Sometimes drivers don’t want to have a GPS tracker on their car: for whatever reasons, you might not want your car to be tracked. Thankfully, it’s it’s very easy to remove a GPS tracker and remove it once you find it. Here is our manual on how to locate and remove a GPS tracking device.
Types of GPS trackers
If you don’t know the type of GPS tracker you are looking for, you will have to inspect the whole car and check for the GPS. If you already know the type of tracker, you will only need to look at specific locations inside and outside the car.
There are three main types of GPS tracking devices: hardwired trackers, OBD trackers, and magnetic trackers.
Hardwired GPS Trackers
These trackers are directly connected to the vehicle’s electrical system. They are often hidden within the car’s wiring and are harder to detect. They are typically used for long-term tracking and are less likely to be tampered with due to their concealed nature.
Plug-in (OBD) GPS Trackers
These devices plug directly into the car’s OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) port, which is typically located under the dashboard, near the steering wheel. They are easy to install and often used by fleet managers to monitor vehicle performance and location. They draw power from the car, so they do not require separate batteries.
Magnetic GPS Trackers
These are a subtype of battery-powered trackers with a strong magnetic base. They are attached to the metal parts of the car’s exterior or interior. They are often used for covert tracking because they can be quickly attached or removed.
How to find the GPS tracker
If you know the type of GPS tracker you are looking for, then you’re halfway there.
How to find a plug-in GPS tracker
A plug-in GPS tracker is usually located near or under the dashboard. It’s commonly found in the car’s OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) port. This port is located under the dashboard, on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
The OBD-II port is almost always situated within the driver’s area, under the steering wheel. It can sometimes be hidden behind a cover or a small panel. Look underneath the dashboard, around the area where your knees would be when seated. The port is often in this lower area and is easily accessible but not immediately visible unless you look closely.
The port can also be found near the brake pedal or other foot controls. It’s designed to be accessible but out of the way of the driver’s normal movements. In some vehicles, the OBD-II port is located inside or near the fuse box, which may have a cover you need to remove to access it.
The OBD-II port is a standardized connector in all modern cars, used for diagnostic purposes by mechanics to access the car’s data. A plug-in GPS tracker takes advantage of this port to draw power and often to access additional vehicle data, such as speed and engine diagnostics, which it can then transmit along with the location information.
How to find a magnetic GPS tracker
A magnetic tracker needs metal to attach to. With that in mind, you have to go through most of your car’s surfaces to track the GPS. Keep a flashlight on hand, because you might need to look for it in dark spaces.
Check the exterior of your vehicle. Magnetic trackers are often placed on the metal parts of the car’s body. Use a flashlight and mirror to inspect the entire undercarriage. Check the frame, axles, and any recesses or ledges where a tracker could be attached.
Look inside the wheel wells, especially around the edges and any metal parts. Examine both the front and rear bumpers, as well as the grilles. Feel around for any unusual objects or changes in texture that could indicate a tracker.
Although less common, magnetic trackers can also be placed inside the vehicle. Check beneath all seats, feeling around for anything attached to the metal frame or springs. Don’t forget the trunk, including the spare tire compartment and any side panels or cavities.
How to find a hard-wired GPS tracker
For a hard-wired GPS tracker, you need to be more thorough. Hard-wired GPS trackers are integrated into the vehicle’s electrical system and are often hidden within the wiring.
Check the dashboard and interior panels, as these are common places where hard-wired trackers are installed. Remove panels around the dashboard, center console, and under the steering column. Use a flashlight to inspect the wiring behind these panels.
Check for any wiring that seems out of place, such as wires that don’t match the car’s factory wiring in terms of color, gauge, or routing. Trackers are often wired into the power supply and might be connected to the car’s battery, fuse box, or ignition wires system.
Check under the seats and in the trunk and rear compartment. Check around the battery, if located in the trunk, and any other electrical components.
Remember to check the battery, fuse box, and any other electrical components for unusual wiring. Test the voltage and continuity of suspect wires. A tracker may draw a small amount of power even when the car is off, so look for any wires that show a current draw that shouldn’t be there.
How to remove a GPS tracker from a car
Once you’ve located the tracker, it’s now time to move to the removing part.
Removing a Plug-In GPS Tracker
Simply pull the device out of the OBD-II port. These trackers are designed to be easily installed and removed, so no tools should be necessary.
Removing a Magnetic GPS Tracker
Once located, simply detach the tracker by pulling it away from the metal surface. The magnets should release easily.
Removing a Hard-Wired GPS Tracker
You may need screwdrivers or other tools to remove panels and access the wiring. Make sure the vehicle is turned off before handling any electrical components to avoid shocks or short circuits. Disconnect the tracker from the vehicle’s wiring. You may need to cut wires or unplug connectors. If you cut wires, insulate them afterward to prevent shorts.
Once disconnected, remove the tracker from its location.
Professional Help
If you’re unsure about removing a device, especially hard-wired trackers, consider asking a professional mechanic or a specialist in vehicle electronics to disconnect the tracker.
Finding and removing a GPS tracker from a car
To find and remove a GPS tracking device from your car requires patience and attention to detail. Check your car and use the right tools to remove the GPS tracker without further damaging any part of your vehicle. Always take care when handling wires connected to your car’s systems, and use electrical tape to insulate any exposed ends. If in doubt, ask for professional help from a car mechanic.
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