VG55 - Heavy Duty Vehicles - CBL-VG-CJ1939

Use this workflow to install the VG55 Vehicle Gateway with the diagnostic cable CBL-VG-CJ1939.

What You'll Need

	Quantity	Description
	1	Vehicle Gateway (VG55)
	1	Diagnostic Y splitter cable
	2	Long-wide cable ties (cable bag)
	2	Short-narrow cable ties (cable bag)
	2	Long-narrow cable ties (cable bag)
	1	Flush cutters (not provided)

Diagnostic Cable CBL-VG-CJ1939

	Description
	Spare diagnostic connector
	Main diagnostic connector
	Gateway connector

Install the VG55:

1. If you have not already done so, activate the device in the Samsara dashboard using one of the following methods:

   • Activate your device with the Samsara Fleet App (see Streamline Hardware Installation with the Samsara Fleet App). You can also confirm cable compatibility with your vehicle by scanning or manually entering the VIN for the vehicle.

   • Go to https://cloud.samsara.com/activate or click the link in your Order Shipped email.

     

2. For vehicles operating outside the State of California: Follow these instructions to attach the Y splitter cable. If your vehicle operates in the State of California, proceed to the next step.

   Note

   In certain cases, regulations in the State of California may prohibit the installation of a Y splitter cable if it involves relocating the in-vehicle diagnostic connector. In these cases, skip to the next step to plug-in the harness without relocating the diagnostic connector.

   1. With the engine off, locate the vehicle’s diagnostic port. Detach the port from its original mounting location in the vehicle. Typically, the port is located on or near the driver’s side kick panel.

      

      This cable is compatible with J1939 or J1708 (9- pin) ports.

   2. Identify the mounting clip that matches the existing connector.

      

   3. For vehicles with Type 2 (green) connectors: Apply the Type 2 Indicator Label.

      

   4. Attach appropriate mounting clip–match up the colored line with the white line on the connector, and ensure the teeth lock at the 2 starred locations.

      

      Note

      Clips are reversible and can be used to mount with the hexagonal nut (tab facing wires) or with the circular nut (tab facing outwards).

   5. Connect the Samsara cable to the detached diagnostic port after it has been removed from the vehicle panel.

      

      The vehicle’s diagnostics will remain accessible using the additional port on the Samsara cable.

   6. Fasten the unconnected port to the original port location in the vehicle.

      

      Confirm that the VG and all cables are clear of the vehicle’s pedals, steering linkage, and other moving parts.

   7. Proceed to connecting the VG.

3. For vehicles operating in the State of California: Follow the instructions in this step to attach the Y splitter connector.

   1. With the engine turned off, find the vehicle’s diagnostic port, typically located on or near the driver’s side kick panel.

      The location and type of port vary by vehicle. The following image shows a J1939 port for reference purposes only. Use the diagnostic port that matches your Y splitter cable.

      

   2. Use a small, narrow cable tie from the cable bag to fasten the shorter cable (which has the spare diagnostic connector) to the main cable. Place the cable tie near the spare diagnostic connector for secure fastening.

      The spare diagnostic connector is not used for this installation type. However, we recommend keeping the bracket on the spare diagnostic connector to allow for flexibility in future configurations.

      

   3. Connect the main diagnostic connector of the Samsara cable to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.

      The location and type of port vary by vehicle. The following image shows a J1939 port for reference purposes only. Use the diagnostic port that matches your Y splitter cable.

      

4. Plug the 16-pin diagnostics/power connector into the VG. It will click when fully inserted.

   

5. Turn on your vehicle and verify that the VG indicator light turns green; this can take 1-3 minutes.

   

   Note

   The indicator light may initially display green, but then change again temporarily (for example, such as when the VG connects, but then downloads and installs an update).

   If the indicator light turns amber, ensure that you are installing the VG in an area with good cellular reception.

   If the indicator light turns blue, turn your vehicle off and then back on before proceeding to the next step.

   Note

   In some cases, you may need to take a short drive to enable the VG to retrieve diagnostics and transition the indicator light from blue to green.

6. If you are using the Samsara Fleet App to set up the VG, you can return to the app to verify the installation after the indicator light turns green.

   1. Ensure the vehicle is powered on and wait for all of the checks in the app to pass.

   2. Add vehicle details like the license plate number in the app.

7. Plug in the cable connectors for any applicable accessory devices (USB or 8-pin AUX devices).

   

   Access the accessory device ports by removing and properly discarding the port covers.

8. Using the narrow cable ties included in the VG box, secure the power cable and any accessory device cables.

   Note

   Using the wide cable ties which come with the diagnostics cable is not recommended as they may cause interference with the cable connections.

   

   Tip

   Secure the VG tightly to the vehicle. A loose VG may cause inconsistent detection of Harsh Events. If possible, avoid surrounding the VG with metal parts as this could interfere with wireless or GPS connectivity.

9. Secure the power cable and any accessory device cables using the cable ties included in the cable bag.

   

   Tip

   Avoid wrapping the power and device cables around the gateway. Avoid tight bends in the cables.

10. If you experience any issues during installation, visit the Samsara Help Center to find solutions to most issues.

Important Safety Information

This installation guide contains typical information specific to products manufactured at the time of its publication. The contents of this guide do not constitute a warranty and are for reference only. Consult applicable local laws and ordinances to determine any installation restrictions. It is the installer’s responsibility to comply with all applicable laws and ordinances when installing this hardware.

Do not attempt to repair this product, use any third-party replacement parts with this product, or otherwise modify this product except in accordance with product manuals or as otherwise instructed by Samsara. Failure to do so may cause property damage, lead to physical injury, or void your product warranty.

Any installation not in accordance with the instructions in the installation guide or otherwise in the Documentation or use of this product other than as described by the relevant IP rating or recommended operating instructions may result in unexpected downtime, system failure, physical injury, or property damage, including water damage. Failure to follow these directions could result in serious injury or death.

This hardware and any associated software may not be compatible with third party products and/or services and may interfere with the operations of or void warranties for such third party products and/or services.

Do not install hardware while the vehicle is unsecured or while the vehicle is turned on unless instructed to turn on the vehicle by the installation guide. Do not install or adjust hardware while driving or operating the vehicle. Do not install this hardware in a location that could interfere with the driver’s visibility or operation of vehicle controls or near airbag panels or within the working range of an airbag.

Do not install this hardware on or near flammable or otherwise hazardous materials. This hardware may burst if placed near flammable or other hazardous materials, creating a risk of fire, burn, shock, or other serious injury. This product includes capacitors, which may present a potential fire, explosion, electric shock, or burn hazard. Do not touch any capacitors within this hardware.

Please always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely, comply with all traffic laws, and observe the road and driving conditions at all times. Do not rely on the product to alert the driver of safety hazards or to prevent collisions. The hardware and associated software may not work as intended depending on road conditions, other vehicles, weather, and other factors.

Keep this hardware between -40°F and 185°F (-40°C and 85°C). Failure to keep this hardware in the specified temperature range may result in safety risks.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This device complies with ISED Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This symbol on the product(s) and / or accompanying documents means that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste. For proper treatment, recovery, and recycling, please take this product(s) to designated collection points where it will be accepted free of charge.