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RouteMate Help Center

ELD Connection Status

Your ELD (Electronic Logging Device) is the hardware in your truck that talks to the RouteMate app over Bluetooth. The connection status indicator on your dashboard tells you at a glance whether the ELD is connected and sending data.

Where to See the ELD Connection Indicator

Section titled “Where to See the ELD Connection Indicator”

The ELD connection status is displayed on your home screen dashboard, typically near the top of the screen or alongside your vehicle information. Look for a small icon or badge that shows the connection state. You can also view detailed ELD information by going to Menu > ELD Info.

Connected vs. Disconnected States

Section titled “Connected vs. Disconnected States”
StateWhat It Looks LikeWhat It Means
ConnectedGreen icon / “Connected” labelThe ELD is paired and actively sending data to the app. Everything is working normally.
DisconnectedRed or gray icon / “Disconnected” labelThe app cannot communicate with the ELD. Data is not flowing from the device.

When the ELD is connected, a small indicator may also show the signal strength or data activity, confirming that real-time information is being received.

What Data the ELD Provides

Section titled “What Data the ELD Provides”

When your ELD is connected, it streams the following information to the RouteMate app in real time:

  • Vehicle speed — Used to detect driving status and displayed on your dashboard.
  • Odometer reading — The vehicle’s current mileage, recorded with each log entry for accurate distance tracking.
  • Engine hours — The total engine run time, used to verify driving and on-duty time.
  • GPS coordinates — Your current latitude and longitude, recorded with every duty status change and at regular intervals while driving.
  • Engine on/off status — Helps the app know when the vehicle is running, even if it is not moving.
  • Vehicle motion status — Tells the app whether the truck is in motion, which triggers automatic driving status changes.

Note: All of this data is required by FMCSA regulations and is stored in your electronic logs. It is used to verify the accuracy of your Hours of Service records.

Firmware Update Notifications

Section titled “Firmware Update Notifications”

Occasionally, your ELD device may need a firmware update. When a new firmware version is available:

  1. You will see a notification in the app informing you that a firmware update is ready.
  2. The update can only be installed while the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running (the ELD needs power during the update).
  3. Tap the notification or go to Menu > ELD Info to start the update.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The update usually takes a few minutes.
  5. Do not turn off the engine, close the app, or move the vehicle during the update.
  6. Once the update is complete, the ELD will reconnect automatically.

Tip: Install firmware updates as soon as they are available. Updates often include compliance improvements, bug fixes, and better connectivity. Your fleet manager may also require you to stay on the latest firmware version.

What to Do If the ELD Disconnects

Section titled “What to Do If the ELD Disconnects”

If you notice that the ELD indicator shows a disconnected state, here is what to do:

  1. Stay calm. A brief disconnection is not uncommon and the app will try to reconnect automatically.
  2. Check Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is still turned on in your phone’s settings.
  3. Check your distance. Make sure your phone is within Bluetooth range of the ELD device (usually within 30 feet / 10 meters). If your phone is in your pocket and you have stepped away from the truck, the connection may drop.
  4. Restart the app. Close the RouteMate app completely and reopen it. The app will attempt to reconnect.
  5. Toggle Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth off and back on in your phone’s settings.
  6. Restart your phone. If none of the above works, restart your phone and reopen the app.

If the ELD remains disconnected for an extended period:

  • Your driving time may not be recorded automatically. You will need to manually log your driving status.
  • An ELD malfunction may need to be reported. Notify your fleet manager and follow your company’s ELD malfunction procedure.
  • FMCSA regulations require that you note the malfunction on your daily log and reconstruct your records on paper or in the app for the duration of the malfunction.

Note: Under FMCSA rules, if your ELD malfunctions, you must notify your carrier within 24 hours and reconstruct your driving records for the current 24-hour period and the previous 7 consecutive days. Your carrier then has 8 days to get the ELD repaired or replaced.

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