LoJack refers to a GPS dependent tracking device that allows users to locate devices or vehicles that have been stolen. It is available in both a software version for computers and a hardware version for vehicles and communicates with GPS satellites to show a user where his/her stolen item currently is. LoJack can be activated at any time via a third party user interface and is often used to track down a thief as well as the user’s stolen property.
How LoJack Works
LoJack works in the same way that GPS navigation does. For example, in a vehicle, LoJack is connected to the vehicle in a small hardware unit that transmits its location to GPS satellites via high frequency radio waves whenever a remote source activates it. In order to pinpoint the vehicle’s location, multiple GPS satellites receive the transmitter’s radio waves and calculate the distance the vehicle is from each satellite. When a user activates the LoJack in his/her vehicle, he/she is able to see the vehicle moving across a map in real time.
Applications
LoJack can be used for a number of applications, all of which involve locating stolen or missing property. For example, the most popular form of LoJack is used to locate stolen vehicles and the thieves who stole them. Other forms of LoJack, however, include software versions in order to locate stolen computers, small hardware versions used to locate lost keys and pets, and even wristband versions used to locate lost or kidnapped children.
How to Disable LoJack
In order to disable LoJack, a user can either stop the unit from receiving signals or stop the unit from transmitting signals. In either case, removing the entire unit would work. If this is not an option, the user can cover the unit in a lead or brass mesh, which would catch any signals the unit is attempting to receive. Additionally, the user could implement a GPS tracking jammer that would override the incoming signals in order to prevent them from reaching the device. Likewise, a GPS tracking jammer could override the outgoing signals and use software in order to send a false location to the GPS satellites. Doing any of these actions without the owner’s explicit permission is a crime and may interfere with other GPS dependent devices in the area.
Jennifer
I take it you know a lot of information about lo-jack
Kyle C.
I need to remove the lojack and gps from a nissa. Altima 2015. Can anyone help me do so.
James Betts
this is a horrible article, GPS satellites put out signals, they do not receive signals from a LoJack device. And LoJack has nothing to do with GPS, this article is a load of garbage.
Korben Dallas
“LoJack works in the same way that GPS navigation does. For example, in a vehicle, LoJack is connected to the vehicle in a small hardware unit that transmits its location to GPS satellites via high frequency radio waves whenever a remote source activates it.”
This is such a load of completely insane nonsense that words can’t even begin to describe it.
david
i read that brass or lead mesh can stop it from reciving signal
john smith
Then get yourself a radio frequency blocker. Thanks for telling us!
Jeremy
Hi Brandon – I’m a representative of LoJack Corporation and wanted to correct you on several inaccuracies detailed throughout this article. The traditional LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System is based on Radio Frequency technology and not GPS technology. This is significant for several reasons, including the fact that it does not require a line of sight to any satellites and because the system is installed covertly and thus is not easily detectable by thieves. In order to activate the LoJack System, an owner must report their vehicle stolen to the police, who then would need to enter the stolen vehicle’s information into the National Crime Information Center computers. The police can then use LoJack Police Tracking Computers to track the silent LoJack signal emitting from a stolen vehicle. Vehicle owners do not have the ability to track the whereabouts of the LoJack signal; only the police do. If a vehicle-powered LoJack System (the company also offers self-powered units for select vehicle makes & models) is disconnected accidentally or intentionally, it can run off of LoJack’s pre-installed backup battery. In terms of applications, the LoJack System is used for stolen cars, trucks, SUVs, heavy equipment, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and cargo. The company also has a subsidiary, LoJack SafetyNet, that offers a service for protecting people at risk of wandering (e.g. autism and Alzheimer’s). The company licenses its brand name to Absolute Software for their LoJack for Laptops product.
I would suggest either revising the article to update it with the most accurate information or remove this article altogether. If you need clarity on any information, please let me know. Thanks for your attention.
Jeremy @ LoJack
Mort Lord
I need to disable LoJack so I can return my computer for repair. How do I do that?
Teri Boots
I want to locate and disconnect the LoJack on my car. It’s a 2013 Ford focus SE. Thank you
Steve
Teri the model of the car doesn’t really matter. The units are hidden in many different locations, even on a particular model of car. The only way to locate them would be to ask LoJack, or start tearing the car apart, or tracing it by its electrical current draw. I have found mine quite by accident in the course of installing other electrical equipment in my cars.
Donna
Jeremy, You stated: “The traditional LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System is based on Radio Frequency technology and not GPS technology. This is significant for several reasons, including the fact that it does not require a line of sight to any satellites and because the system is installed covertly and thus is not easily detectable by thieves.” My question, Although it is not designed as a GPS system and therefore “does not require a line of sight to any satellites”, can it be used that way if the vehicle is within a line of sight to any satellites? In other words, could a sophisticated unscrupulous third party use GPS to track a vehicle?
Stephen Kurtzman
Donna: No. The units have no relation to GPS _at_all. It is strictly a beacon that transmits a signal when activated that can be tracked by receivers installed in law enforcement vehicles
Cristie Brewer
Hey Jeremy, first I loved seeing your response, especially being a representative from LoJack! Your feedback was a great read and very informative. Thank you! I do have a question for you, if LoJack is removed or intentionally blocked for any reason, does it notify LoJack? While I see the back up battery, would that still alert LoJack to an issue? Hopefully do right. I assume so, but would like confirmation.
While the author Brandon might have miscommunicated about LoJack, I do think however, what he was trying to relay was probably the many apps out there that allow you to detect your personal items, such as cell phones, etc . Thanks again!!!
Cristie Brewer
Just realized the dates, it’s 6 years old! Lol, were there even apps that detected your cell then? Oopsy!
Scott Anderson
A radio frequency detector or a bug sweeper will find your LoJack usually there in the tire most of the time but if you look up towards the battery and stuff you also have a wire a small one that runs for it to the battery and if it gets disconnected it also has a backup battery and sometimes they’re not even near the battery because they’re backup battery but they have to have a current so their backup battery don’t run out if it’s not the rechargeable type from your car from a current
Mary
How can I cancel the LoJack I dont need it I have gap insurance n full coverage on my used vehicle it’s worthless to me can u please help me I been trying to contact the finance dep at dealership n no response back