Why vehicles show as ‘towing’ when they are not in tow

If a vehicle shows on Live Map as Towing but it is not in tow, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

• A blown fuse.
• The power cable is damaged.
• Incorrect wiring or installation.
• The vehicle tracker is using the incorrect configuration for your vehicle.

In this article

To change an incorrect Towing status on Live Map, follow these steps:

• Before you begin
• Gather your tools
• Get your vehicle ready
• Check the vehicle
• Step 1. Contact the driver
• Step 2. Look for a blown fuse
• Step 3. Identify the power source
• Step 4. Check the power cable (OBD-II connector)
• Step 5. Check the wiring (3-wire connector)
• Step 6. Contact Support

Before you begin

Gather your tools

Depending on your vehicle type, you might need some of the following tools:

• Wire cutter
• Flashlight
• Tools to remove vehicle panels
• Philips screwdriver
• Ratchet and socket

Get your vehicle ready

Make sure that:

• The vehicle is in an area with good network coverage.
• You turn off your ignition.

Check the vehicle

Step 1. Contact the driver

Ask the driver whether the vehicle is in tow. If the vehicle is not in tow, go to step 2.

Step 2. Look for a blown fuse

1. Find the battery and ignition fuses tucked under the dashboard. They are usually close to the power source.
   
   
2. If you see a visible gap in the wire displayed inside the fuse’s clear casing:
   • replace the fuse.
   • drive the vehicle.
   • If the vehicle is still showing as Towing, or there is no blown fuse, go to step 3.

Step 3. Identify the power source

1. Find the camera’s power cables. These are usually tucked under the dashboard near the fuses.
2. The camera is connected to a power source in one of two ways, depending on your vehicle type.
   • For light commercial or private vehicles (12V only) with an OBD-II connector, go to step 4.
   • For heavy trucks (12V only), light-duty vehicles manufactured before 1996 and heavy trucks with 9 pin connectors, skip to step 5.

Step 4. Check the power cables (OBD-II connector)

1. Locate the cable connected to the OBD-II port.
2. Wiggle the cable and tighten if loose.
3. Check the cable for damage. If you need a replacement, contact Support.
4. Drive the vehicle.
5. If the vehicle is still showing as Towing, or you need to replace a damaged cable, go to step 6.

Step 5. Check the wiring (3-wire connector)

1. Wiggle the black ground cable and ground terminals. Tighten if loose.
2. Find the black wire. It should have been installed using the Verizon-verified poke and wrap method.
   

If a different method has been used, follow these steps:

1. Locate the correct wire.
2. Strip the insulation from a section of the wire.
3. Make a hole through the exposed wire.
4. Insert the cable through the hole.
5. Wrap the cable tight and insulate with electrical tape.
6. Place zip ties over the electrical tape on each side of the connection.
7. Turn on the ignition.
8. Wait 5 minutes for the camera to boot up. The red, blue, and green lights will flash in sequence.
9. You will hear a beep and see solid blue and green lights. A single beep indicates your device is plugged in correctly and receiving power.
   • If the blue and green lights are not solid after 5 minutes, troubleshoot the camera indicator lights.
   • Drive the vehicle.
   • If the vehicle is still showing as Towing, go to step 6.

Step 6. Contact Support

When a vehicle’s status changes to Towing, a notification appears on Live Map.

If the vehicle is not in tow, select NO. Enter your Name and contact preferences so we can get in touch.

Alternatively, contact Support directly.