Power Disconnect Troubleshooting Guide
(Note: This guide does not apply to Asset Trackers/Trailer Tracker Units, as they have specific power management programming that cause them to ‘disconnect’ from power as they enter power saving sleep)
Our OBD Plug-In trackers and our Covert-Hardwired trackers report a ‘Power Disconnect’ event whenever the device loses its connection to constant power for more than 2 minutes. To gather more information on the events preceding the power disconnect, we recommend running an Event Details Report. Navigate to Reports-> Event Details, select the vehicle and the last day that it reported, and click "Run Report".
Let’s look at some troubleshooting techniques for each device type to determine the cause:
A power disconnect will result from one of the following situations:
- The OBD tracker has been unplugged, or come loose in the port: It is difficult to say immediately whether an OBD device was intentionally unplugged, or if it just loose in the port. The Event Details report is helpful in hinting at the cause. For example, several Connect/Disconnects while the vehicle is moving down the road might indicate a loose port. A sudden Power Disconnect just after shutting the ignition off, might indicate the device was intentionally unplugged or was bumped when exiting the vehicle. We recommend inspecting the port and speaking with the driver.
- Blown fuse in the OBD port: If the tracker is receiving power at the port, it should be showing flashing lights on the device. If firmly plugged in but not showing any lights, we recommend plugging the tracker into a different vehicle’s OBD port to see if flashing lights come on. If they do, you will likely need to replace the fuse in the OBD port. The OBD port fuse is often shared with the cigarette lighter and other circuits, and is one of the more commonly blown fuses as people now charge a variety of devices in their vehicles.
- Dead vehicle battery: The tracker will report a Power Disconnect when the vehicle battery dies. These are usually preceded with ‘Low Vehicle Battery’ in the Event Details report.
- Power Disconnect Switch: Certain heavy-duty vehicles have Power Disconnect Switches to preserve the vehicle’s battery. This switch will cut off power to the tracker and cause a Power_Disconnect event every time the switch is thrown.
A power disconnect will result from one of the following situations:
- Power or Ground Wire coming loose: If either the Power (red wire) or Ground (black wire) come loose, the tracker will report a power disconnect. The trackers have a back-up battery to allow them to report the disconnect and continue tracking and reporting for a little while longer. If you are seeing power disconnects and connects while driving, it is likely a loose wire. If you see this event after jump starting the vehicle see, Blown Fuse
- Blown Fuse: The hardwired trackers have a fuse built into the wiring harness. These can be blown if the vehicle was jump started. Inspect the harness’s fuse and replace if necessary.
- Dead vehicle battery: The tracker will report a Power Disconnect when the vehicle battery dies. These are usually preceded with ‘Low Vehicle Battery’ in the Event Details report.
- Power Disconnect Switch: Certain heavy-duty vehicles have Power Disconnect Switches to preserve the vehicle’s battery. This switch will cut off power to the tracker and cause a Power_Disconnect event every time the switch is thrown.
We offer Power Disconnect alerts for both Standard and Pro users. If you'd like to receive an email or text in the event of a Power Disconnect, please email support@clearpathgps.com and tell us the email or phone number you'd like to receive the alerts at, and for which vehicles you'd like the alerts to apply to.