How to Find a GPS Tracking System Under a Car

You can detect GPS trackers using a special device.

A Global Positioning System (GPS) device is a small tracker used mostly to monitor the location of a vehicle. It can also provide information such as speed, direction and altitude of a vehicle as well. If you suspect that someone may have installed a GPS system underneath your car then there are a few ways that you can find and remove it.

Things You'll Need

• GPS detection device

Instructions

1. Begin by doing a visual inspection of your car's undercarriage. It may be helpful to use a mirror for those places that you cannot see directly. You are looking for a small black or grey box about the size of a deck of cards. It may be stuck to your car with a strong magnet. If you see it simply remove it and switch the device off or remove the battery.

2. Buy a GPS bug detector. This is a small handheld device that works by detecting the transmission of radio signals, on the frequencies used by GPS devices. As of 2010 the cost between $250-$500, depending on the brand that you buy.

3. Turn the device on and begin sweeping underneath the car's carriage. The detection device will find any transmission within 5-10 meters and will alert you with a blinking red light or a buzzing sound.

4. Sweep the car two to three times at different intervals. There are semi-passive GPS systems, which only transmit every 30 minutes or so. If you try finding the device in between intervals you may not detect it. So make sure to do several sweeps.

5. Remove the GPS tracking system. Once you have located the GPS tracker remove it from your car and take out the batteries. This will prevent it from transmitting any more information.

References

• GPS Storm: How to find a GPS tracker

Resources

• PimAll: CounterRF
• SpyZone: RF Detection
• SafeLivingTechnologies: RF detector