GPS Vehicle Tracking Device Installation Guide Installed Trackers

This is part of a series of installation guides for installing GPS Tracking Devices in your cars or trucks or in your assets.
OBD-II Vehicle Tracker Installation Guide | Hardwired Vehicle Tracker Installation | Battery Powered GPS Tracker Installation Guide

Installed Fleet Tracking Devices

This is an installation and wiring guide for installing a wired GPS Tracking Device in your cars or trucks. If you came across this page as you were looking to install an OBD-II tracking device in your vehicle, this isn't the page for you – but we've got you covered over here: OBD-II Vehicle Tracker Installation Guide. Similarly, our battery powered GPS trackers are covered here: Battery Powered GPS Tracker Installation Guide.

Vehicle Tracking Device: Installation Intro

We often describe the installation process as being similar to installing a car radio. It is assumed that the technician has a basic understanding of 12/24 volt electrical systems and knows how to properly terminate connections. We recommend soldering all electrical connections. If that is not possible, appropriate size wire tap connectors should be used.use posi tap for gps trackers

Mounting Requirements for a GPS Tracker

Proximity to a Power Source

The power cable is about three feet long. Ideally, you should place the tracking device close enough to a power source that no additional wire will be needed. However, if required, splice wire in accordance with low voltage electrical standards.

Exposure to elements

This guide is based on the truck tracking device and it is NOT a weather-resistant tracker which means it must be mounted in an area with protection from the elements, like underneath a dashboard or in a plastic control box.

View of The Sky

Since the GPS satellites beam location information to the device, the tracking device needs to have a view of the sky. The GPS signal can penetrate glass, plastic, and wood, but not metal. Ideally, the GPS tracker should be be mounted high underneath the plastic dashboard of the vehicle so the antenna side of the device has a good view of the sky through the front windshield. Please ensure that it is not blocked by anything metal.

Wiring Guide for Tracking Device:

Primary Device Wires – There are three wires that need to be connected to an external power source – RED, BLACK, and WHITE.

  • RED goes to a constant power connection with a voltage between +12V and +24V.
  • BLACK goes to the vehicle chassis or is tapped into an existing ground wire.
  • WHITE is for vehicle ignition detection. Connect it to a circuit that is active only when the key is in the RUN position. This circuit should be between +12V and +24V when active, and +0V (or Open) when inactive.

WARNING: You MUST use a digital multimeter to identify the proper circuits for power. The GPS device MUST have +12V or higher to operate correctly. Beware that many newer vehicles now have data wiring that operate at +8V or lower which will NOT work.

Testing Tracking Device

Once the gps tracker has been connected to power, the LED lights will begin to turn on. Refer to the table below to determine if the tracking device is functioning properly or to assist in troubleshooting. Be sure to check the GPS lights with the tracking device as close to its permanent position as possible.


Securing the Tracking Device

Upon confirmation that the tracking device is reporting properly, securely mount it in the vehicle in the location chosen above. The barcode label should be facing the sky or Open Outside Space. For the best performance, it is IMPORTANT to securely mount the tracking device in your vehicle as level as possible. Use two zip ties, placing one in each of the grooves on both ends of the device.