Geotab - Device Troubleshooting

Geotab - Device Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Guide for GO Devices

Hardware-related issues

If the issue is hardware-related, follow these steps:

1

    Record the information of any hardware that is currently in use:

    • GO device serial number (12 characters, visible on the device, starts with G);
    • Auxiliary hardware connections (e.g. IOX-AUX, T-Harness, third-party accessories, etc.); and
    • Make, model, year, and VIN of the vehicle in which the hardware is installed.

2

    Check for connectivity and installation issues:

    • Review the Asset page in your Geotab, where known reasons for device not communicating are displayed, if applicable. For example:

     


    If the reason for not communicating is Unknown Reason, follow these steps:
    • Is the device (s) accessible physically?
    • Check to ensure the device is securely mounted and installed according to instructions. Is it loose or missing a zip tie?
    • Power cycle the device by removing it from the diagnostic port or harness, then reinserting it. Does the issue persist? Take note of which GO device lights are on.
    • If multiple components are connected to the asset (e.g. IOX expander), unplug all devices except the GO device. Plug each device back in, one at a time, to determine which device is causing the problem (i.e. does the problem occur after a specific device is plugged in?).
    • Install the device in a second asset — ideally, an asset with functioning hardware. Does the issue persist? Take note of which GO device lights are on. Installing the device in a second asset can help Geotab Support accurately diagnose the issue.


     NOTE: Regardless of hardware issues, always make sure you have checked each and every connection — including harnesses and/or the IOX, if applicable. The vast majority of issues result from insecure connections.


GO device LED definitions

On initial power-up, all three LEDs on the GO device will flash once in unison, indicating that the device is receiving power. If none of the LEDs flash, this is an indicator that the device is not powered on.

After the initial flash, the Green LED will briefly turn solid, indicating that the modem is connected to our servers. The blue LED will also briefly turn solid, indicating that the GPS is working. Both LEDs will eventually shut down if ignition is turned off.

Once ignition is turned on, the following common light sequences indicate an issue: no lights, red only, red and blue only (most common), or red and green only.

GO device troubleshooting matrix

Issue

Symptom

Possible causes

Troubleshooting

Installation or power issues

Device falls out of port or device rattles/moves while driving.

Device not fully inserted or not properly secured with zip tie.

Reinstall the device and use a zip tie to ensure secure and proper installation.

No LEDs are on.

No power from OBDII/JBUS power supply.

Check Engine Faults report for power-related issues. Refer to the power issues section.

Low vehicle battery.

Reinstall device in a different asset with a functioning harness to reproduce the issue. Open support ticket if issue persists.

Device or harness not fully inserted.

Reinstall the device and use a zip tie to ensure secure and proper installation.

Device unplugged.

Water damage or heat exposure.

Replace device.

Faulty GO device.

Reinstall the device in a different asset with a functioning harness to determine if the same issue(s) persists. Log support ticket if issue persists.

Faulty harness.

Plug the device directly into the diagnostic port or replace the harness with a functioning harness. Log support ticket if issue persists.

Unauthorized Device Removal Exception.

Unplugged device.

Reinstall the device and use a zip tie to ensure secure and proper installation.

Battery Drain Exception (Low power supply).

No power from OBDII/JBUS power supply.

Check Engine Faults report for power-related issues. Refer to the power issues section.

Low vehicle battery.

GPS Issues

Blue LED is off (Red LED is on).

Asset has an obstructed view of the sky.

Move the asset to another location. Log support ticket if issue persists.

Device is surrounded by metal.

Move the device to another location. Log support ticket if issue persists.

Lead/metallic filaments in window tint (very rare).

Carrier Issues

Green LED is off (Red LED is on).

Poor or no data coverage.

Refer to the troubleshooting steps in the connectivity issues section. Log support ticket if issue persists.

Device appears frozen on the map and assets appear black and gray.

Billing issue due to a suspended or canceled account.

Server Issues

Device appears frozen on the map and the assets retain designated colors.

Service outage.

Wait for the server to come online.

Server maintenance.

Physical Issues

Rust/water stains or discoloration.

Water damage.

Replace device.

Device case appears melted.

Heat exposure.

Replace device.

 

Proper GO device installation

The images below display proper installation of the GO device. For proper installation, ensure there is no gap between the device and the port, then secure the connection with a zip tie.

Incorrect Installation

Correct Installation

 

 

 

 

 

Diagnostic flow clock for GO devices

✱ NOTE: The installation process for the GO9 device is different from previous GO devices and requires separate troubleshooting steps for the initial installation. The GO9 device initial installation is complete when the device is configured and the firmware has updated, i.e. the device displays a solid red LED and beeps 10 times. After the initial GO9 device installation, follow the GO device (GO9 or older) Troubleshooting Steps above to troubleshoot.