How to Install a GPS Tracker on Your Vehicle: Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn how to put a GPS tracker on your vehicle. Follow this step-by-step guide to setting up plug-and-play, hardwired, and wireless GPS tracking devices for vehicles

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A GPS tracker is the perfect tool to access both historical and real-time navigation data on your vehicle. The advantage of GPS tracker installation on your fleet is that it can track your vehicle’s location using both satellite and cell tower signals.

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When integrated with a fuel level sensor, the benefits of a GPS vehicle tracking device installation increase manifold times. GPS technology, primarily, helps track and report a vehicle’s real-time location. Additional data includes:

Direction
Speed
Distance travelled
Idling time
Fuel level

GPS tracker: the right one for your needs

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When it comes to choosing the right GPS vehicle tracker detector, it is important to determine all the features you need. Certain features will be more important for your fleet. For example, if your fleet operates in a large geographical area or harsh conditions, you will require a durable device with strong signal strength.

Some of the main features that can make a GPS tracker perfect for you, include:

Accuracy in location tracking. Advanced GPS trackers can not only determine a vehicle’s location but also the route of movement.
Strong signal and regular update cadence. Look for devices with a GPS/GLONASS receiver designed into the sensor housing. Some devices accept a Nano SIM card for cellular connectivity.
Ease of GPS tracker installation
Reliable alerts
Long battery device
Excellent device durability
Historical data storage
Fuel level sensor

Driver behavior analysis. The right vehicle tracking system setup will have a point system to determine the quality of driving. Such systems typically use a built-in position sensor.

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If you have fleet operations across large geographical areas, you will need a long-range GPS vehicle tracker detector. Long-haul transportation and logistics operations are common examples of businesses requiring such trackers. Such fleets will require robust GPS tracking solutions that ensure reliable connectivity even in the remotest regions or areas with poor infrastructure. More advanced systems have built-in algorithms to calculate motor hours to help you keep track of the engine’s operation.

GPS tracker installation guide

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There are different types of GPS tracking devices. Each type has a unique installation process. The different options are:

Plug-and-play GPS trackers
Hardwired GPS trackers
Wireless GPS trackers

This vehicle tracking device installation guide provides you insights into the steps involved.

Plug-and-play GPS tracker

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Installing plug-and-play GPS trackers involves a simple and quick process. It will take only a few minutes to plug these trackers in and put them into place. The general steps involved are as follows:

Locate the vehicle’s ODB-II Port. The ODB-II port is located below the dashboard or the steering wheel column. If you are unable to find the port, the owner’s manual should help you.
Plug-in the GPS tracker into the port
Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes. Wait for the device to get a GPS signal

How to hardwire a GPS tracker to your vehicle?

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Hardwired GPS trackers are permanently connected to your vehicle’s electrical system. For such a vehicle tracking system setup, follow the below-mentioned steps:

Turn off the ignition: Make sure there is no electrical current flowing in the vehicle before you begin the GPS tracker installation.
Remove the lower dash panels: Remove the panels and covers to access the wiring under the steering wheel.
Locate the ignition wire: Next, you will have to find the ignition and constant power wires. Both these wires are connected to the vehicle’s ignition switch. Check the owner’s manual to find the wires’ location and connect them to the GPS tracker as per the installation guide.
Position the GPS tracker: Next, make sure the vehicle tracker detector is positioned near the ignition coil. Make sure there is no metal convergence to prevent any signal interference. Re-fix the panels and covers.
Test: Drive the vehicle for 10 minutes. This can help the tracker get GPS connectivity.
Access monitoring system: Access the monitoring system using your login credentials. Review the reports from the test to check where the tracker is working properly.

Since, setting up a hardwired GPS tracker can be a little difficult for many users, it is recommended to get the help of a professional installer.

Wireless GPS tracker

A wireless GPS vehicle tracker detector doesn’t require any wiring. It can be placed almost anywhere in the vehicle using options such as Velcro or magnet. These are battery-operated and compact units and provide a lot of flexibility in terms of placement in your vehicle. The steps are as follows:

Download the vehicle tracker app
Power on the wireless GPS tracking device. Usually, this can be done by pressing the power button for 5 seconds.
Create an account and link it to the device
Follow the prompts and go through the installation process

Once the GPS tracker installation process gets completed, secure the device in a safe place in the vehicle.

Test and activate the GPS tracker

The next step is to test and activate the tracker.

Verify the GPS signal

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Once you have completed the above-mentioned steps, your GPS vehicle tracker detector should start working. The device usually comes with verification instructions to confirm a successful installation. Park the vehicle in an area with a strong signal, start it, and let it run for five minutes. Turn off the engine and start it up again to run the test. Follow all the instructions to complete the verification.

Activate the GPS tracker via the app

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The device can be activated through its app. The basic steps are as follows:

Download the manufacturer’s vehicle tracker app for your model of GPS tracker
Open the app and create your account
Follow prompt to complete the activation process

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to install GPS tracker on the car?
The ideal place to install the GPS tracker depends on the type of device chosen. A hardwired GPS tracking device should be installed close to the fuse box or under the dashboard. The plug-and-play tracker will have to be installed near the OBD port, while a wireless GPS tracker can be installed in any of the following places:

Under the dash under or behind the seat
Inside the bumper
In the glove box
In the trunk.

How much does it cost to install a tracker in a car?
GPS trackers can cost from as low as $20 to as high as $350. The overall cost for a hardwired unit can range from $250 to $350. Plug-and-play trackers can cost you up to $150 and wireless units up to $200.