Detecting the presence of GPS tracking devices often requires the assistance of a mechanic. While not all GPS tracking devices are attached to the vehicle within mechanical parts, if you have recently purchased a used car and wish to find an unwanted GPS tracking device, you should use a radio frequency (RF) detector and have the assistance of a mechanic for visual inspection of the vehicle's engine and the electrical and mechanical systems.
Instructions
1. Have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection of all electrical wiring systems, mechanical parts and the entire engine. Tell the mechanic what you are looking for and ask to be notified of anything out of the ordinary.
2. Thoroughly inspect the underside of the vehicle, including wheel wells, axles, running boards and between all crevices and seams under the car. Run your fingers along any areas you cannot clearly see, feeling for any devices or small items that could be placed in hidden areas.
3. Once the outside of the vehicle and engine areas have been thoroughly inspected and cleared of any attached objects, park the car in an area that is not around other cars and where it is unlikely for any GPS systems to be detected.
4. Plug in and turn on the RF detector and set the RF detector to continuously detect outgoing signals, which could be sent from a GPS tracking device on the vehicle. Signals can be sent anywhere from every few seconds to every 20 minutes. If you have turned the RF detector on just after a signal is sent, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes for another signal to be sent. This process can be time-consuming.
5. While waiting for the RF detector to receive any transmitted signals, inspect the inside of the car thoroughly and completely. Check under the steering column, the dashboard, under gas and brake pedals, under the seats, cushions, and floor mats and under the console. Check ashtrays, even if you don't smoke.
Tags: assistance mechanic, mechanical parts, signal sent, tracking device, vehicle engine