Support: Livewire Dash GPS Vehicle Tracker Manual, Wiring Guide, and FAQs

Livewire Dash is a cutting-edge hardwired GPS vehicle tracker designed for those who need continuous, reliable location data with added convenience and discreet monitoring. Installed directly into your vehicle's electrical system, the Livewire Dash ensures uninterrupted power and real-time tracking updates. Its advanced features include precise GPS tracking, geofencing, instant alerts, and detailed trip reports, making it ideal for fleet management, personal vehicle monitoring, and theft prevention.

Quick Start Guide

Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth installation and setup process.

Step 1: Install the Wiring Harness and Connect the Tracker

  1. Preparation: Gather the necessary tools for installation. If you're not confident in your ability to install the device, we strongly recommend contacting a local mechanic or car stereo/alarm installer.
  2. Installation: Refer to the installation diagram provided in your package. Connect the wiring harness to the tracker and secure it properly in your vehicle.

Step 2: Positioning the Tracker

  1. Optimal Placement: Place the tracker in an area of your vehicle with minimal metal obstruction to ensure the best GPS signal. Typically, under the dashboard or near the rearview mirror are good spots.
  2. Orientation: Ensure the side with the lights is facing down. This helps with signal reception and performance.

Step 3: Test Drive

  1. Initial Test: After installing the tracker, take your vehicle for a 20-30 minute test drive. This allows the Livewire to establish a stable GPS connection.
  2. Observation: Monitor the tracker during this period to ensure it is working correctly.

Step 4: Log In

  1. Email Notification: Check your email for a message with the subject "Important: Your Password for GPS Login". This email contains your login credentials.
  2. Accessing Your Account: Visit https://www.brickhousesecurity.com/.
  3. Download the BrickHouse Locate GPS App for convenient mobile access.

Download User Manual


Livewire Dash Wiring Guide


FAQs

Having trouble logging in? Can't find the email containing your username and password?

Please go to Locate.BrickHouseSecurity.com and click "Forgot your password?". Enter your email and username, which is your email address, then click Reset Password. A password reset link will be sent to you. Check your email and follow the instructions to reset your password and log in.

How do I track on a mobile device?

You can track the device using the BrickHouse Locate GPS app available for iOS and Android devices. Download it on the App Store or get it on Google Play for free.

When I log in, I don’t see my device. Why?

Your device may not have established a GPS connection yet. Make sure to test drive your vehicle after having the Livewire installed.

  • If the unit is still not showing on the map after your test drive, turn the vehicle on to power the device and check the LED indicators on the Livewire. When turned on the GPS Light (RED) should begin to flash followed by the Cell Light (GREEN). The GPS Light will turn solid once a GPS signal is located. The Cell Light will slow down but remain flashing once it has connected to the cellular network.
  • If no LED lights display on the device, it may not be getting any power. Confirm that the tracker was wired correctly during installation.
  • If the GPS light continues to flash and does not turn solid your device may be experiencing a problem connecting to GPS.
  • Confirm the tracker was wired correctly during installation.
  • Try repositioning the device to see if the current placement is causing the problem. Make sure the device is facing down and with as little metallic obstruction around it as possible.
  • If the Cell Light turns solid, your device may be experiencing a problem connecting to the cellular network or there may be an issue with the device’s SIM card. Please call our support team so we can further investigate.
  • If the LED lights are behaving correctly, go for another test drive. If the unit is still not showing on the map after your test drive, please call or email our tech support team.

How do I update my billing information for service?

Visit my.brickhousesecurity.com to set up an account or log in to your existing account. Here you can manage your payment method for your GPS service

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Device LED Description

After installation, take the vehicle for a 15–20 minute drive to allow the device to register on the GPS network and begin reporting.
The Livewire Dash is motion-activated, meaning it only communicates with the platform when movement is detected.

LED Color

Location

Behavior

Description

Red

Label Side

Flashing

The device is searching for a GPS signal.

