Step by Step set up

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So – you’re interested in safer, greener, cheaper driving that prevents speeding fines and you’ve bought GOFAR and want to set it up.  Read on!

Getting started

You’ll need the following:

  1. A connected iPhone or Android phone with Bluetooth
  2. Your car and car keys
  3. Your GOFAR box (and precious contents)

Step 1: Download the app

Visit the Google Play or the Apple App store and download the app.

Google Play Store

Step 2: Follow the instructions on the app to create your account

First you’ll need to create your account and then set up your car.  Allow 1 minute.

You’ll be asked if you want to allow GOFAR to access your location even when you are not using the app.  Rest assured we are only capturing location details when you are driving.

Most customers find this very useful but you can turn it off at any time in Settings.

Step 3: Next, set up your car

We have a database of 45,000+ compatible cars but if we’ve missed your car just pick a similar car for now and contact support@gofar.co so we can add your actual car to the database.  We appreciate your help with this.

Please be as accurate as you can especially on engine capacity and on fuel type.

We will be using this information to improve and customise our algorithms – (but if you’re a little out it won’t stop GOFAR from working).

Step 4: Now you’re ready to install GOFAR

Make sure you’ve got everything that came in the box, plus you’ll need to be in your car with a connected iPhone or iPad.

First you need to enter your dongle’s six digit PIN code into your phone.  The code is on the side of the dongle.

Next you plug the GOFAR dongle into your car’s “OBD port”.  This is easy as soon as you find the “OBD” port that the GOFAR dongle plugs into!

In most cars this is just below the steering wheel.  It’s always inside the car and must be within 90cm of the steering wheel.

Occasionally though it may be hidden behind a removable panel (in which case the solution may be a thin extension cable and you may want to ask support@gofar.co for advice).

If you haven’t found it after 1 minute, you may need to get on your hands and knees and check in the footwell by the pedals!

If you’re still scratching your head after 2 minutes try Google (search for “OBD port location” with your car make and model) or contact support@gofar.co and we’ll be happy to help!

16 pin car port

You’ll recognise the port because it has 16 “pins” and looks a bit old fashioned – rather like the back of an old video recorder.  But once, you’ve found it – just plug in the dongle like you would a USB connector or a phone charger.

Step 5: Connect your phone to the dongle

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your iPhone (or iPad) and follow the instructions to connect your phone to the dongle.

Step 6: Check for updates and pair your phone

Unlike most cars, GOFAR keeps on getting smarter, so when you first connect you’ll be prompted to download any essential updates.

As there may have been a lot of updates since your dongle was manufactured this can take up to 15 minutes.  Future updates will be much faster but it might be an opportunity to wash the car…

After the update, you’ll get a Pairing Request – accept that and you now have a Connected Car!

Step 7: Position the Ray

You can place Ray in a number of places (including on the steering column – as some of our early customers have suggested).

Ray works best in your peripheral vision, so work out what’s best for you and for your car.

We’ve included an alcohol wipe with GOFAR so you can clean the surface where Ray will go.  To stick Ray down you need to remove the red cover on the base of Ray to reveal the adhesive.

The sticker is an advanced adhesive from 3M and can be moved if you change your mind or removed without marking.  We’ve included a spare too just in case.

Next you need to connect the Ray and the dongle.  The end that looks like an L shaped headphone jack goes in the dongle.

The shaped end that looks like a little cup goes into the Ray – with the flat surface up top.  We recommend you use the cable ties that come with GOFAR to tie up any excess cable in the footwell.

To control and hide the cable you can also tuck it under rubber trim along your dash and the door jam (this video has some great tips).

Placing the Ray on the steering column is also the location that makes it easiest to totally hide the cable.

Your car is now connected and will start recording your trips, whilst it auto-calibrates.

You’ve done it all, but it still doesn’t work like you imagined? Go through the entire process one more time with the knowledgeable and patient people from GOFAR support team.

Chat online with them right now, or leave a message and they’ll message you back.

Danny Adams sitting in a chair with a laptop

Danny Adams

Co-founder of GOFAR and with a Computer Science background from Harvard University, and a Bachelor of Aerospace, Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (Honours), UNSW. I want to transform data from cars into useful services so -> drivers save time & money -> emissions fall -> Australian roads are safer. So we built an ATO-compliant logbook app called GOFAR. I write to help you understand how to use GOFAR to maximise business travel. Reach out via support@gofar.co.

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This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice from GOFAR. We recommend consulting with an independent legal, taxation, or financial expert to ensure the information is applicable to your specific situation. Please note that relevant regulations and laws may evolve over time.
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