Please note:
This guide is for ECM connections using a hardwired NaviLink device. If you're using a Bluetooth ECM connection device, then please instead try re-pairing the Bluetooth device to vehicle using the instructions in the back half of our installation guide.
Occasionally you may find that a tablet in your fleet is experiencing a diagnostic or malfunction event due to losing connection to the ECU/ECM on your vehicle.
This can be a simple fix, or indicative of a larger issue. The basic steps below will help you check for an issue and contains steps to quickly resolve minor problems.
Please note that at any time, if a screen comes up on the Navistream Tablet asking if you'd like Navistream to be used by default for the USB Accessory, please check the "remember" box and press the YES button.
Diagnosis
If you suspect an ECM connectivity problem, you can check the following to see if engine data is being reported:
Performance Summary
If a vehicle has lost its connection to the ECM entirely, this report will not populate for drivers. The data it uses comes solely from that connection.- Hours of Service Summary:
A driver’s daily log book includes entries for “ELD Events”. These are events that trigger for proper use of an ELD device and include entries for when the engine is turned on, turned off, or connectivity is lost to the ELD. If you see a lack of “Engine on”, “Engine off” or an abundance of the same events (usually 10 or more pairs per day) this could indicate a complete lack of connection or be symptomatic of an intermittent connection.
Long periods of time without a connection where data may be missing will also write “Diagnostic Started” or “Malfunction Started” events to this ELD Events section.
Cradle Tightness (if using a locking cradle)
The first thing to check on is if the cradle installed in the vehicle that holds the tablet is mounted correctly and set to the correct tightness.
Note: if you have a ‘Fixed cradle’ that doesn't have a locking mechanism and doesn't need the IntelliSkin or ProClip cases then you can skip this step.
- The RAM Locking Cradle needs to be set to a tightness setting of ‘8’. A document outlining how to set that tightness is located here:
http://navistream.stti.ca/en/support/solutions/articles/1000273050-how-to-tighten-the-ram-locking-cradle If you needed to make an adjustment, check to see if your connectivity is restored afterwards.
At this point, note if the tablet is charging or not. This information will be helpful in later steps.
Fully Secured (if using a ProClip cradle)
If you have one of our newer ProClip cradle setups, you'll want to make sure the tablet's ProClip Case is fully locked into the ProClip cradle.
Note: if you have a ‘Fixed cradle’ that doesn't have a locking mechanism and doesn't need the IntelliSkin or ProClip cases then you can skip this step.
- Detach the case from the cradle by pulling up on the release tab on the top of the tablet and sliding the tablet upwards, off of the cradle.
- While disconnected, make sure that the contacts on both sides of the case and cradle look to be in good repair. Wipe any dirt, dust or residue from the contacts.
- Place the case back down onto the cradle and push downwards until you hear and feel the case lock into position.
Direct Connection
Note: if you have a ‘Fixed cradle’ as mentioned in the step above, then you’re already connected in this manner and you can skip this step.
If tightening or resecuring the cradle did not help, then the next step is to bypass this hardware setup and directly connect the tablet to our NaviLink Gateway Module installed in the vehicle.
Locate the USB cable running from the dash panel that feeds into your cradle. It will be shrink-wrapped to another smaller USB cable that runs directly to the cradle
Remove the shrink-wrap from this connection and disconnect the USB cable attached to it.
Remove the tablet from the cradle and/or case.
If you're using an IntelliSkin and need to remove it from the tablet, please be careful not to damage it. Video instructions on proper removal can be found here:
http://navistream.stti.ca/en/support/solutions/articles/1000272714-how-do-i-remove-the-intelliskin-case-from-the-tablet-Connect a standard USB cable (one was likely supplied in the box your tablet came with) to the now open connection on the end of the USB cable coming out from under the dash.
If your tablet wasn't charging before, note if it’s charging now.
Turn the engine on and see if the information panel (icon in the very top-right) on the tablet shows that the ECM is connected.
Log into the tablet. On the Vehicle Configuration screen, click on the icon on the top right of the screen. This icon may appear as either a red triangle, or a yellow or white circle. This will bring you to the ELD Status screen.
- The screenshot below indicates that the currently connected tablet has a good charge and ECM connection. We know this because the battery icon shows a lightning bolt through it, indicating charging and because the third tile to the right says ECM: CONNECTED.
- The screenshot below indicates that the currently connected tablet is neither charging, nor has a good ECM connection. We know this because of the lack of a lightning bolt indicator on the battery icon and because the third tile to the right says ECM: DISCONNECTED.
- The screenshot below indicates that the currently connected tablet has a good charge and ECM connection. We know this because the battery icon shows a lightning bolt through it, indicating charging and because the third tile to the right says ECM: CONNECTED.
If the problem is that the connection is intermittent, try using the tablet for a day in this configuration to see if the connection improves. If the issue is resolved upon using a direct connection, contact support for help in replacing one or more parts.
Electrical Test
If the tablet is not charging after directly connecting, we’ll do some electrical tests:
Flex the cable slightly to see if charging starts and suddenly stops. This is indicative of a damaged USB cable and it will need to be replaced.
Try plugging in a different device to the USB cable coming from the dash. This is either a standard USB Micro-B or USB-C cable and a lot of other tablets and cell phones use this connection. If you have a device you can test here, please do so. If the device starts charging, then power is being passed through the cable.
If this different device charges fine, but your tablet does not, then try plugging the tablet into a wall charger. A Newer tablet may have been packaged with one in the box they were shipped in. A standard USB phone charger will also work.
If the tablet does not charge on the wall charger please contact support for help. A replacement tablet may be necessary.
If the tablet does charge while on the wall charger, then please check the electrical connections in the vehicle. Be sure to check for blown fuses. You may also need to open the dash panel to make sure the connections are secure.
Checking the NaviLink and Wiring Harness
If your fuses are fine and there is no electrical coming through the USB cable then we’ll need to make sure it and the device it’s connected to are connected properly and not damaged in any way.
Open up the dash panel and follow the USB cable to where it connects to our wiring harness. This cable screws into the wiring harness and if it’s not tight may be the source of the connection. Please ensure it’s screwed in as tightly as possible.
While here, check the other connections on the NaviLink. Our wiring harness is plugged into either the 6 or 9 pin diagnostic connector used for diagnostics and telematics systems, or may have a specific adapter plugged into another port on the truck. Make sure all connections are secured tightly.
Verify that this wiring harness is the correct harness for your vehicle. This information would have been provided to you during the purchase process. If you’re unsure, please contact support and ask.
Check that the large rectangular wiring block is tightly inserted into the NaviLink device and screwed in. If this is loose, tighten it.
Resetting the NaviLink
- Selecting the Home button on the tablet 7 times fast to display the Support screen. Select the Info tile.
- Then select 'Reset VGM'
- Check to see if there's now an ECM connection
Rebooting the NaviLink
If you are getting a charge from the cable but are still unable to get a connection to the ECM then please try rebooting the NaviLink. There are a few ways of doing this but we’ll outline the easiest or most common below:
Flipping the night switch
Pulling the battery
Disconnecting the NaviLink from its power source in some other method
Leave it disconnected for 30 seconds then plug it back in
If all else fails
Then please contact support for assistance. Let us know which steps you’ve done and where you’ve gotten to and we’ll be happy to assist you further.