Red

Label Side

Solid

A GPS signal has been successfully acquired.

Green

Label Side

Flashing Rapidly

The device is searching for a cellular network.

Green

Label Side

Flashing Slowly

The device is connected to the cellular network.

Green

Back Panel

Solid (Approx. 30 seconds at ignition)

Normal startup behavior while the processor initializes. Some flickers may occur initially.

Green

Back Panel

Solid (Extended beyond startup)

This may indicate an issue, as the LED should not remain solid beyond the initial power-up.


Appendix: Installation Instructions for Ignition Cutoff 

Introduction

The ignition cutoff feature in a GPS tracker offers incredible control, but its effectiveness depends on how it’s installed. Proper installation ensures your vehicle’s ignition system is connected to the tracker correctly, allowing it to detect when the engine is running and safely activate the cutoff only when the car is stationary.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through what goes into a proper ignition cutoff installation and why professional expertise is often the best choice.

basics-of-ignition-cutoff-and-remote-kill-switch-installation.jpg

1. The Basics of Ignition Cutoff Installation

 What Does the Ignition Cutoff Feature Do?

Before diving into the details, let’s review the purpose: the ignition cutoff feature interrupts the vehicle’s ignition or fuel system to stop the engine from running. This involves connecting the GPS tracker to:

  • The ignition wire: To detect when the car is running.
  • A relay: To enable or disable the engine safely.

2. Tools and Expertise Required

install a gps tracker with ignition cutoff Livewire Dash GPS Vehicle Trackerinstall a gps tracker with ignition cutoff

Proper installation requires specialized tools and knowledge of vehicle wiring. Here’s what a professional technician typically uses:

  • Livewire Dash or Livewire Pro
  • Livewire Relay (or suitable relay)
  • Multimeter or Circuit Tester: To identify the correct ignition wire.
  • Vehicle Wiring Diagrams: Specific to the make and model of the vehicle.
  • Splice Connectors and Relays: To create a reliable and reversible connection.
  • (optional but strongly recommended) Vehicle fuses

3. Understand the Risks before Installation

General Warnings and Guidance:

  • Legal Restrictions: The use of the ignition cutoff feature may be subject to local laws and regulations. You should check and comply with any applicable laws regarding disabling vehicle functions.
  • Insurance Implications: Check with your insurance provider to understand how installing and using an ignition cutoff feature might affect their insurance coverage. Some insurers may have specific requirements or restrictions.
  • Emergency Situations: Using the ignition cutoff feature could be problematic in emergency situations where the vehicle needs to be moved quickly (e.g., fire, flood, medical emergency). You must consider these scenarios and have contingency plans.
  • Data Privacy: Standard BrickHouse Security data privacy policy applies.
  • System Maintenance: Installed GPS trackers and ignition cutoff system require periodic maintenance and checks. This includes ensuring the device is functioning correctly, the wiring is secure, and the software is up to date.
  • Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, moisture, or physical damage can affect the performance of the GPS tracker and ignition cutoff system. Proper precautions should be taken to protect the device.
  • Compatibility: Not all systems work with all vehicles, especially those with advanced electronic systems. BrickHouse Security ABSOLUTELY STRONGLY RECOMMENDS contacting a CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL installation provider AND YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR DEALERSHIP prior to installation.
  • Battery Drain: Wired GPS trackers draw power from the vehicle's battery. If the vehicle is not driven regularly, the tracker could drain the battery. It is strongly advised to consider battery maintenance prior to installing a wired GPS tracker and/or the ignition cutoff feature.
  • Customer Support: For any questions, contact BrickHouse Security support: 1 (800) 654-7966

Installation Specific Warnings and Guidance:

