LoJack on new vehicles

[nomech]

I know this isn't limited to new vehicles, but this question is specifically for new vehicles.

During my research, I'm noticing that some dealers are 'adding on' items that they want to upsell...LoJack, window tint, PPF, etc...

I spoke to a dealer and they said LoJack is one of the things that all cars get once they land on the lot. I'm sure they say that to make it 'harder' to remove if the customer doesn't want it.

I had one dealer explain that they'd include the LoJack for free for 3 years at no cost and sure enough in their final quote the line item for LoJack was removed. Why would a dealer still throw in LoJack if I specifically stated I don't want it installed? Is this something wired into the vehicle wiring harness and a hassle to remove? Is it inline in the OBDII jack and easy to remove?

Now I'm not sure what to think about a vehicle with LoJack wired into the factory harness (likely spliced) and interfering with manufacture wiring. If it is instead installed inline with the OBDII why not just say 'ok, it can be removed' and just disconnect the LoJack device?

 

[LegalBrief]

They put LoJack in as a way to track the asset on the lot (dealership).

It’s super cheap to the dealership, and quick to put in, (less then 5 minutes, faster if you do dozens a day) then dealer gives you bs about removing it.

My view is don’t pay for it, then you remove, so you know it’s gone, there is an OBD splitter that you remove and toss the LoJack in the trash, don’t forget to peel the sticker on the door jam, less then 5 minutes to take it out nice and neat.

LoJack is a parasitic drain, not having that in my truck. If someone steals my truck the last thing I want is the truck back. Insurance discount isn’t real, you get the same discount from onstar.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

Doesnt OnStar have its own version of LoJack?

 

[Stbentoak]

Unless you physically undo OnStar...they know where your vehicle is at all times. Period. Whether they will tell you or not depends on if you are subscribed and to what level.

 

[nomech]

Unless you physically undo OnStar...they know where your vehicle is at all times. Period. Whether they will tell you or not depends on if you are subscribed and to what level.

The dealer can use onstar to locate me?

I'm not as concerned with the dealer knowing my location IF they can look it up using onstar, I'm more concerned with the LoJack install and splicing into factory wires especially when I stated that I am not interested in that add on.

Onstar is built into the vehicle by GM and I'm not worried about that wiring.

 

[Stbentoak]

Not your dealer..OnStar corporate....Just saying no reason to ever buy Lojack with OnStar onboard. Just another reason for the dealer to add cost to your delivery. If they installed it... they can uninstall it....

 

[nomech]

Not your dealer..OnStar corporate....Just saying no reason to ever buy Lojack with OnStar onboard. Just another reason for the dealer to add cost to your delivery. If they installed it... they can uninstall it....

Yeah, onstar corporate I get that they can track.

I also agree that they can install it, I'm just curious about the actual install. Does it involve splicing into factory wires or is it just an inline wire harness/LoJack device into the ODBII port that can be quickly removed. Sounds like the OBDII port is the most common way to do it based on what @LegalBrief posted.

 

[LegalBrief]

Yeah, onstar corporate I get that they can track.

I also agree that they can install it, I'm just curious about the actual install. Does it involve splicing into factory wires or is it just an inline wire harness/LoJack device into the ODBII port that can be quickly removed. Sounds like the OBDII port is the most common way to do it based on what @LegalBrief

there is an OBD splitter under dah that you remove and toss the LoJack in the trash, don’t forget to peel the sticker on the door jam, less then 5 minutes to take it out nice and neat.

 

[Blueinterceptor]

OnStar can track your vehicle. They will notify the police, and arrests have been made. Further they have the ability to shut off your vehicle if it’s reported stolen.

 

[BigdawgR6]

OnStar can track your vehicle. They will notify the police, and arrests have been made. Further they have the ability to shut off your vehicle if it’s reported stolen.

When my 22 Denali was stolen, the thieves disabled the Onstar signal immediately and used a clone key to drive it off. When I purchased my replacement Denali, I had IGLA, Compustar GPS, and OBD2 blocker installed. Also bought a faraday box as well. They'll have to tow it if they want it at this point.

 

[Sweetie101]

My 2003 z71 has LoJack and it was well worth it. I was told my OnStar that the equipment in my 2003 is no longer supported and they don't monitor a signal for it and were not able to locate the vehicle that was. My 03 was stolen 3 weeks ago and the police found it with the LoJack. I would not be without it. Having my pride and joy immaculate mint condition Z71 4x4 was emotionally devastating for me. They smashed up the rear so its in the shop for repair but I got it back. LoJack will not ruin your truck and worth every penny.