Transmitters remind most people of detectives and investigators, but a suspicious partner or ex is the most likely culprit. Usually these people use cheap transmitters that are very noticeable. But you can also find smaller devices, even if you have to search a little more thoroughly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Searching outside
Step 1. First take your flashlight and the manual of the car to hand
The cheapest transmitters have relatively large magnetic boxes. However, not all devices are so noticeable. Sometimes a thread is the only strange thing you will see. Unless you know your car very well, keep the manual handy so you don't remove a critical part.
Step 2. View the chassis
Lie on your back and shine your flashlight on the underside of the car. Most transmitters make a link with GSP satellites and do not work deep under your car because the metal plates hinder the connection. Focus your attention on the underside, looking for suspicious boxes, pasted objects and antennas.
- Give it a light tug whenever you see something strange. Most transmitters are magnetic and come off easily.
- First check the gas tank. The large metal surface makes it an easy place to attach a magnetic device.
Step 3. Inspect the wheels thoroughly
Look under the plastic cover on each wheel, especially if it feels loose or looks bent. Every little transmitter there should stand out - originally there were no strange boxes in this part of your car.
When someone has easy access to your vehicle, you can remove the tires and look behind them, but this is not an obvious place. If you do take a look, know that some brakes have a sensor with wires that is supposed to be there
Step 4. Check out the inside of the bumpers
The front and rear bumpers are the least common places outside the car to place a cheap transmitter. Look at the back and best anywhere someone might hide a device.
A device under the front bumper may be wired to the vehicle's electronic system. Always compare the wiring with the manual before removing anything
Step 5. Inspect the roof
This is only a suitable location in two possible scenarios. First, an SUV or other large vehicle may have a device tucked away in plain sight. Second, a sunroof has a pull-in slot in which the device can be hidden.
Step 6. Keep the hood for last
The front of the car is a warm, solid metal box that is regularly checked by the driver. This is a very bad place for a transmitter. It's not impossible, but the average jealous partner or paranoid neighbor probably won't try. Take a quick look at it and then move on to the interior.
Wiring not in place there could lead to a transmitter. Compare the wiring with your manual's diagrams before jumping to conclusions
Part 2 of 3: Searching the interior
Step 1. Look in the upholstery
If possible, unzip the seat cushions and head restraints. Look under all removable parts.
Step 2. Look under the seats and carpet
Shine your flashlight under the seats. Note that some seats have built-in heating mechanisms. Compare the two front seats with each other and see if you notice any irregularities.
Step #3. Open the section under the dashboard
On most models, you can unscrew the glove box, just like the panel under the steering wheel. Find a loose wire that isn't caught or tied to other wires and try to figure out where it's coming from. Run your fingers along the underside of the dash and find an antenna glued or taped there.
Step 4. Look in the back
Remember that most transmitters cannot receive signals because of the metal. Focus on the areas just below the rear window before checking the metal trunk. Remove the spare tire to thoroughly check underneath as well.
Part 3 of 3: Taking further steps
Step 1. Engage an expert
If you still have not found the transmitter, there is a good chance that there is no transmitter. If you're still suspicious, hire someone to search the vehicle again. Try these experts:
- A car alarm installer who also sells GPS devices
- A mechanic with experience in locating transmitters
- A private detective
Step 2. Search the vehicle electronically
Devices that actively send your location can be found with manual detecting devices. (Some devices store information for later use and can hide it from these sensors.) If you're willing to dig deep into your wallet, look for a company that sells "Technical Surveillance Counter Measures" (TSCM).
The transmitter may only send data periodically and/or when the car is moving, so test this while a friend is driving the car somewhere. (Near cell phone calls may interfere with this unit.)
Tips
- Remember to always lock your vehicle and put it in a safe location when not in use. The risk of a transmitter remains, but the danger will be considerably less.
- Most transmitters need to be removed relatively quickly, either to replace the battery or to retrieve the data. By pointing a camera at where your car is parked, you may be able to identify the culprit. Advanced transmitters have a long life and active transmitters, so these time spans may vary.
- Wear gloves so you don't leave fingerprints. If you find a transmitter, don't touch it. Contact the local police. They may find fingerprints.