How to Remove LoJack from My Car: A Complete Guide
If you’ve recently bought a used car or are wondering how to remove LoJack from your vehicle, you’re not alone. Many car owners have questions about this security system, whether they want to remove it because they no longer need it or because they’ve sold their car and want to make sure the system is disabled.
LoJack is a vehicle tracking system designed to help locate stolen cars. It works by using radio frequency technology to help law enforcement track your vehicle if it is stolen. While this system can be extremely beneficial in the event of a car theft, some people choose to remove it for various reasons, including concerns over privacy or if they are selling the vehicle and want to deactivate the service.
In this blog post, we will explore how to remove LoJack from your car and the considerations to keep in mind before taking this step.
What is LoJack?
LoJack is a brand name for a stolen vehicle recovery system. Installed in many cars, it is a device that helps police track down a stolen vehicle. LoJack works through a hidden radio transmitter installed in your car, which emits a signal that can be picked up by law enforcement vehicles equipped with the necessary tracking equipment.
Once activated, the LoJack system works to help police find your car by using this radio signal. However, LoJack is a service that requires an ongoing subscription, which can be a cost that many car owners wish to avoid.
Reasons to Remove LoJack
There are several reasons why you might want to remove LoJack from your car:
- Selling Your Car: If you’ve sold your car to someone else, it’s common practice to deactivate any tracking systems, including LoJack. The new owner will likely have their own security preferences.
- Privacy Concerns: Some people don’t want a tracking device monitoring their car, as they are concerned about their privacy being compromised.
- Switching to a Different Security System: If you’re upgrading to a new or more modern security system, you might find that LoJack is redundant, and you want to remove it.
- Cost of Subscription: LoJack is a subscription-based service. If you no longer want to pay for it, removing the device is one way to stop incurring those fees.
How to Remove LoJack from Your Car
Removing LoJack from your car is not as straightforward as just unhooking a few wires. It involves some steps and may require professional assistance, as the system is designed to be covert and difficult to remove without specialized knowledge.
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Step 1: Contact LoJack Customer Service
Before you attempt to remove the LoJack device yourself, you need to get in touch with LoJack’s customer service department. They will be able to provide specific instructions, including whether or not you can remove the device yourself or if a professional technician is required.
LoJack systems are often tied to the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and removing it improperly could potentially render the system useless or even cause legal complications. A representative from LoJack will be able to confirm whether you need to have the system deactivated officially.
Step 2: Locate the LoJack Transmitter
The LoJack device is typically hidden in your car, often installed under the carpet, in the trunk, or behind the dashboard. It’s a small black box that’s designed to be hard to find.
If you are attempting to remove it yourself, you’ll need to locate the device. This may require removing panels or carpeting inside your vehicle to access the hidden location. If you’re unsure where to look, consider consulting a mechanic or a professional to help you pinpoint its location.
Step 3: Disconnect the Device
Once you’ve found the LoJack transmitter, the next step is to disconnect it from the car’s power source. This may involve removing screws, unplugging connectors, or detaching wiring. Be sure to use caution, as improperly disconnecting electrical components can lead to short circuits or other issues with your car’s electrical system.
Step 4: Deactivate the System
Even if you physically remove the LoJack device from your car, you must ensure the system is deactivated with LoJack. This deactivation process is crucial, as it ensures that the system is no longer transmitting signals, and you stop receiving any subscription fees.
LoJack may require you to submit a deactivation request through their customer service. In some cases, they may ask you to visit a dealership or certified mechanic to complete the process properly.
Step 5: Verify the System is Deactivated
Once the device has been removed and deactivated, it’s important to ensure that LoJack is no longer monitoring your car. To do this, you can request a confirmation letter from LoJack that verifies the removal and deactivation of the system.
Alternatively, you can perform a test by checking if the LoJack signal is still active. Some professionals can also assist with this step.
Considerations Before Removing LoJack
Before going through with the removal process, consider the following:
- Legal Implications: In some jurisdictions, tampering with or disabling a tracking system may have legal consequences. Always check the laws in your area before removing the device.
- Resale Value: If you’re planning to sell the car, removing LoJack could affect its resale value, as potential buyers may prefer a vehicle with a built-in theft recovery system.
- Alternative Security Options: Consider whether you will be replacing the LoJack system with another security system, such as an updated GPS tracker or car alarm system.
Conclusion
Removing LoJack from your car is possible, but it requires some effort, and in many cases, professional help. If you no longer want to keep the system, make sure you follow the proper steps for deactivating and removing it to avoid potential issues with the law or the vehicle’s functionality.
As a general rule, always reach out to LoJack customer service for the proper deactivation steps, and, if needed, consult a professional mechanic to safely remove the device. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing this yourself, seeking help from experts is always a wise choice.
By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your car is free from the LoJack system and you are no longer paying for services you don’t need.