  • Disconnect Battery: It is strongly advised to disconnect the vehicle's battery before starting any wiring work to prevent electrical shocks and damage to the vehicle's electrical system.
  • Wire Identification: It is critical to correctly identify the ignition and starter wires. Using the wrong wires can lead to system malfunctions, damage and/or serious injury.
  • Secure Connections: It is essential that the wire connections are made secure and reliable. Loose or poorly made connections can cause intermittent failures and pose safety risks.
  • Professional Tools: Using professional-grade tools for installation, such as wire strippers, crimpers, and multimeters is highly advised. Using improper tools can lead to damage or unsafe connections.
  • Documentation: Take photos and make notes during the installation process. This can be helpful for troubleshooting or future maintenance.
  • Avoid Shortcuts: DO NOT TAKE SHORTCUTS during installation. Rushing or skipping steps can compromise the safety and reliability of the system as well as risk serious injury.
  • Fuse Protection: It is strongly recommended to add a fuse to the wiring to protect the system from overcurrent. This can prevent damage in case of a short circuit. Again, it is strongly advised to contact a CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL installation provider for installation.

4. Step-by-Step Installation Process

DANGER WARNING: Improper identification and connection of the ignition and starter wires pose an IMMINENT RISK of SEVERE INJURY or DEATH during installation and/or vehicle operation. DO NOT ATTEMPT this installation without PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE. BrickHouse Security STRONGLY RECOMMENDS utilizing a CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL installation provider to perform the ignition cutoff feature installation. Failure to do so could lead to catastrophic consequences.

CRITICAL WARRANTY NOTICE: Installing this ignition cutoff feature MAY VOID YOUR VEHICLE'S WARRANTY. Before proceeding, CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR VEHICLE'S WARRANTY DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND LEASE AGREEMENT (IF APPLICABLE). YOU MUST CONSULT WITH YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE IF INSTALLATION WILL AFFECT YOUR WARRANTY. BrickHouse Security ABSOLUTELY STRONGLY RECOMMENDS contacting a CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL installation provider AND YOUR VEHICLE MANUFACTURER OR DEALERSHIP prior to installation. Failure to do so may result in the loss of your vehicle's warranty coverage.

 

Refer to the wiring diagram below when following these instructions.

Step 1: Locate a Ground Point

  • Use your vehicle’s wiring diagram to identify a ground point or bolt. These are often found:

    • Under the dashboard on the driver’s side
    • Near the kick panel or fuse box
    • On the metal parts of the chassis behind the panels
  • Test with a multimeter to ensure the ground point shows continuity with the battery’s negative terminal (with 0 Ohm resistance).

Step 2: Locate the Vehicle Power Wire

  • Use your vehicle’s wiring diagram to identify the power wire. Alternatively, use a multimeter to find the wire that always delivers power (+8 to +32V).
  • CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you connect the vehicle's power wire to the battery's negative terminal or to the vehicle's chassis. Doing so will create a DIRECT SHORT CIRCUIT, potentially causing sparks, fire, damage to your vehicle's electrical system, and/or SERIOUS INJURY. Always connect the vehicle power wire to the designated positive power source as indicated in your vehicle's wiring diagram or as determined by a certified professional using a multimeter.

Step 3: Locate the Vehicle Ignition Wire

  • The ignition wire signals that your vehicle is running and is powered for the duration that your vehicle is running. It is usually located under the steering column.
  • To locate the ignition wire, refer to your vehicle’s wiring diagram or to identify the ignition wire. Alternatively, Use a multimeter to find the wire that delivers power (12V) only when the engine is running. This is the vehicle ignition wire and the key to ensuring the tracker knows the vehicle status.

Step 4: Locate the Vehicle Starter Wire

  • Unlike the ignition wire, the starter wire is only powered briefly when the engine is being cranked to start. The starter wire is usually a thick-gauge wire (to carry high current) and typically located under the steering column.
  • Use your vehicle’s wiring diagram to identify the starter wire. Alternatively, use a multimeter to find the wire that delivers power (12V) only when the engine is being cranked to start and stops power once the engine has been started.

