I think a GPS tracking device has been placed on my car into the wiring underneath dashboard panel
Where can I have some check it out and remove it. I don't know where to take my car or what to do. I am desperate for help
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
As you may know, GPS tracking devices are "sometimes" surreptitiously installed on motor vehicles by law enforcement. Typically though, these are exterior (underbody) installations and the practice is not all that common. Nevertheless, as we would have no way of knowing the circumstances of the GPS installation, if the device even exists of course on your vehicle, the only service that an auto electric specialist could prudently and legitimately perform is give an "opinion" as to whether such a device exists on your vehicle based on a physical exam of the vehicle. The mechanic though could not remove such a device if it were discovered because of the possibility that it was placed by law enforcement.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The protection of our customer`s information and privacy is paramount to Toyota. A Safety Connect® vehicle can be located with GPS if there is an airbag deployment (the vehicle is not continuously tracked in these instances, only located to direct emergency responders).
With your active Safety Connect® subscription and the police case number, Toyota Safety Connect® will initiate tracking of your vehicle and report the location to the police.
So can a GPS tracker be blocked? Yes, the GPS signals can be blocked by wet trees, aluminum foil, plastic containers, or even a tin box filled with thick materials can block GPS signals.
Remove the wires and device
You need to disconnect the antennas at the receiver and pull the GPS antenna. Bring the car back to its best form. Now that you have successfully removed the device from the vehicle, you need to reconnect all the ignition wires and put back the components in their original place.
A car tracker allows the lender to recovery the vehicle easily. However, if a customer does remove the GPS tracking unit, a tamper alert will be sent. This means it`s been removed from the vehicle. Since it does have a backup battery, the device will continue to track.
To opt-out, you must contact us (1) by calling (800) 331-4331, (2) via the Toyota app, or (3) by replying “STOP” to such text communications.
Is there an app that can detect a GPS tracker? Yes, there are many apps that can detect if a GPS tracker has been installed on your cell phone. If you have an Android phone you can download Certo Mobile Security for free from the Play Store and quickly scan your phone for GPS tracking apps and other malware.
Connect your smartphone to the vehicle`s Entune system via Bluetooth. Download the Scout GPS Link app on your smartphone. Open the Scout GPS Link app on your smartphone and create an account or touch Skip. Follow the prompts on your phone to initialize the app and make sure to enable access to your location.
There are several apps available that can do this, such as Glympse and Find My Phone. These apps work by using the GPS on your phone to track your car`s location. You can then view the location of your car on a map. How Can I Tell If My Car Is Being Tracked?
It will typically look like a small box with a magnetic side. It may or may not have an antenna or a light on it. It will be small, usually three to four inches long, two inches wide and an inch or so thick. Be sure you have a flashlight for peeking into dark spaces in your car.
How do I disable a GPS tracker being used against me? Once a GPS tracking device is located, it can be disabled. Beyond simply removing the battery, it is possible to stop the GPS signal. It`s important to remove the device completely and dispose of it so it does not continue transmitting your location.
Google Chrome
Select Cookies and other site data. Select Block third-party cookies. Click Privacy and security. Click clear browsing data.
1- Detectify App
Tells you if there are GPS tracking devices or hidden cameras when it notices a change. It is easy to use and graphically displays magnetic field readings. It provides manual tips for detecting hidden devices.
Is there an app that can detect a GPS tracker? Yes, there are many apps that can detect if a GPS tracker has been installed on your cell phone. If you have an Android phone you can download Certo Mobile Security for free from the Play Store and quickly scan your phone for GPS tracking apps and other malware.
1- Detectify App
Tells you if there are GPS tracking devices or hidden cameras when it notices a change. It is easy to use and graphically displays magnetic field readings. It provides manual tips for detecting hidden devices.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I think a GPS tracking device has been placed on my car into the wiring underneath dashboard panel
ANSWER : As you may know, GPS tracking devices are "sometimes" surreptitiously installed on motor vehicles by law enforcement. Typically though, these are exterior (underbody) installations and the practice is not all that common. Nevertheless, as we would have no way of knowing the circumstances of the GPS installation, if the device even exists of course on your vehicle, the only service that an auto electric specialist could prudently and legitimately perform is give an "opinion" as to whether such a device exists on your vehicle based on a physical exam of the vehicle. The mechanic though could not remove such a device if it were discovered because of the possibility that it was placed by law enforcement.
