Found GPS tracker - is this normal?

[tfitzgex]

A lot of dealers will sell you the option of a low Jack system. That includes GPS tracking. If you say no, they don’t often remove it. I would sell it on eBay.

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[dimaj]

Could this be one of those devices insurance companies use (with authorization) to monitor driving habits for a reduced insurance rate? I’ve heard of this but I don’t have it so I have no idea how that works.

I think those devices are like Verizon hum (or whatever they’re called).

This is your dilemma. Now that you have removed it from the vehicle, it is your to keep. If you worry that it had broadcasted its last position of the vehicle and you don’t want to reveal its last position, your home, then take your vehicle some place to broadcast your last known location before you yank it off.
But……remember, the dealer knows your VIN and can chase your vehicle down anytime if they want to give you notifications about services to attend to. Ford knows also your VIN for the OTA updates. Once they have or know your VIN, the location is presented to them.
Ford Pass use to give me real time location of my vehicles that can be tracked thru the app. Now you can only find the location of the vehicle after it has stopped and parked.
The question is who installed it in your vehicle and by whose request.
Ford can track your vehicle, your dealer can also. That leaves the financing company. You may want to read the fine print of the contract. All of it. There you may find the answer to your question. If it is not spelled out, about a tracking device, then it is put there illegally.
You have options, pick one.

Yeah… I moved it next to a store, not my house.
Good call on pulling up all the paperwork. I’ll do that today.

 

[Teslaeata]

If I had not asked for it or it was not a part of contract of insurance or finance I’d be taking it out and smashing it to pieces!

https://www.queclink.com/product/gv53mg/

 

[Tomatoboy]

Could this be one of those devices insurance companies use (with authorization) to monitor driving habits for a reduced insurance rate? I’ve heard of this but I don’t have it so I have no idea how that works.

Those use simple OBDII dongles, a little square puck (State Farm Beacon) a phone app, or access to the vehicles existing system (FordPass has this capability).

 

[AzYooper]

Dealers usually put LoJack on new cars on their lots due to a lot of theft. They will usually try to sell it as an add-on rather than incur the labor of taking it out. If you opt not to purchase it, they occasionally leave in in but deactivate the subcription. OBD is a cheap but temporary install. Also not very secure from a smart crook who would immediately check for that.

 

[Art]

Hi all,

I just found a GPS tracker in my car
Model: sp-gv53mg-ql (https://mondotracking.com/product/gv50mg-lte-vehicle-tracking/)

I did not put it there. Is this legit?

Thanks!

The GV53MG is the upgraded LTE Cat M1/NB2 version of GV50MG.

It integrates the latest low-power wide area network standards and covers a broader area, making it more flexible to deploy.

It is a compact, ultra-thin product allowing covert and easy installation. The product offers basic digital I/Os that can be used for ignition detection and vehicle control. An extra configurable I/O enables flexible applications.

The GV53MG supports AES-256 encryption to secure business-critical data, guard against unauthorized access and ensure data integrity. The product is designed for various use cases such as auto financing, buy here pay here (BHPH), car rental and leasing, basic fleet management and stolen vehicle recovery.

 

[Art]

Hi all,

I just found a GPS tracker in my car
Model: sp-gv53mg-ql (https://mondotracking.com/product/gv50mg-lte-vehicle-tracking/)

I did not put it there. Is this legit?

Thanks!

The GV53MG is the upgraded LTE Cat M1/NB2 version of GV50MG.

It is a compact, ultra-thin product allowing covert and easy installation. The product offers basic digital I/Os that can be used for ignition detection and vehicle control. An extra configurable I/O enables flexible applications.

The GV53MG supports AES-256 encryption to secure business-critical data, guard against unauthorized access and ensure data integrity. The product is designed for various use cases such as auto financing, buy here pay here (BHPH), car rental and leasing, basic fleet management and stolen vehicle recovery.

Unplug it but keep it handy in case the dealer calls you.

 

[lwilliams0514]

I bought it, but it is financed.


ChatGPT is saying that dealer could've installed it, when the car was on the lot, to track it for theft... I am hesitant calling them asking questions.


It was plugged into my ODBII connector. It essentially served as a pass-through ODBII. I did not take any photos of that thing being plugged in.

I discovered it by pure accident. It was raining and my car slipped on the turn. I ended up hitting a small center divide with my wheel (on surface street). The abrupt jolt was enough to dislodge the tracker from behind a panel next to the ODBII port.

I'll post a few photos in a few mins of where it was (without plugging it back in)

Check your car. This looks like an aftermarket GPS tracking unit commonly sold at dealerships. It plugs into that port to get power from the car to operate.

Also, Check your purchase contract. Usually you pay for that unit and service.

 

[ipca204]

The GV53MG is the upgraded LTE Cat M1/NB2 version of GV50MG.

It is a compact, ultra-thin product allowing covert and easy installation. The product offers basic digital I/Os that can be used for ignition detection and vehicle control. An extra configurable I/O enables flexible applications.

The GV53MG supports AES-256 encryption to secure business-critical data, guard against unauthorized access and ensure data integrity. The product is designed for various use cases such as auto financing, buy here pay here (BHPH), car rental and leasing, basic fleet management and stolen vehicle recovery.

Unplug it but keep it handy in case the dealer calls you.

lol...unplug it and tell the dealer to pound sand if he calls you...

 

[Mandretti]

If the car was used as a demo or loaner the dealer might have installed one.

 

[johnnycombo]

Sell it on eBay !

 

[Kachook]

I guess I don't understand why OP would not just call the dealer? I'm assuming the paperwork will tell him whether he paid for this "extra service". But, if not, my money is on the wife hired a lawyer who told her to put it in the care because she suspects infidelity or is in the process of filing for divorce.

 

[someone22]

He just said initially that he's hesitant to call the dealer. I would probably also ask here first.
For those suggesting plugging it into another vehicle: I think the unit would probably broadcast the VIN or whatever data it can read from the OBD, so it wouldn't be so much fun.
I'd hold on to it for one year, just in case it's considered private property (it should not). Or you can say you found an unauthorized device and threw/sell it away, there are no property markings on it.

 

[Space_Pony]

I guess I don't understand why OP would not just call the dealer? I'm assuming the paperwork will tell him whether he paid for this "extra service". But, if not, my money is on the wife hired a lawyer who told her to put it in the care because she suspects infidelity or is in the process of filing for divorce.

Why would the wife need this when she could see the location of the MME on Fordpass.

 

[dimaj]

mystery solved...
Apparently I purchased some Spartan RecoveryLync Plus BS for $999.00 ?
The serial numbers on the contract matched those on the device.

Apparently, it's a 7 year service. I wonder if I can cancel it (given that ford pass can do the same) and recoup some of the expenses...

Thanks for all the help!

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