Disabling a car tracking device is a serious action with significant legal and safety implications. The correct approach depends entirely on who installed the tracker and why. If the device is installed by a legitimate entity like a lender (for lienholder tracking) or an employer (for a company vehicle), disabling it is almost always a violation of your agreement and potentially illegal. If you suspect an unauthorized, malicious tracker placed by someone without your consent, the safest course of action is to have it professionally removed by a qualified auto technician or to contact law enforcement.
The first step is a thorough physical inspection. Common locations for small, magnetic GPS trackers include the undercarriage, inside the wheel wells, and tucked within the front and rear bumpers. Inside the vehicle, check under the seats, in the glove compartment, and the trunk. Also, inspect the OBD-II port (typically under the dashboard near the driver's knees), as plug-and-play trackers often use this diagnostic interface for power.
For modern connected cars with built-in telematics systems like GM's OnStar or Ford's SYNC, you cannot simply "remove" the tracking capability as it's integrated into the vehicle's core electronics. Your options are to contact the manufacturer's service department to deactivate the service or, as a last resort, disconnect the vehicle's telematics control unit, which may disable other important functions like emergency calling.
| Method | Primary Risk | Recommended For |
|---|
| Physical removal by a professional | Low; avoids damage to vehicle wiring | All scenarios, especially unauthorized trackers |
| Deactivating via manufacturer/service provider | None; official process | Legitimate telematics systems (OnStar, etc.) |
| Disconnecting the vehicle's battery | Temporary disruption only; not a solution | Not recommended as a permanent fix |
| Jamming devices (GPS jammers) | Highly illegal (FCC violation); federal offense | Not recommended under any circumstances |
| Self-removal without expertise | High risk of damaging vehicle electronics | Not recommended |
Attempting to use a GPS jammer is a federal crime that can result in massive fines. The most critical takeaway is to assess the situation legally first. If you have a legitimate reason to believe you are being tracked without consent, involving professionals is the only safe and correct path.
