Driveology FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OBD-II port?
The OBD-II port is the On-Board Diagnostics port provided in vehicles manufactured since 1996. This port is also known in the automotive service industry as a Data Link Connector (DLC). Service technicians typically connect diagnostic equipment to the OBD-II port in order to obtain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) useful for troubleshooting assorted vehicle issues. The device for programs powered by DriveSync is powered by this same port and utilizes some of the same engine DTC data for processing into reports on engine performance.
What does the OBD-II port look like?
When you enroll in Driveology, you will receive one of two available OBD-II port devices. Both devices are small, black and have either 5 or 16 pin slots.
Where is the OBD-II port located in my vehicle?
The port is most commonly found in the knee area near the steering column.
Typically, the OBD-II port is located under the dashboard.
I received my ODB-II device in the mail. How do I set it up?
- With your car parked in an open area with cellular network coverage, and your engine off, examine the underside of the dashboard for the OBD-II port. The location of the OBD-II port can vary with each vehicle, but it is most commonly found in the knee area near the steering column.
- Carefully align the OBD-II device to your vehicle’s OBD-II port. Slide firmly into place and fully secure it without twisting or forcing.
- Once in place, wait one minute before turning on the ignition.
Will the OBD-II device obstruct my leg movement in the vehicle?
The device plugs into your OBD-II port with no additional wiring or connections. It is designed to fit snugly along the underside of your dashboard without obstruction.
Can the OBD-II device drain my battery?
After vehicle ignition is turned off, connected electronic devices typically remain active and cause the voltage of the vehicle battery to gradually drop over time. The rate of this voltage decline depends on the condition of the battery; the weaker the battery, the faster the decline. A range of safeguards in the device help prevent unnecessary draw on your vehicle battery.
What do the LED lights on my OBD-II device mean?
The LED lights on your device are either located on the opposite side of the barcode or under the barcode. The lights indicate the current operating status of your device. Dependent on the model of device being used, different lights may be present at different times during vehicle operation.
What if the LED lights on my OBD-II device are always off?
Ensure that the device is fully plugged into the OBD-II port. If the green LED is still off while the vehicle ignition is on, please contact the Customer Contact Center at 1-866-399-3237 or via the “Feedback” link in your mobile app.
What should I do if I lose my device?
Please contact the Customer Contact Center at 1-866-399-3237 or via the “Feedback” link in your mobile app.
Why are my OnStar diagnostic tests not working?
In certain newer GM vehicles, drivers with an OnStar Safe and Sound subscription may receive an automated email notification indicating the following:
"We were unable to successfully complete a diagnostic test. This issue may be caused by an aftermarket device plugged into your vehicle’s diagnostic report (OBD-II). If an indicator light is lit on your dashboard, push your blue OnStar button."
Pushing the blue OnStar button runs the diagnostic test manually. Be assured that we are working together with GM and OnStar to resolve this issue and have confirmed no other related performance problems. Meanwhile, OnStar subscribers may wish to manually request the OnStar diagnostic test and report.
Does the application work on tablets?
The application is optimized and targeted for smartphones. It might work on tablets, but they are not supported devices.
My trip shows the vehicle in a different location than where I parked…why?
When a vehicle is in a position with very poor reception, the device may experience a situation known as "GPS Drift" wherein the satellite is unable to fix on the exact location of the device. This can happen in long tunnels, dense downtown areas with tall buildings, within a concrete or very solid structure (like the brick blocks that many car washes are made of) or even in very rural areas where a signal isn’t good.
I moved my car a very short distance and got a very low trip score. Will this hurt my discount?
Very short trips, like moving a car from a driveway to garage, tend to have very low scores for smoothness. If short trips make up a significant portion of the miles you drive, that could have a negative impact on your discount. But don’t worry – the occasional short trip is normal, has very little impact on your overall score and is unlikely to affect your discount.
How do I set up notifications?
Click on the menu icon in the upper left corner, select settings. Ensure the toggle is pushed to the right.
How do I set my alerts?
Click on the menu icon in the upper left corner, select settings
Notifications:
If the user wishes to receive notifications at the end of a trip:
- iOS users, push the toggle to the right
- Android users, check the box
Select Driving Alerts:
All Alerts
Push the All alerts toggle to the right if the user wishes to receive notifications.
Driving Event Alerts
The user can customize the severity for each driving alert: low, medium to high.
Speed can be set between 55-80.
Late Night Driving Alerts
Push Late Night Driving alerts toggle to the right if the user wishes to set this alert.
Geofence Alert
The user can set a boundary on the map if they wish to receive notifications when a GeoFence has been crossed.
If the user wishes to receive notifications for GeoFence, ensure the toggle is pushed to the right.
To set the GeoFence, click on Create GeoFence, then select the area on the map.
Preferences
If the user wishes to add preferred locations, such as home, work, gym, school, church, etc. click on Your Locations.
The user can set the location by either entering the address or clicking on the map.
Click Save in the upper right corner.
How do I invite others to the APP?
Click on the menu icon in the upper left corner, select My Family.
Click and complete the information for the new user. The email address must be a different address than the primary user. Select the vehicle(s) for which the user will be invited to see the driving events in the APP.
How do I designate a trip(s) as business use?
When in the Logbook, click on the trip that will be designated as business use. Select edit in the upper right corner, change to business. Click done. Repeat for each trip that will be marked as business.
How can I see all of my business or personal trips?
Click on the menu icon in the upper left corner, select Logbook. Click on Filter. The user can enter in the specific data you wish to see.
How can I view all of my alerts?
Click on the menu icon in the upper left corner, select Logbook. Click on Filter. You can then enter in the specific data you wish to see.