can be used independently or in combination with Cable 3001 to fit any 9-pin mounting setup encountered in the field. It is especially useful when the specific details of the square or threaded mount on the vehicle are unknown.
- Cable 3001: A short Y-style 9-pin cable, designed to facilitate various 9-pin mounting configurations. It pairs with Cable 3000 to support any 9-pin mounting setup (square or threaded) encountered in the field.
- Cable 3002: A long Y-style J1939 Flanged 9-pin cable, tailored for specific connectivity needs. It is designed for mounting behind the dashboard in vehicles equipped with a square bracket style 9-pin diagnostic port.
- Cable 3003: A long Y-threaded hex nut style 9-pin cable, tailored for specific connectivity needs. It is intended for mounting behind the dash in vehicles equipped with a 9-pin diagnostic port that uses the threaded mount with a hex nut style.
6-pin cables
- Cable 3022: A long Y-flanged J1708 6-pin cable, designed for robust connections. This cable is commonly used with most heavy-duty vehicles from 1999 and earlier.
RP1226 cables
- Cable 3035: Designed to meet the TMC RP1226 specification, Cable 3035 serves as a new standard telematics connection point in certain trucks. Certain models of Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Volvo have adopted this connector.
| Note: For optimal performance and to avoid potential warranty issues, it is recommended to connect through the RP-1226 connector rather than the standard diagnostic port. Using the diagnostic port instead of the RP-1226 connector may void the vehicle’s warranty. |
- Cable 3036: A Y cable built to the TMC RP1226 specification, designed for use with Cable 3035. It needs to be used in conjunction with Cable 3035 to enable the RP1226 telematics connection point.
Cables for Light Duty Vehicles (OBD II)
- Cable 3015: A low-profile straight OBD-II cable specifically designed for light-duty vehicles. The vehicle-side connector features a unique design that allows the cable to be clipped securely and routed in any direction.
- Cable 3018: A Dual CAN OBD-II cable compatible with light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles equipped with an OBD-II port and manufactured from 2008 or later. It is primarily used for installations underneath the dashboard in VG systems.
- Autotap - ACC-VG-002: The kit comes disassembled and consists of Cable 3070 (short), Cable 3071 (long), and the Autotap Box. The Autotap Kit is a cable system that allows our device to communicate with older or OEM-specific OBD-II vehicle networks and typically applies to light-duty vehicles that are 2007 or older.
Specialty Cables
- Cable 3030: A Volvo-specific cable designed for installation behind the dashboard, rather than using the diagnostic port. It is compatible with Volvo trucks (excluding buses or cars) manufactured between 2013 and 2018.
- Cable 3031: A Mack-specific cable designed for installation behind the dashboard, rather than using the diagnostic port. It is compatible with Mack trucks manufactured between 2013 and 2018
- Cable 3034: Designed specifically for Volvo and Mack vehicles, this cable installs behind the dashboard rather than using the diagnostic port. It is compatible with Mack and Volvo trucks manufactured from 2018 onwards
- Cable 3043: A Freightliner-specific cable designed for installation behind the dashboard, rather than using the diagnostic port. It is used in certain Freightliner vehicles.
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Cable 3044 Adapter: A hardwired accessory designed to fit between any existing Vehicle Gateway cables and the Vehicle Gateway itself. This adapter enhances Vehicle Gateway operations with dual power connections, supporting the following use cases:
- Failsafe functionality: The Vehicle Gateway can continue to provide basic tracking and safety features even when unplugged from the OBD-II or J-1939 diagnostic port due to maintenance or tampering.
- Extended installation coverage: The Vehicle Gateway remains operational in scenarios where a battery kill switch or engine immobilizer is used and activated.
- Cable 5005: This cable connects between the Vehicle Gateway and any existing 3000 series gateway cable. The Motive PTO AUX Cable (Cable 5005) captures PTO (power take-off) activity, providing accurate data on usage, including location and duration. It also facilitates Bendix integration, enabling customers to seamlessly transmit data from their Bendix Safety Direct Processor to a web-based Bendix Safety Portal via the Motive Vehicle Gateway. Additionally, Cable 5005 is utilized in the installation of the driver ID reader.
Installation guide for Bendix integration
Installation guide for Driver ID reader
Cables for Trailers and construction vehicles
- Cable 4020: This cable allows Vehicle Gateways to be installed on vehicles that lack a diagnostic port due to their age or type, specifically for Construction and Oil & Gas vehicles. It is suitable for older vehicles or specialized equipment like pre-2000 vehicles, bulldozers, and golf carts.
Installation Guide for Vehicle Gateways
- Cable 4020 Asset Gateway use case: Cable 4020 is also the power cable for the Asset Gateway (AG-55). It uses a waterproof DB-15 connector to attach to AG-55, and then a bare wire ground and fuse-protected power to supply 12V power to the device.
Installation guide for Asset Gateways
Cables for Reefers
- Cable 4000 - Thermoking Cable: Cable 4000 is the cable used to support the hardware integration between AG-55 and Thermoking refrigerated trailer units, also known as reefer trailers or simply reefers.
