Q: Maps says "Connection Issue" and "We haven't received data recently" about my asset. What does this mean?
This notice only displays for the V4 family of GPS units.
Maps displays these notifications if Zonar received a disconnection warning from the GPS unit and no further data. This indicates that the GPS unit has lost power due to one of the following reasons:
- The GPS unit has been disconnected from the vehicle.
- The vehicle battery can no longer supply sufficient voltage to power the GPS unit.
- The vehicle has a master kill switch which cuts power to the GPS unit.
Physical inspection and maintenance of the GPS unit may be required. The notification clears when power is restored to the GPS unit and it can communicate with Zonar again.
Q: How can I get proper power while my vehicle is on if I have a Light Duty cable connected to my GPS Unit?
A: Verify that your vehicle is OBDII compliant. There must be a sticker present near the OBDII connector stating that the vehicle is OBDII compliant. If this sticker is not present, the Light Duty cable will not work properly even though it may fit into the connector. When initially connecting your GPS Unit with the Light Duty cable, ensure proper functionality by using the following steps:
- Start the vehicle and allow it to run for a few minutes.
- Plug in the Light Duty dongle to the OBDII port.
- Plug in the 10-pin, 8-pin, and then the 4-pin connector to the GPS Unit.
Q: What happens if the vehicle is in a poor cellular coverage area?
A: When the vehicle is in an area with poor cellular coverage, the GPS Unit will enter store and forward mode, storing the data until it can reconnect to the cellular network.
Once the GPS Unit is able to connect to a cellular network, it will upload the stored data and the information will be available on Ground Traffic Control for viewing. This includes any inspection data that may be stored on the GPS Unit, 2010, or tablets.
Q: Where is the optimal location to install the GPS Unit?
A: The ideal place for a GPS Unit is on top or directly underneath the dash where it has a clear view of the sky. You can install it in a hidden location but may need to use an external Zonar GPS antenna for better performance. Avoid installing the GPS Unit in a place where metal obstructs the GPS Unit’s direct path to the sky.
Note: Vertical windshields do not provide a clear view of the sky.
Q: What are “Cold Start” events?
A: If a GPS Unit loses constant power (8-30VDC) it will generate a “Cold Start” event when it has regained constant power. When a GPS Unit is plugged in for the first time, it will record a “Cold Start” event.
Frequent “Cold Starts” typically indicate a loose or damaged connection on the red constant power or black ground wire. If there are frequent “Cold Starts” with a 9-pin or OBDII connection, there is likely a loose connector at the 9-pin, OBDII port, or the back of the GPS Unit.
Q: Why does my asset have an updated phone home, but no position?
A: The position date is reflective of the last time the vehicle registered an ignition power on/off event. There are a few reasons why your asset would have an updated phone home but not an updated position:
- The vehicle has not recently been powered on.
- If the vehicle is currently under cover (under a tree, in a parking garage, etc.) then the surroundings may interfere with the signal. Move the vehicle out into the open.
- The GPS Unit is unable to register ignition signal from the vehicle. Verify Installation: Your GPS Unit may be getting constant power, but not an ignition signal. Perform a System Check. For how to perform a System Check, see the V4 User Manual & Installation Guide.
Q: How do I reset a GPS Unit?
A: Unplug the 4-pin connector (located on the back of the GPS Unit) and wait at least 30 seconds before reconnecting.
Q: How can I see if my GPS Unit is phoning home?
A: Your GPS Unit will phone home every four hours. It will check our networks for updates and upload any information it may have. Look in Ground Traffic Control at the GPS Units or GPS Unit Health report to see if it has phoned home or updated its location recently. We advise troubleshooting any unit that has not phoned home in over 24 hours.
Q: Why can’t I find my GPS Unit in Ground Traffic Control and assign it to an asset?
A: If your GPS unit is installed in a vehicle, powered on, and not assigned to an asset, it will automatically create a new asset with the GPS Unit assigned to it to prevent loss of data.
This asset is called an auto-created asset. If an asset is auto-created for a GPS Unit, the asset will be set to inactive and named “AUTO GPSSN XXXXXXXX.” If this is a new vehicle, you can update the auto created asset’s data (asset name, asset type, etc.) and make it active as a new asset in Ground Traffic Control.
If the GPS Unit is installed in a vehicle that already exists in Ground Traffic Control, you can remove the GPS Unit assigned to the asset and select “save and clear basket,” and then assign the GPS Unit to the correct asset. To prevent Ground Traffic Control from generating an auto-created asset, assign your GPS Unit to its intended asset before turning it on.
Q: My GPS Unit has power and will send EVIRs, but is not generating any path data.
There are four possible causes of this issue. Follow the steps under each one to resolve the problem.
- The engine is not running or the required GPS LEDs are not solid green while the engine is running.
Solution: Start the engine and check the GPS LEDs. If not all LEDs (status, GSM/Cellular, GPS) are lit, call Zonar (877-843-3847). - The GPS power/data cable was not connected in proper sequence.
Solution: The 4-pin power connector at the back of the GPS Unit should be the first cable disconnected and the last cable connected to the GPS Unit. With the engine off, disconnect the 4-pin power cable at the back of the GPS Unit and wait 30 seconds before reconnecting the 4-pin connector. Start the engine and ensure that the Status, Cellular/GSM, and GPS LEDs all turn solid in color.
Light Duty (OBDII) cable: In addition to the above steps, start the engine and remove the OBDII connector from the vehicle. Wait 30 seconds before reconnecting the OBDII connector. - The vehicle is moving too slow or is stationary for long periods of time.
Solution: Drive the vehicle faster than 3 MPH. Zonar GPS Units do not detect motion change states under 3 MPH. - A new, refurbished, RMA, or replacement GPS Unit that does not have a JBus connection has recently been installed in the vehicle.
Solution: Move the vehicle at least 100 feet at a speed greater than 4 MPH to satisfy the initial minimum speed and distance requirement. If it is not possible to move the vehicle the minimum speed and distance, call Zonar Customer Care (877-843-3847).
Q: Why does my asset's path data show constant Power On and Power Off events?
A: There are several possibilities depending on how the Zonar GPS unit is wired into the vehicle:
- If the GPS unit is connected to the ECM, the ECM may be providing bad data to the unit.
- If the GPS unit is connected via white wire to ignition power, the connection may be loose.
- If the GPS unit is connected via white wire to the R Terminal of the vehicle's alternator, this behavior is a natural consequence. It can be remedied by installing Zonar's R Terminal adapter (p/n 81303).
- Connects to white wire on main harness
- Connects to chassis ground
- Connects to R Terminal