Jeeps make a great model for off-roading. However, with the freedom a Jeep provides comes the risk of theft—or worse, it might get stuck in harsh conditions. If you have a jeep in your garage, here are some things to consider before taking it to the wild:
What if you decide to take your Jeep out on a Saturday morning, only to find that it’s missing when you get back? Well, it doesn’t hurt to install tracking devices with GPS capabilities on them.
Do Jeeps have tracking devices?
The answer is a resounding yes. Jeeps use GPS tracking devices to ensure security of vehicles, especially when they are shipped from one location to another.
The device is usually inserted in the dashboard of the car and is hardwired into the electrical system of the vehicle. The tracking devices come in handy when you need to track your vehicle if it has been stolen. It makes recovery easier since you can pin-point its exact location. Your insurance company might also ask for this information, especially if you’re filing a claim because your vehicle has been stolen or vandalized.
When there is need to ship your jeep to another location, the shipping company will ask you to install a GPS tracking device on it. You’ll be required to turn over the password for the device, so that the shipper can track its progress during shipment by logging in and getting specific information about its location.
You may also have an interest in installing a GPS tracking device in your jeep for personal reasons, such as knowing where your teen driver is at all times, or just keeping an eye on a family member who needs help with mobility. There are plenty of good reasons. What kind of tracking devices can you get on a jeep?
The most common tracking device to be installed is the GPS tracker. If you have a jeep, you should have a GPS tracker installed. It will help you keep tabs on your vehicle and know where it is all the time. This way, you can be sure it is safe and secure when parked and alert the police if it gets stolen. Here are the most common tracking devices:
- GPS Tracker. This is the tracking device that most people think of when they hear the term “tracking device”. The GPS tracker uses GPS satellites to determine where a vehicle is located at any given point in time.
- Kill Switch. A kill switch allows someone to stop a vehicle by disabling certain aspects of its functionality, such as its battery or fuel injector system. A kill switch is often used by law enforcement agencies when they need to stop a suspected criminal who is fleeing in a vehicle.
- Ignition Disabler. An ignition disabler prevents an engine from starting until it receives an authorized signal from a remote control fob or smartphone app (depending on the type of disabler). Ignition disablers are simple for anyone with a screwdriver to bypass, but they don’t work on pushbutton start.”
Can I track my new Jeep?
Yes. There are many ways to track your new Jeep. You can do so with an OBD2 adapter, which is the same way you would track other cars with automatic tracking on the app. You could also use an aftermarket GPS tracking device like a Garmin or TomTom. The best solution is probably to invest in an OBD2 adapter and then install it on your car. This will allow you to track your new Jeep over time and see where it goes, as well as record you’re driving habits and fuel consumption
Can I track my Jeep with Uconnect?
Yes, you can. But the Uconnect system has to have the navigation feature included in your package and the car must be equipped with the optional GPS antenna. If you have an Uconnect system with navigation, you can use this feature to track your vehicle.
How does it work? Using satellite technology, you can pinpoint your Jeep’s location on a map in real-time. With this feature, you can find directions to your Jeep from your cell phone or computer. Also, if someone is driving your Jeep without permission, then you can send police to its location for recovery.
Do new Jeeps have trackers?
Yes, some new Jeeps have trackers. Some do not. In the age of car key fobs, it’s easy for people to keep track of what they drive. But that doesn’t mean you should always assume that your car has a tracker in it. A lot of new cars come with them built-in and some do not. So how can you know for sure? Your best bet is to check with your dealer or auto manufacturer if you’re buying from them directly.
Are there aftermarket trackers for Jeeps?
Yes. But no. There are aftermarket GPS tracking devices you can buy, but they do not plug into the OBD-II port as you seem to think they will. It would be nice if they did, since it would make installation easier and more accurate, but that doesn’t seem to be an option yet.
The ones I’ve seen all need the engine running for power and are hard-wired into the vehicle’s electrical system. As for those that plug into the OBD-II port, I’m sure there are some available from somewhere, but I don’t know of any off the top of my head.
Conclusion
The best way to find out whether or not a Jeep has a tracker is to go directly to the source. You can contact the manufacturer or check the VIN, which will tell you everything about the car, including if it has a tracker in it.
