A "Bracket" or "Bypass" style OBD Y Cable can be used to covertly install an OBDII "Plug & Play" tracking device into your vehicle while also leaving the port open for other devices or for access by a mechanic. The most significant benefit of installing the device becomes hidden, making it harder to locate by someone looking to remove the unit.
Ease of installation of the OBDII "Plug & Play" device using this Y Cable will vary based on the type of vehicle. See below for a couple of examples on how to utilize this cable.
Required Hardware
To complete the installation of the OBDII "Bracket" or "Bypass" Y Cable you will need the following items:
ClearPathGPS OBDII "Plug & Play" Tracking Device
OBDII Bracket Y Cable
Zip ties (at least 2 or 3)
Screw driver/allen wrench
Recommended Installation
The following instructions detail how to remove part of the vehicle's dashboard for optimal installation of the OBD Bracket Y Cable in the most discreet and secure position possible. The vehicle in the example below is a Toyota Tacoma.
Step 1
Locate the OBD Port; this will likely be visible to the left of the pedals. Location of the OBD port will determine which parts of the dash need to be removed, if any. For a more basic installation of the Bracket Y Cable, check out the section below
Step 2
Look for locations where the dash may be secured with screws. Remove the screw connections holding the dash in place.
Step 3
Firmly but gently, begin to pull off the dash to disconnect the 'clip connections' that also hold the dash to the frame.
Step 4
Once you have removed enough of the dashboard to access the OBDII port from behind and the areas above it, you can either disconnect some of the dash buttons to get more access or jump to Step 5.
Step 5
Pop out the existing OBDII connection by pinching the sides that clip onto the metal bracket or mount, and pull the cable up.
Step 6
Connect the middle portion of the OBDII Bracket Y Cable to the existing port as show below.
Step 7
Tuck and secure this away using zip ties either to other cables or the frame of the vehicle. Be sure the cable is not able to come loose and fall into a position that could interfere with normal operation of the vehicle.
Step 8
Next, take the end of the OBDII Bracket Y Cable that shows some of the wires exposed (this is normal to match the typical look of the existing OBD port) and push it into the vehicle's OBD 'Bracket' or 'Mount' where you removed the existing one from. In most cases, it will click into place and remain secure. Use zip ties if necessary.
Step 9
Use the remaining end of the OBDII Y Cable to connect your OBDII "Plug & Play" device. Then tuck the device as high as you can behind the dash and secure it with zip ties in a suitably hidden location.
Important: Be sure to note down the "Activation Code" (typically the IMEI or Serial Number of the tracking device) before hiding the unit or closing up the dash, you will need this to complete the ClearPathGPS "Text-to-Activate" process to upload information about your vehicle and verify it is operational. We recommended doing this now, before closing the dash back up.
Step 10
Reconnect any buttons of the dash that were disconnected, and then secure the dash in place by reconnecting the clip connections that attach the dash to the frame. Be sure to resecure any screws and make sure the dashboard is firmly in place.
Basic Installation
Locate the vehicle's OBD Port
Pop the OBD port out of its bracket (This might require undoing a screw)
Plug the Y Cable's single end firmly into the vehicle's OBD Port that you just popped out
Pop one of the empty ends of the Y cable back into the vehicle's OBD port bracket
Plug the OBD Tracker into the empty Y Cable end
Tuck the tracker securely up under the dash as high as possible. Secure with ties if able, you must ensure there is no risk of the cables interfering with the regular safe operation of the vehicle.