What is this, a GPS Tracker?
I discovered this in the passenger side engine compartment. It doesn't look like a stock Jaguar part. I suspect it might be a tracking device. This concerns me as I am the 2nd owner and got only 1 key from the dealer. It was a leased vehicle before I bought it.

 

Cut the wires lol

 

Not OEM device.
I hear that all vehicles left from factory with 2 keys, at least for EU market, but keys can be missed or not returned. With diag tool its possible to rule out old keys and program new ones. (not sure for latest models, since the module handling keys updated on later models)
Its wise to have two keys, because if you lose the only one you have you end to very difficult situtation.

 

paldi, it may be 1 of 2 things. The more likely is the car was equipped with a Lo-Jack device so if the car came up missing, you simply track the car down with that. It would alos have the capability to shut the car down if you called Lo-Jack and reported it stolen. Granted, if that was the case, then you should have gotten a card with the sale of the car so you could register as the new owner so you control when the car is disabled. The second idea is similar, just a lower tech version where the car was a company car and should an employee take it and not return the car in due time, the company can find the car and take it back.

 

The device alerts the driver when the car is outside of driving distance from Pat's King of Steaks.

 

I got a quote from the Jaguar dealer. $930.00 in parts and programing to "forget" the missing key for my 2019 XJL, purchase a new replacement key fob and program it. Also, the metal blade needs to be cut to match my other key (and of course the missing one.)

 

There's probably a qualified locksmith in the Philly area that can do the job far less expensively. A real, genuine automotive locksmith; not a hardware store. Phone with your VIN before driving there. BTW, the metal key is Ford.

 

When I got my 2011 a few years ago I found a transmitter of some sort behind the front license plate holder. I researched and found that it was related to a security gate control. Must have been forgotten about when it was traded in. Removal was uneventful.

 

I'm going to have it removed by the dealer I bought the car from. The device has an antenna and 4 wires. I hope when they take it off it won't immobilize the car or cause something to stop working properly.

 

It's off. Two of the 4 wires had been cut and were dangling under the engine. The mechanic doesn't know what the thing was supposed to do. Everything seems fine.

 

Did it have any markings that could be used to do an online search?

 

I took it apart but aside from part numbers on a few of the electrical components on the circuit board, there was nothing. I've read that thieves were targeting Land Rovers and Jags from that year. Perhaps this was some kind of protection against car thieves. If so, maybe I could get it to work?

 

Here's the inside.

 

It doesn’t really look like a traditional hidden GPS car tracker, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be one. Sometimes dealerships install GPS trackers, especially on leased vehicles, as a precaution in case someone misses a payment and they need to repossess the car. These trackers can be small and not look like much, so it’s possible what you found could be one of those.

Here is a youtube video that breaks down what GPS trackers look like:
If you're concerned, you might want to have it checked out by a professional. They can confirm if it’s a tracker and, if it is, help you remove it. It’s also a good idea to contact the dealership where you bought the car and ask if they had anything installed for tracking purposes. Better safe than sorry!

 

I believe the box was an immobilizer. Two wires from the "box" going down under the motor were found to have been cut. The cover in the console box that gives access to the transmission release was partly open. The wire to the battery and ground were connected as was the short antenna. I suspect the car was repossessed and the tow truck guy disabled this thing, whatever it is.