The tracker shows the wrong position
GPS positions come from satellite signals, and accuracy gets worse near buildings, bridges and trees (gps.gov). Dense city streets, covered yards and underground car parks can all cause jumps or drift. A vehicle parked in a covered area may show the last good position until the signal returns. If a vehicle is consistently wrong in an open location, ask the supplier to check where the tracker is fitted and how it is configured.
A tracker has stopped reporting
- Power. A hardwired unit that has lost its supply will report on its backup battery for a short time and then go quiet. A battery unit may be flat. See tracker battery life.
- Mobile connection. The SIM may be in an area with no coverage, or the tracker may depend on a network technology that is being withdrawn. See the guide to the 2G and 3G switch-off.
- Recent work on the vehicle. A battery change, a repair or a new accessory can disturb a wired tracker.
- A flag in the platform. Check whether your platform shows when a unit last reported, and ask your supplier to set up an alert for units that go quiet.
Updates are late or the route looks jumpy
Trackers report at set intervals, so a long interval gives a rougher route and a later live position. Poor coverage also delays reports. Choosing a shorter interval gives more detail but uses more data and, on battery units, more battery. See how GPS vehicle tracking works.
Alerts that do not make sense
Geofence alerts depend on how the zone is drawn, so a zone that is too small for GPS accuracy can fire when a vehicle is parked inside it. Ignition and movement alerts depend on the unit being wired and configured for the vehicle. Test each alert rule with a real journey before relying on it.
Concerns from drivers
If drivers are uneasy, the usual cause is that they were not told what is collected and why. Be open about it, restrict who can see the data and limit private-use tracking. See whether it is legal to put a GPS tracker on a vehicle.
What to do next
Note the vehicle, the time and what you expected to see, then contact your supplier. If you are choosing a new system, ask how it flags units that stop reporting, how it behaves in poor coverage and what support is included.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my GPS tracker show the wrong location?
GPS accuracy gets worse near buildings, bridges and trees, and signals can be blocked indoors or underground. A tracker that is consistently wrong in an open area should be checked for where it is fitted and how it is configured.
Why has my vehicle tracker stopped reporting?
The usual causes are loss of power, a flat battery on battery units, no mobile coverage or a connection that depends on a withdrawn network technology. Check the platform for the time of the last report and contact your supplier.
Why is my tracking data delayed?
Trackers report at set intervals and poor coverage delays reports further. A shorter reporting interval gives more detail but uses more data and battery.
Having trouble with your tracking?
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