Can A GPS Tracker Cause Electrical Problems

Do GPS Trackers Cause Electrical Issues – What You Need To Know!

Summary

• GPS Tracker Issues: Can cause battery drain, blown fuses, and electrical interference if installed improperly.
• Common Problems: Battery drain, blown fuses, interference, inaccurate GPS signals.
• Prevention: Follow installation guidelines, use quality trackers, consider professional help, and regularly check connections.
• FAQs: Trackers might drain batteries if faulty; should not damage vehicles or cause dash light issues.

GPS trackers can cause electrical problems in your vehicle such as battery drain, blown fuses, or interference with other electronic equipment such as radios.

These issues are usually due to one of three reasons: improper installation, a faulty device, or an underlying issue with the vehicle itself. Sometimes, the tracker may even just be a bit loose in the OBD-II port.

The problem is that people often attribute the issue to the GPS tracker, when in reality, it’s an underlying issue with the vehicle itself. This can be extremely frustrating for fleet managers, especially, since you can’t really do your job without the tracking devices.

Don’t worry, these problems are fairly easy to identify and eliminate with a few simple tips. You can even learn how to prevent them from happening in the future.

In most cases, you’ll just need to reinstall the device or get a new one. However, you should have your car checked by a mechanic to make sure there’s not a bigger issue underneath the hood.

In this article, we will cover the basics of GPS trackers and your vehicle’s electronics systems. Then. we will explore whether GPS fleet trackers could potentially cause damage to the electrical system, and how you can prevent these problems from occurring. 

Let’s get at it!

Can A GPS Tracker Cause Electrical Problems? – TLDR

Yes, it is possible, a GPS tracker can cause electrical problems if it is improperly installed. In fact, this can lead to several issues like a continuous drain on the car’s battery, blown fuses, and electrical interference. However, it is very unlikely, especially given so many hidden GPS trackers are wireless.

Signs That Your GPS Tracker Is Causing Electrical Problems

1. Sudden Battery Drain

Ever had your battery drain out of the blue, or die way sooner than it should? If this happens right after you’ve installed a GPS tracker, it could be the culprit. The tracker might be pulling power even when your car’s off, which isn’t what you want.

2. Blown Fuses

Are you blowing fuses left and right? That’s a pretty clear sign something’s off. The tracker might be drawing too much power, which can easily cause a fuse to blow. Check the fuses that are connected to your tracker. If they’re blowing out regularly, there’s a problem with the connection.

3. Interference with Other Electronics

If your radio is always staticky or your dashcam is going haywire, it could be your GPS tracker interfering with them.

GPS trackers can sometimes mess with other electronics in your car, making them act weird. 

Make sure to check that you’ve installed it correctly. If that isn’t the issue, then try moving it to a new location.

4. Inaccurate GPS Data

If your tracker’s giving you wrong locations, slow updates, or losing signal all the time, it could be because of an electrical issue. This is usually a sign that it’s not getting enough juice, and you need to reinstall it.

5. Erratic Vehicle Behavior

Keep an eye out for anything strange going on with your car—like flickering lights, random warning lights on the dashboard, or trouble starting up. These could be signs that your GPS tracker is drawing too much power or messing with your vehicle’s electrical system. 

How to Install GPS Trackers Properly to Avoid Electrical Issues

Installing your GPS tracker properly will solve pretty much all of your issues, unless there’s something wrong with your device. If your battery is draining too quickly or you’re blowing fuses left and right, it’s probably an installation issue.

Improper installation can lead to:

Drained batteries

Blown fuses

Electrical interference with other vehicle systems

Incorrect GPS signals that mess up your tracking data

For the most part, all you have to do is just make sure to connect the device to your power supply properly by following these steps:

1. Gather Your Tools: You’ll need wire strippers, electrical tape, zip ties, and possibly a multimeter.
2. Locate the Power Source: Find the vehicle’s fuse box or another reliable power source. You’re looking for a power wire that’s live when the ignition is on.
3. Prep the Wires: Strip the ends of the tracker’s power, ground, and ignition wires, as well as the corresponding wires in your vehicle.
4. Connect the Power Wire: Attach the tracker’s power wire to the vehicle’s power wire. You can use a fuse tap to connect it directly to the fuse box. Make sure the connection is secure and well-insulated with electrical tape.
5. Connect the Ground Wire: Find a solid grounding point, usually a bolt or screw attached to the metal chassis of the vehicle. Securely connect the tracker’s ground wire to this point.
6. Connect the Ignition Wire (if needed): If your tracker requires an ignition wire connection, find the appropriate ignition wire in your vehicle and connect the tracker’s ignition wire to it. This wire is typically live only when the ignition is on.
7. Secure the Tracker: Use zip ties to secure the tracker in a stable, hidden location to prevent it from moving around while driving.
8. Test the Installation: Turn on your vehicle and check if the tracker is powering up correctly. You may want to use a multimeter to ensure the connections are solid and providing the correct voltage.
9. Finish Up: Once everything is working, tidy up the wiring with electrical tape and zip ties to keep everything neat and secure.

