# OBD2 GPS Tracker: How It Works, Cost and Setup > An OBD2 GPS tracker plugs in under the dash in a minute. How it works, what it tracks, OBD2 vs hardwired, and what it costs. Canonical: https://gpsleaders.com/blog/obdii-gps-tracking-device Last updated: 2026-11-06 Fleet Tracking ## OBD2 GPS Tracker: How It Works, Cost and Setup An OBD2 GPS tracker plugs in under the dash in a minute. How it works, what it tracks, OBD2 vs hardwired, and what it costs. By [Nick Muratore](https://gpsleaders.com/about) GPS Veteran & CEO, GPS Leaders·January 17, 2019·2 min read ![OBDII GPS Tracking Devices Benefits | GPS LEADERS](https://gpsleaders.com/_emdash/api/media/file/206f83d30573fd6c9d85e680e610a65e.jpg) An OBD2 GPS tracker plugs into the diagnostic port under a vehicle's dash and starts reporting in about a minute, with no tools and no wiring. Here's how it works, what it tells you, and when a hardwired tracker is the better pick. ### Key takeaways - It plugs in with no tools. Cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. since 1996 have an OBD2 port. - Besides location, it can read trouble codes and check-engine alerts. - It moves easily between vehicles, and a driver can unplug it just as easily. For trucks you're keeping, a hardwired unit is harder to tamper with. ### How an OBD2 GPS tracker works The port powers the tracker and gives it access to the vehicle's diagnostic data. The tracker gets its position from GPS and sends it over a cellular network to your phone or computer, where you can see every vehicle and set alerts for areas like your yard or a job site ([what is a geofence?](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/what-is-a-geofence)). ### OBD2 vs hardwired GPS tracker #### OBD2 plug-in - **Install:** plugs in, one minute, no tools - **Engine data:** trouble codes and check-engine alerts - **Backup battery:** included - **Moves between vehicles:** yes, unplug and replug - **Best for:** vans and trucks that change often, or getting started fast #### Hardwired - **Install:** behind the dash on vehicle power, by any installer - **Engine data:** no engine codes (location, power and inputs) - **Moves between vehicles:** no, wired to one vehicle - **Best for:** trucks you're keeping, and when you don't want it unplugged ### Where is the OBD2 port? Usually under the dash on the driver's side, near the steering column. Some sit behind a small cover. Heavy-duty trucks often use a different diagnostic port, so check yours before you order. ### What does it cost? GPS Leaders' OBD2 plug-in is $69 per device plus $15.98 a month per vehicle, with no contract and a 3-year warranty. It reports every minute, plus on every turn. See [fleet GPS tracking](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking). ### FAQ #### Can a driver unplug an OBD2 tracker? Yes, that's the trade-off for the easy install. If that's a concern, a hardwired tracker sits behind the dash out of reach. #### Does an OBD2 tracker read engine codes? Ours reads trouble codes and sends check-engine alerts. #### Can I move it to another vehicle? Yes. Unplug it and plug it into the next vehicle's port. #### How do I work out what my vehicles cost to run? Try the free [cost per mile calculator](https://gpsleaders.com/tools/cost-per-mile). Fleet Tracking ### Run your fleet on real numbers Live location, driver behavior, idle time, and maintenance in one place — built for small business owners, not enterprise telematics teams. [See fleet tracking](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) [Request a quote](https://gpsleaders.com/request-a-quote?from=blog-post) [](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) The tracker for this #### Fleet Tracking — OBD2 Plug-In 1-Minute DIY Install $69$149+ $15.98/mo service, billed separately Qty [See the page →](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) Most orders ship same day · US only · 3-year warranty Opt in #### Nick's notes, by email. One email when there's something worth knowing: a recovery that worked, a rule that changed, a number that surprised us. No drip campaigns. ![Nick Muratore](https://gpsleaders.com/team/nick-muratore-160.webp) [Nick Muratore](https://gpsleaders.com/about) GPS Veteran & CEO, GPS Leaders Nick Muratore is the founder and CEO of GPS Leaders, a vehicle intelligence company he established in 2015 and continues to lead from California. Over a 32-year career he has evaluated more than 120 GPS hardware and software products, developing the comparative expertise that underpins the company's approach: recommending systems on evidence of field performance rather than specification. Under his direction GPS Leaders serves vehicle finance, dealership, rental, fleet and equipment operators nationwide, on a model built around transparent pricing, no annual fees, and owner-level accountability. Fleet Tracking ### Run your fleet on real numbers Live location, driver behavior, idle time, and maintenance in one place — built for small business owners, not enterprise telematics teams. [See fleet tracking](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) [Talk to a GPS Expert →](https://gpsleaders.com/talk) [](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) While you read #### Fleet Tracking — OBD2 Plug-In 1-Minute DIY Install $69$149+ $15.98/mo service, billed separately Qty [See the page →](https://gpsleaders.com/fleet-tracking) Most orders ship same day · US only · 3-year warranty Opt in #### Get the next one before it's on the site. One email when there's something worth knowing: a recovery that worked, a rule that changed, a number that surprised us. Written by Nick, sent when it's ready. ### Keep reading · fleet tracking [All articles →](https://gpsleaders.com/blog) [Fleet Tracking What Is a Geofence? How Vehicle Geofence Alerts Work](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/what-is-a-geofence)[Fleet Tracking How to Calculate Fuel Surcharge for Trucking](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/how-to-calculate-fuel-surcharge)[Fleet Tracking Trailer GPS Tracker: Solar, Battery or Hardwired?](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/trailer-tracking-device-guide)[Fleet Tracking California Fleet Tracking: Costs and Safety](https://gpsleaders.com/blog/fleet-tracking-in-california-guide) Before you go ### Tell us what you finance, rent or run, and we'll tell you what to put in it. Your count, your current provider, and where the vehicles go. A GPS Expert answers with the tracker, the term, and the volume pricing. [Talk to a GPS Expert](https://gpsleaders.com/talk) [Compare the trackers](https://gpsleaders.com/bhph-tracking/compare)