How to Tell If You Have a GPS Magnet on Your Car
- 1). Familiarize yourself with a standard GPS device. Typically, GPS units have two parts: the electronics component (usually in a plastic case with a magnet on the bottom), connected by a wire to its antennae (the second part). Generally, the electronics unit (at a minimum, 2 by 4 inches) is much larger than the antennae (which may be as small as a thumb). Because the antennae receiver must be able to locate, transmit and receive signals from satellites, its placement is critical as it must have no metallic obstructions between it and the sky). Passive GPS devices are single units, often small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.
- 2). Check the back bumper. With a real time GPS device, the antennae may be attached to the metal frame underneath the plastic bumper cover (in this scenario, the GPS electronics unit would be attached by its magnet to the undercarriage). A single, passive GPS unit may be attached to the metal frame under the plastic bumper or to the undercarriage.
- 3). Look under the hood. For a real time GPS device, the electronics unit is placed where heat from the engine won't damage it (such as near the metal battery support), and its antennae may be attached to the radiator grille (positioned on the outside) or underneath the plastic front bumper. A single, passive GPS device may be placed anywhere in the engine compartment where the unit won't be damaged from engine heat or under the plastic bumper.
- 4). Check the wheelwell. This will be a trickier placement because the GPS unit is visible but don't rule it out. Look carefully along the outer edge of the wheelwell for the antennae (in this scenario, the GPS electronics unit would likely be connected to the undercarriage). A single, passive GPS unit may be attached in the wheelwell or to the undercarriage.
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