Installing the cable
Before installation, identify your vehicle’s diagnostic port and confirm the correct Motive cable. Each cable is labeled with a product number to help with selection.
| Note: If you have the model year 2013 or a newer Mack or Volvo truck, order the cable specifically designed for the model year 2013 or newer Mack or Volvo trucks, instead of a 9-pin or 6-pin cable. |
General installation steps
- In the Motive Dashboard, confirm that the Vehicle Gateway is unassigned. Then, assign the Vehicle Gateway to the required vehicle.
- Identify the diagnostic port type in your vehicle (refer to the vehicle manual if needed).
- Select the correct cable and plug it into the diagnostic port.
- Connect the other end to the Vehicle Gateway.
- Secure the cable and Vehicle Gateway using zip ties or adhesive pads.
- Start the vehicle to power the device and verify data transmission.
| 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 does not relocate the diagnostic port. Motive customers are solely responsible for their compliance with all applicable laws and regulations |
Ordering a new cable
If you're looking to purchase a new cable, please make sure you have the following information ready:
- VIN Number (REQUIRED): Your vehicle's unique identification number.
- Cable Cost: $50 for US customers and CAD 75.00 for Canadian customers
- Receiver's Email (REQUIRED): The email address where you'd like to receive order updates.
- Receiver's Address (REQUIRED): The shipping address for your cable.
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Shipping Method (REQUIRED): Choose your preferred shipping method from the following options:
- Air Shipping: $27.04
- Three-Day Select: $20.74
- Ground Shipping: $15.42
For Canadian Customers: UPS Worldwide Expedited: CAD 40.00 - 50.00
Once you have these details on hand, please Contact Us and we'll be able to create your order and ensure your cable is on its way to you.
FAQs
Which cable should I use for my vehicle?
Identify your vehicle’s diagnostic port and refer to the supported cable chart or consult Motive Support.
Are cables included with the Vehicle Gateway?
No. Cables are ordered separately based on your vehicle’s specifications.
Can I install the cable and the Gateway myself?
Yes. Most installations are straightforward. Specialty and hardwired cables may require professional installation.
What if my vehicle doesn’t have a diagnostic port?
Use the hardwired cable for a direct connection to the vehicle’s power and ground.
Do specialty cables offer additional features?
Yes. Specialty cables may support enhanced OEM features and deeper telematics integration.
Why should I use Motive's recommended cable?
Using a non-recommended cable may cause electrical problems with the truck and could also void the truck's manufacturer warranty due to third-party usage of the diagnostic port, so we suggest using the motive-recommended cables.
Which Vehicle Gateway cable do I need for Dodge RAM trucks?
The Vehicle Gateway cable required for your truck may vary depending on its make and connector pin. To help you choose the right cable, we’ve provided a complete list of Dodge RAM trucks and their corresponding compatible Vehicle Gateway cables below:
Vehicle Make/Year |
Pins/Connector Type |
Cable |
| 2001 - 2007 | Auto-tap Kit | ACC-VG-002 |
| 2008 - 2024 | OBD-II 16 Pin | 3015/3017 |
Which Vehicle Gateway cable do I need for Dodge RAM trucks?
The cable 3022 is displayed below:
| 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 does not relocate the diagnostic port. Motive customers are solely responsible for their compliance with all applicable laws and regulations |
I received my Vehicle Gateway, but the cable does not fit my vehicle’s port. How do I get the correct cable, and will I be charged for it?
Motive selects cables based on your VIN and the type of diagnostic connector your vehicle supports (e.g., 9-pin J1939, OBD-II, or RP1226). Sometimes the right cable is not meant to plug into the obvious dash port but into another connector (like an RP1226 port near the ECM), which can make it look incorrect at first.
If the cable in your bundle does not seem to fit:
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Confirm which cable you received and where it is supposed to connect
- Check the part number tag on the cable (e.g., Cable 3035, 3002, 3015, etc.).
- Open the relevant cable installation guide from the Help Center and verify which connector type it is for and where that connector is located on your truck (dash vs under-dash vs ECM area).
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If it still does not fit, collect photos and details
- Take clear photos of the vehicle’s diagnostic connector(s) you see and the ends of the cable you received.
- Have your VIN and order number handy.
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Contact Motive Support before buying another cable
- Share your VIN, order number, cable part number, and photos.
- Support will confirm whether the correct cable was shipped for your VIN, and help determine if the issue is installation or port location or a true mismatch.
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Replacement cable
- If Motive shipped the wrong cable relative to your VIN or order, they will typically arrange a replacement.
- If the correct cable was shipped but you prefer a different style (for example, a plug-and-play OBD cable instead of the recommended RP1226 harness), that alternative cable is normally treated as a new purchase. Not that using a non-recommended cable can affect warranty and electrical safety, so Support will advise what is and is not supported.
Always use Motive-recommended cables for your vehicle. Improvising or using an unsupported connector type can cause electrical issues and may void warranty coverage.
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