Car will crank but no start… Fuel pump not coming on. New pump, relay, etc. Will start when hot wire runs from pump wires to bat
ANSWER : There are a couple of approaches to take here – either start from the battery and work "towards" the fuel pump, fuse box, ignition switch, fuel pump relay, and wiring connections in between. Or, as you have done, start at the pump with 12v, and move backwards towards the battery. This will require a GM service manual, or wiring diagram at least, with connection locations as well.
I would recommend having a certified technician from YourMechanic diagnose this starting issue, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. YourMechanic.com can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location for this repair.
I put the wrong key in my car and a few weeks later my car just shut down and it will not start I believe it’s the computer but…
ANSWER : Hi there. What had happened is the wrong key set the security to the vehicle. This is to prevent the vehicle from starting with the wrong keys. Try removing the battery cables (+) and (-) for 13 minutes. During that time, put the original key in the ignition and turn it on. Activate everything in the car even though there is no power. Then remove the key and hook up the battery cables. The computer should have reset and reset the security. If the security is still being tripped, then I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you
What type of wiring go In the dashboard of a car?
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. It is unlikely, with the amount of other issues that can go wrong with the vehicle, that the wiring caused a thick smoke that suddenly. Wiring issues typically start small and get larger as they combust the area around the fire. What color was the smoke? Black, grey, and blue tinted smoke are typically petroleum based products like fuel or oil. While steam or white is typically the cooling system or antifreeze. Check your fluids and see which one is low and may have been the source of substance for the smoke. That does not mean that your exposed wiring is not an issue. You should still take the necessary steps to resolve those issues as well.
Hi I am looking to wire my reverse camera to my cars reverse lights. The first time I tried it, i think i grounded the wire wrong.
ANSWER : I can’t say for sure if you were the one that caused the other issues with your car. I also must assume all these issues have been repaired since you last attempted to install the back up camera. A completely dead battery can result in a failed alternator because alternators are not meant to charge a battery from dead, they are designed to maintain the charge level of a good battery. But before you go blaming the body shop, I will offer you another perspective. An alternator should be robust enough to charge a battery. If it is not, it was already on the way out. The low battery may have only revealed another problem waiting to happen.
As for connecting your back up camera, there isn’t anything at the rear of your car that is designed to carry the current the camera will require. This being the case, you need to use a relay. A relay uses the low current from the back up circuits to turn on a higher current circuit that will supply power to camera. This will require you to run a power wire from the battery all the way to where the camera is mounted.
When you do this, be sure to purchase a generic relay and the corresponding harness. You will need to locate the correct back up light wire and tap into it. This installation will require a wiring diagram for the car and an understanding of how to install a relay.
If you are not familiar with how a relay circuit works, I recommend contacting the YourMechanic customer service to place you with a technician that knows how to do this. It is well within the skill set of the average mechanic, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Good luck!
I think there is a tracking device on my car
ANSWER : Many commercially available trackers plug into the vehicles on board diagnostic (OBD) port, which is located under the dash on the driver’s side. If you’re concerned, I would check there first. There are other types of standalone trackers that don’t require being plugged into the OBD port. These could be more difficult to find, as they could be anywhere in the vehicle. A quick Google search will give you an idea of what various types of trackers look like.
Car ignition switch only recieving less then a volt from battery wire. Fuse, ground, battery are good. Manual Car 97 civic.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing I would inspect is the ignition relay; as usually this is the culprit of partial electrical delivery to the ignition cylinder. However, it is possible that an exposed wire inside the steering column or ignition lock cylinder could be causing this problem as well. It might save you a lot of trouble, stress and money to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an electrical problems inspection to isolate the source of this problem and recommend the right repairs.
Car wont stay running. Will start up but shuts back off. Fuel pump doesnt come on. Car will run with wire from battery to wire har
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. With the testing you have done, we know the fuel pump is good, and that the rest of the system is functional. This leave the electrical circuit. There are a few components in the fuel pump circuit which could be causing the issue. The first to check is the fuel pump fuse/relay. If you have a voltmeter, you can trace the power from the battery to the fuse box, and along the circuit until you find the point in which power is lost. This is the fastest way to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. A visual inspection may also show you if there is a loose or disconnected wire, or excess corrosion somewhere causing extra resistance. For more help tracing down the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
