VG54/VG55 - Electric Vehicle (Tesla) - CBL-VG-DTSLA3Y-24

Use this workflow to install the Vehicle Gateway (VG) with the diagnostic cable CBL-VG-DTSLA3Y-24, designed specifically for the Tesla Model 3. To use the VG, this cable is required on the Tesla Model 3 (2024 and later). The cable is also compatible with the Tesla Model Y (2024 and 2025), though not required.

For earlier vehicles—Model 3 2023 and older and Model Y 2025 and older—the existing cable, CBL-VG-CTSLA3Y-19, remains valid and does not need to be replaced. This cable supports both VG54 and VG55 hardware.

What You'll Need

	Quantity	Description
	1	Vehicle Gateway
	1	Diagnostic cable (varies by vehicle type) —16-pin Gateway connector —20-pin Male diagnostic connector —20-pin Female diagnostic connector (spare) —10-pin Female power connector —10-pin Male power connector
	2	Short-narrow cable ties (cable bag)
	2	Long-narrow cable ties (cable bag)

Install the VG with CBL-VG-DTSLA3Y-24

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. Power off the vehicle.

   Before beginning the installation, ensure the vehicle is fully powered down. On the touchscreen display, go to Safety > Power Off. For more information, see the Tesla Owner's Manual.

   

3. Remove console panels.

   1. Remove the rear center console panel, located beneath the air vents on the passenger side.

   2. Behind this panel, locate and carefully remove the plastic push-in nut.

      

   3. Using a flat-head screwdriver or a wrench, gently slide under the second panel to release and remove it.

4. Locate vehicle connector ports.

   

   1. Identify the 20-pin diagnostic port.

   2. Identify the 10-pin power connectors, which are plugged into each other.

5. Connect the Tesla diagnostic cable.

   

   1. Plug the 20-pin male connector from the diagnostic cable into the vehicle’s 20-pin port.

   2. Disconnect the 10-pin vehicle connectors from each other.

   3. Plug the cable’s 10-pin female connector into the vehicle’s male connector.

   4. Plug the cable’s 10-pin male connector into the vehicle’s female connector.

   

6. Route cables and connect the VG.

   1. Route the 20-pin VG connector upward toward the air vents. There is a small opening in the console that allows the cable to exit cleanly without damaging or deforming the panel.

      

   2. Plug the 20-pin diagnostics/power connector into the VG. It will click when fully inserted.

      

   3. 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.

   4. 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.

   5. 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.

   6. Stow any extra length of the diagnostic cable and the unused 20-pin connector in the available console space.

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

      

      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.

   8. 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.

7. Reassemble both panels securely.

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.