If you're using an OBD GPS tracker, you're in luck—it’s easy to install because it just plugs right into your vehicle’s OBD II port. But with hardwired trackers, things get a bit trickier since they need to connect to the vehicle’s power supply, ground, and sometimes the ignition wire.

To avoid these problems, double-check that you’re connecting everything correctly, especially the power supply. And don’t forget to secure the tracker properly to prevent loose connections and power supply issues.

How to Prevent Electrical Problems With Your Car When Using GPS Trackers

Preventing electrical problems caused by a GPS device is actually pretty easy. 

If you take a few preventative steps, you could save yourself thousands of dollars in repairs and God knows how much time wasted on BS like changing batteries or tracking down missing vehicles.

To prevent electrical problems with your GPS, follow these tips:

• Follow The Manufacturer’s Installation Guidelines: Stick to the manufacturer’s instructions—they designed the tracker, so they know how to install it right. Following the guidelines prevents issues like battery drain and interference with your car’s electronics. Don’t skip steps; it’s the easiest way to avoid headaches.
• Choose A High-Quality GPS Tracker: Go for a reputable brand. High-quality trackers are more reliable and accurate, and they won’t mess with your car’s systems. Cheap trackers might save you a few bucks now, but they can cause big problems later.
• Think About Getting Professional Installation If You’re Unsure: If you’re not confident in installing the tracker yourself, let a pro handle it. They’ll make sure it’s done right, which means fewer problems and less stress for you. It’s a small investment for peace of mind.
• Regularly Check Your Device And Its Connections: Take a few minutes now and then to check your tracker and its connections. Loose wires or a shifted device can lead to electrical issues. Regular checks help keep everything running smoothly and prevent bigger problems down the line.
• Talk To Your Insurance Provider Before Installing A Tracker:
  Give your insurance company a call before you install the tracker. You might get a discount, and it’s good to know if they have any specific requirements. It’s a quick conversation that could save you money and hassle.

I’d recommend looking at brands like SpyTec 4G, Vyncs 3G, and Spacehawk GPS. And remember, regular maintenance and inspections will keep your device in top shape and prevent it from interfering with your vehicle’s electronics.

By taking these steps, you’ll keep electrical problems at bay and make sure your GPS tracker works smoothly without messing with your car’s electronics.

Identifying and Addressing Electrical Problems Caused by GPS Trackers

GPS trackers are essential tools for fleet management but can sometimes lead to unexpected electrical problems if improperly installed or if the device is faulty. Here is a detailed list of potential electrical problems that may arise, how to identify them, and the necessary steps to address them:

Types of Electrical Problems:

Continuous Battery Drain:

• Identification: The vehicle’s battery is consistently drained, even when the ignition is off.
• Solution: Check the GPS tracker’s wiring and ensure it is not connected directly to the battery or any source that provides continuous power. Consult the installation manual or a professional for proper wiring guidance.

Blown Fuses:

• Identification: A fuse associated with the circuit to which the GPS tracker is connected blows repeatedly.
• Solution: Ensure that the GPS tracker is not drawing more current than the circuit can handle. Replace the blown fuse and consider consulting a professional to rewire the tracker, if necessary.

Electrical Interference with Other Vehicle Systems:

• Identification: Other electronic systems in the vehicle, such as the radio or dash cam, experience interference or malfunction after the GPS tracker installation.
• Solution: Check the GPS tracker’s installation for any loose connections or wires touching other electronic components. Ensure the tracker is grounded properly.

Incorrect GPS Signals:

• Identification: The GPS tracker provides inaccurate tracking data or fails to acquire GPS signals.
• Solution: Ensure the GPS tracker is properly installed and not located near any other devices that could cause interference. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal placement of the tracker.

Premature Battery Death:

• Identification: The vehicle’s battery dies sooner than its expected lifespan.
• Solution: Ensure that the GPS tracker is properly installed and is not drawing power continuously when the vehicle is off.
• Regularly check the vehicle’s battery health and replace it if necessary.

5 Steps to Take if You Encounter These Electrical Problems:

• Consult the Installation Manual: The manual usually contains troubleshooting guidelines for common problems.
• Check the Wiring: Ensure that all connections are secure and that the GPS tracker is wired according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Inspect the GPS Tracker: Ensure that the device is not physically damaged and is properly secured in its location.
• Consult a Professional: If you are unable to identify or resolve the issue yourself, it is advisable to consult a professional installer or the GPS tracker manufacturer’s customer support.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect the GPS tracker and its connections to ensure they remain secure and functional. Also, routinely check the health of the vehicle’s battery and other electronic systems.

Can A GPS Tracker Cause Electrical Problems – Frequently Asked Questions