Disconnecting a car tracker stops real-time location data, but the consequences vary: it might trigger alerts for lenders/owners, leave the car vulnerable, or violate contracts, potentially leading to repossession or legal issues, especially if installed for lease/loan agreements or stalking. OBD-II (plug-in) trackers often stop immediately, while hardwired ones might have backup batteries or send disconnection alerts, with removal sometimes breaching loan terms, making repossession likely for financed vehicles.
The tracker relies on the vehicle's power to function, so when it is disconnected, the real-time tracking stops. In some cases, trackers have internal backup batteries that can keep them running for a limited time after being unplugged, but once these batteries are drained, tracking ceases entirely.
Battery Powered GPS Trackers
Battery-powered Trackers usually have their own power source. To disable such trackers, you must first locate them inside your car and then remove the battery.
Removing a GPS tracking device without the dealership's permission isn't just a violation of trust—it's actually illegal. Doing so goes against the terms of the loan agreement and could lead to serious actions from the dealership, including the possibility of repossession.
The simple answer to whether car trackers can be jammed is yes, some can, but professional, insurance-approved systems cannot.
Check the Outside of Your Vehicle
First, slowly walk around the outside of your vehicle to look for indicators that a GPS device may have been put on your car. Check under the rear and front license plates, in the wheel wells, the front grill, and any other places it may be easy to put a small tracking device.
Proximity to Metal or Magnetic Surfaces
Metal can interfere with the device's ability to receive and transmit signals effectively, while magnets can disrupt the accuracy of GPS readings.
Hardwired Tracker
Turn off the car's power by disconnecting the battery to avoid electric shocks or damage. Use a screwdriver or wrench to carefully disconnect the wires, which may be attached to the OBD II port, ignition system, or battery. Be cautious to avoid damaging the car's wiring while removing the device.
Standard GPS trackers can track your vehicle to a point, but thieves know how to jam a GPS signal, so with an experienced criminal, a GPS tracker is quickly rendered useless.
Turn "Do Not Track" on or off
Your account will automatically continue and constitute a month-to-month agreement terminable with at least one month's notice. Send your cancellation request to [email protected] or call 011 250 3000.
You can identify, find, and remove trackers that have been placed near you or in your belongings without your knowledge or consent with the help of unknown tracker alerts. Important: This feature is only available for devices with Android 6 and up.
Most car trackers are rectangular or cylindrical devices with LED lights. Rectangular ones look like small boxes, while cylindrical trackers resemble a battery or a thick pen. That said, GPS car trackers can come in a range of shapes, but they're typically around the size of a bar of soap or a small TV remote.
While GPS tracking affects vehicle batteries, it isn't universal. The device's design and installation are usually efficient and will not drain the battery quickly. However, substandard products and incorrect installations will inevitably lead to loss of power.
Wired GPS Trackers (Connected to Vehicle Battery)
These are installed directly into the vehicle's electrical system — usually to the main battery. ⚡ Even if the engine is off, as long as the car battery has power, the tracker continues to work.
How Can I Tell If My Car Has a Tracker?
Thoroughly inspect your car's exterior, interior, and common hiding spots for trackers. Use detection tools like bug sweepers or apps to locate hidden devices. Seek professional help for finding and safely removing hard-wired trackers. Legal permissions and regional laws determine when tracking a car is acceptable.
GPS jammers block satellite signals, preventing accurate location tracking.
Follow these simple rules to protect your vehicle from thieves.
The most immediate consequence of unplugging a car tracker is the loss of real-time tracking data. When the device is disconnected, it can no longer transmit the vehicle's location to the monitoring system. For Fleet Management: In a fleet management scenario, the loss of tracking data can disrupt operations.
Download a Bluetooth tracker
You can use Bluetooth tracking apps to scan for any unknown AirTags in your vicinity. If you have an Android phone, download the app to detect the AirTag which can be found at the Google Play store.
Can A Car Tracker Be Blocked? Yes, it can. Simply putting a GPS car tracker in a metal box will block the signal, which is why it is always best to have your car tracking device fitted by a professional approved installer who can hide the tracking device somewhere on the vehicle very discreetly.
The Trick: Some drivers return to basics by physically disconnecting or obstructing the GPS tracker. This could mean anything from unplugging devices to covering them in materials that block signal transmission. The Countermeasure: Regular, surprise vehicle inspections can deter or catch this behaviour.
A loosely connected plug-in tracker can cause battery drain.
A firmly installed plug-in GPS vehicle tracker is unlikely to cause issues with a vehicle's electrical or electronics systems.
Unwanted tracking notifications
Google provides unwanted tracking detection on devices with Android 6.0 or later. Those with earlier operating systems can update or use the Tracker Detect app.