Check your vehicles for a tracking device connected by the dealership

dfwcowboy · 10-20-2023, 02:08 AM

I found this plugged into my 2024 OBD port with a wire that goes somewhere. I couldn't find anything in the owner's manual about it.

CalgaryZL1 · 10-20-2023, 03:29 AM

Very interesting, if you bought the car new you may have to ask the dealership about that

79 TransAm that never was · 10-20-2023, 05:26 AM

Is there a wire attached to it? It looks like a snapshot type device used to rat you out, but if there's a wire attached to it then it can't be that.

dfwcowboy · 10-20-2023, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalgaryZL1

Very interesting, if you bought the car new you may have to ask the dealership about that

I have to take it to the service dept today so I’ll ask. The only thing I could imagine is it’s for the PDR.

arpad_m · 10-20-2023, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfwcowboy

I have to take it to the service dept today so I’ll ask. The only thing I could imagine is it’s for the PDR.

Definitely not, it's probably some dealership extra that they (should've) disclosed to you. The OBD-II port is always left available from the factory.

I don't want a mustang · 10-20-2023, 10:29 AM

I'm thinking LoJack.

dfwcowboy · 10-20-2023, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Definitely not, it's probably some dealership extra that they (should've) disclosed to you. The OBD-II port is always left available from the factory.

I just confirmed with the dealership that they installed it as a tap for a "tracking device". I just bought a new Tahoe from the same dealership a month ago and it had one on it as well. Neither was disclosed. Obviously they work as a tracking device that works via the cell phone network.

I removed both of them. It doesn't bother me all that much other than they didn't tell me about it. I'm sure some people might be highly pissed off over it. Evidently I could use it for free to track my vehicles if I want, but I have no desire to do so. I can already do that through OnStar.

I'm going to leave this thread here as a PSA. If anyone else finds one, you might want to reply to this thread so others can see how widespread the practice is. I'm curious to know.

Chutzpah · 10-20-2023, 12:07 PM

I’d be pissed about that.

ZED SLED · 10-20-2023, 12:16 PM

If I saw something like that I'd just naturally assume it was something installed by my wife!

Coded4SS · 10-20-2023, 12:16 PM

Its a GPS tracker for if the car gets stolen. You probably paid for it (most dealers charge around 1k), theres even a pamphlet with it that shows the website you can go to. I think its called "Spartan". Ive had one on all 3 of my gen6 camaros. Easy to remove.

raidator · 10-20-2023, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coded4SS

Its a GPS tracker for if the car gets stolen. You probably paid for it (most dealers charge around 1k), theres even a pamphlet with it that shows the website you can go to. I think its called "Spartan". Ive had one on all 3 of my gen6 camaros. Easy to remove.

typical... $1k for a $100 part

https://shop.fsasllc.com/products/ik...0-2awpw-ikon-b

dfwcowboy · 10-20-2023, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coded4SS

Its a GPS tracker for if the car gets stolen. You probably paid for it (most dealers charge around 1k), theres even a pamphlet with it that shows the website you can go to. I think its called "Spartan". Ive had one on all 3 of my gen6 camaros. Easy to remove.

I was charged $798 for dealer installed "optional accessories" which evidently weren't optional. This included window tint which I specifically told them no less than 3 times not to install. I suppose there are some benefits to this device as it can also read engine data, but I have no use for it. I just have no idea if the dealership is also using the information for profit, such as sending me service reminders.

Junction65 · 10-20-2023, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfwcowboy

I was charged $798 for dealer installed "optional accessories" which evidently weren't optional. This included window tint which I specifically told them no less than 3 times not to install. I suppose there are some benefits to this device as it can also read engine data, but I have no use for it. I just have no idea if the dealership is also using the information for profit, such as sending me service reminders.

Oh you will be getting service reminder emails from Onstar with neat info like "oil life" and "tire pressure" for sure. Part of the "owner experience"

RideWithDanger · 10-20-2023, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dfwcowboy

I was charged $798 for dealer installed "optional accessories" which evidently weren't optional. This included window tint which I specifically told them no less than 3 times not to install. I suppose there are some benefits to this device as it can also read engine data, but I have no use for it. I just have no idea if the dealership is also using the information for profit, such as sending me service reminders.

When ordering my 2023 Camaro I used the forums to find a better dealership, as the first one I went to refused to promise me an exact sales price at MSRP, and then also stated they WILL be doing dealer add ons. I told them specifically I did not want tint or a dealer installed ceramic coating and he told me he had no choice. I appreciate the honestly but did not appreciate the greed.

Glad I found a better dealership!

10-20-2023, 02:08 AM	#1
dfwcowboy Drives: 2024 ZL1 M6, 1969 Cessna Skylane Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Dallas Posts: 368	Check your vehicles for a tracking device connected by the dealership I found this plugged into my 2024 OBD port with a wire that goes somewhere. I couldn't find anything in the owner's manual about it. Attached Images Last edited by dfwcowboy; 10-20-2023 at 11:27 AM. Reason: Changed title

10-20-2023, 12:16 PM	#9
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,485 View My Garage	If I saw something like that I'd just naturally assume it was something installed by my wife! __________________

10-20-2023, 03:29 AM	#2
CalgaryZL1 Drives: 2020 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: Calgary Canada Posts: 1,581	Very interesting, if you bought the car new you may have to ask the dealership about that

10-20-2023, 05:26 AM	#3
79 TransAm that never was Drives: 2023 Camaro LT1 6.2 MT6 Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: FU Posts: 108	Is there a wire attached to it? It looks like a snapshot type device used to rat you out, but if there's a wire attached to it then it can't be that.

10-20-2023, 10:29 AM	#6
I don't want a mustang Drives: 2022 LT-1 Convertible Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: VA Posts: 93	I'm thinking LoJack.

10-20-2023, 12:07 PM	#8
Chutzpah Drives: Wild Cherry LT1 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 1,929	I’d be pissed about that.

10-20-2023, 12:16 PM	#10
Coded4SS Drives: 2020 1SS 1le Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: SO CAL Posts: 440	Its a GPS tracker for if the car gets stolen. You probably paid for it (most dealers charge around 1k), theres even a pamphlet with it that shows the website you can go to. I think its called "Spartan". Ive had one on all 3 of my gen6 camaros. Easy to remove.

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