When you plug the plug and play unit into the OBD-II port (without or without an extension cable) the device will beep once to tell you that it is receiving power.
If the plug and play unit does not beep, then the device is not receiving power.
The most common reason is that the device or cable is not plugged in fully. Check all connections to the OBD-II port first.
Check OBD-II port connections
If you are plugging the device directly into the OBD-II, unplug the tracker and plug it back in firmly.
If using an OBD-II extension cable with the plug and play unit, try the following:
Check the cable connection to the OBD-II port.
With the engine off, unplug the cable from the vehicle’s OBD-II port.
Wait 5 minutes and plug it back in.
If you hear the unit beep, the unit is receiving power.
Check cable connection to the unit.
If you don’t hear a beep:
With the engine off, unplug the unit from the cable.
Wait 5 minutes and then plug the unit back into the cable.
If you hear the unit beep, the unit is receiving power.
Check that the unit is working correctly
To check if the unit is working:
Disconnect the cable from the OBD-II port and the unit.
Plug the unit directly into the OBD-II port. If the unit beeps, then the issue is either that the fuse on the unit cable or the cable itself may need to be replaced.
Check the cable’s fuse
Test the unit cable’s fuse with a multimeter or replace the fuse. (3A mini-blade fuses can be purchased at auto parts stores.)
Open the fuse holder cap to access and remove the fuse.
With the cable connected to the OBD-II port and the unit, plug the replacement fuse into the fuse holder.
Check the OBD-II port and fuses
Check the power of the OBD-II port using a digital multimeter. Test the voltage on pins16 (power), 4 (chassis ground), and 5 (signal ground).
If the multimeter shows 0 volts then check for a blown fuse - often the OBD-II is fused on the auxiliary circuit ((they’re usually still called “cigarette” on the fuse diagram panel).
If OBD-II port and power receptacle fuse check out OK, then the cable or unit may need to be replaced.
Here is a good reference article on how to check car fuses with a multimeter.
Still having trouble?
Once you have carried out all these checks and the vehicle is still not reporting, it is time to contact support. They can perform further troubleshooting and book a technician if needed.
Ahead of your call to support, have the following information available:
Vehicle name and model
Date and time of last report (last known update on RAM Tracking)
Name of on site contact
Where to send an engineer (if necessary)
Still need help?