Why am I getting Odometer/Run Hours readings from engine on one asset and not getting on the other?
Even though two similar assets are equipped with the same telemetry device, the data collected may differ between them. This variation occurs due to several factors related to vehicle design, communication protocols, and data access restrictions.
Why Is Some Vehicle Data Unavailable?
When a Geotab GO9, GO9 RUGGED, or similar telematics device is installed, the information collected can vary between vehicles. Some measurements may be missing, reported differently, or updated less often.
This does not necessarily mean that the device is faulty. A telematics device can only collect information that the vehicle makes available through its diagnostic connection.
Although OBD-II is a common vehicle diagnostics standard, manufacturers do not provide every type of data in the same way. Vehicle design, software, configuration, and installation can all affect what information is available.
Common Reasons for Data Differences
1. Vehicle Make, Model, and Year
Data availability can vary by:
- Manufacturer and model
- Production year
- Engine or fuel type
- Trim level and optional equipment
- Regional specifications
- Vehicle software and control systems
Even two vehicles with the same model name may provide different information if they were manufactured in different years or have different engines, equipment, or software.
2. Differences in Vehicle Communication
Vehicles use different systems to send information through the diagnostic connection. The GO9 and GO9 RUGGED support several communication standards used across passenger vehicles, trucks, heavy equipment, and other assets.
However, supporting a communication standard does not guarantee that every vehicle will provide every measurement. Some vehicles may provide basic information, such as speed and engine RPM, but not more specialised data, such as fuel use, seat belt status, or engine hours.
3. Manufacturer Restrictions
Some information may exist within the vehicle but may not be made available to third-party devices.
Manufacturers may limit access for security, safety, regulatory, or commercial reasons. Newer vehicles may also use protected systems that prevent external devices from accessing certain information.
As a result, a workshop diagnostic tool may sometimes display information that is not continuously available to an installed telematics device.
4. Installation and Harness Selection
The installation method can affect the data collected. Depending on the vehicle, the device may require a specific harness, adapter, or connection point.
An incorrect or incomplete installation may result in:
- GPS data being available but engine data being missing
- Intermittent communication
- Incorrect ignition detection
- Access to only part of the vehicle’s information
The GO9 RUGGED is designed for demanding environments, including heavy equipment and agricultural machinery, but the correct harness and installation method are still essential.
5. Vehicle Modifications and Other Devices
Aftermarket equipment can change or interfere with the information provided by the vehicle. Examples include:
- Engine tuning
- Additional control systems
- Refrigeration or power take-off equipment
- Remote-start or alarm systems
- Other tracking or diagnostic devices
When investigating missing data, technicians should check whether other equipment is connected to the diagnostic port, vehicle network, or power supply.
6. Device Software and Compatibility
The telematics device must be able to recognise and translate the information sent by the vehicle. Device software updates may improve support for new vehicles, communication methods, or manufacturer-specific information.
Geotab GO devices can receive software updates remotely. However, an update cannot provide information that the vehicle does not transmit or allow the device to access.
7. Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles may provide information differently from petrol or diesel vehicles.
Measurements such as battery charge, charging status, energy use, and estimated range may be specific to the manufacturer. Availability should therefore be checked for the exact vehicle make, model, year, and configuration.
Is It a Compatibility Limitation or a Device Problem?
A compatibility limitation is more likely when:
- GPS and trip information are still available
- Only one or two vehicle measurements are missing
- Similar vehicles show the same limitation
- The missing information has never been reported
A device or installation issue is more likely when:
- All information stops suddenly
- The device repeatedly disconnects
- Previously available measurements disappear
- The issue starts after servicing or installation work
- Data is inconsistent or intermittent
Recommended Checks
When expected data is missing:
- Confirm the vehicle make, model, year, engine type, and VIN.
- Identify the exact measurement that is missing.
- Check whether the measurement was previously available.
- Confirm the device model, harness, and installation method.
- Check for aftermarket equipment or other connected devices.
- Compare the vehicle with another vehicle of the same year and configuration.
- Review the device’s communication and software status.
- Provide complete vehicle, device, and installation details when contacting support.
Conclusion
Identical telematics devices do not always collect identical information from different vehicles. Data availability depends on the vehicle’s design, manufacturer settings, communication system, installation, and device compatibility.
A missing measurement does not automatically mean that the GO9, GO9 RUGGED, or similar device is defective. The information may not be provided by the vehicle, may be protected by the manufacturer, or may require a different installation or connection method.
A structured review of the vehicle, device, harness, installation, and required measurement will help identify the cause and determine the appropriate next step.