Step 5: Disconnect Battery Terminals

  • Before proceeding with any relay installation, ensure the vehicle is completely turned off and the ignition is in the 'off' position. For your safety and to prevent potential damage to the vehicle's electrical system, disconnect both the positive (+) and negative (-) battery terminals. 
  • Wait at least 5 minutes after disconnecting the battery to allow any residual electrical charge to dissipate before beginning work.

Step 6: Connect the Relay to the Vehicle

  • To integrate the ignition cutoff relay into the vehicle's starter circuit, the starter wire must be interrupted. Then, make the following connections:
  • Connect relay pin 87a to the section of the cut starter wire leading to the starter motor.
  • Connect relay pin 30 to the section of the cut starter wire leading back to the ignition switch.
  • Connect relay pin 86 to the vehicle's constant power source (+8 to +32V), as previously identified.

Step 7: Connect the GPS Tracker

  • Use a T-tap or splice connector to safely tap into the ignition wire without cutting it entirely. 
  • Connect the Ignition Input Wire on the GPS Tracker to the ignition wire.
    • On the Livewire Dash, the Ignition Input Wire is the WHITE wire at PIN #4. 
    • On the Livewire Pro, the Ignition Input Wire is the WHITE wire at PIN #3.
  • Connect Output 2 on the GPS Tracker to pin 85 of the relay.

    • On the Livewire Dash, the Output 2 wire is the GREEN wire at PIN #6.
    • On the Livewire Pro, the Output 2 wire is the GRAY wire at PIN #8.
  • Connect the Power Wire on the GPS Tracker to the vehicle power wire.

    • On the Livewire Dash, the Power Wire is the RED wire at PIN #3.
    • On the Livewire Pro, the Power Wire is the RED wire at PIN #11.
  • Connect the Ground Wire on the GPS Tracker to the Vehicle Chassis or Battery Negative.

    • On the Livewire Dash, the Power Wire is the BLACK wire at PIN #7.
    • On the Livewire Pro, the Power Wire is the BLACK wire at PIN #6.

Step 6: Final Verification and System Testing

  • Conduct a thorough inspection of all wiring connections. Ensure they are secure, free of any exposed wiring, and properly insulated to prevent short circuits.
  • Neatly organize all wiring and use zip ties or appropriate fasteners to secure them in place. This prevents movement, chafing, and potential damage.
  • Carefully reconnect the vehicle's battery terminals, ensuring they are tightened securely.
  • Perform a comprehensive test of the ignition cutoff system using the following procedure:
    • Start the vehicle normally.
    • Using the GPS tracking platform, issue the Ignition Cutoff command and wait for 30 seconds to allow the command to propagate.
    • The vehicle should continue to operate normally until the ignition is switched to the "OFF" position.
    • Attempt to restart the vehicle. The ignition should be disabled, preventing the vehicle from starting.
    • In the platform, issue the Ignition Restore command and wait for 30 seconds.
    • Attempt to start the vehicle again. The vehicle should now start normally, indicating the ignition system has been restored.
    • Verify that the GPS tracking platform accurately reflects the ignition status (ON/OFF) throughout the testing process.

5. Why Professional Installation Is the Best Option

why-professional-installation-is-the-best-option.jpg

  • Avoid Costly Mistakes: Professionals ensure the tracker won’t interfere with other vehicle systems.
  • Modern Vehicles Are Complex: Trained technicians know how to navigate advanced wiring systems.
  • Safety First: Proper installation ensures the cutoff feature doesn’t accidentally disable the engine while the vehicle is moving.

Conclusion: Professional Installation Strongly Recommended

A professional installer ensures your system works flawlessly and safely.


Thank you for choosing BrickHouse Security for your GPS tracking solutions. We are committed to providing you with reliable service and support.

If you require further assistance or have any questions regarding our products or services, please don’t hesitate to contact us through any of the following methods:

Our support team is here to help ensure you get the most out of your GPS tracking experience.

Mar 4th 2024