Here’s a deep-dive, knowledge base article, focused on troubleshooting hardwired 4G GPS tracking devices that have gone offline. It's designed to be useful to installers, fleet managers, and anyone involved in the support

Troubleshooting Offline Hardwired GPS Tracking Devices

So, your Linxio GPS tracking device has stopped reporting. It was working fine, but now it’s showing as “offline” in the platform, and you're stuck wondering why. The good news? Most of the time, the fix isn’t too dramatic. But you’ll want to methodically go through a few steps to figure out what’s gone wrong.

Below is a comprehensive list of possible causes, along with specific checks and fixes for each one. Whether it’s a truck, car, bus, or piece of machinery, this applies to all hardwired Linxio GPS devices with a 4G SIM card.

Common Reasons a Hardwired GPS Tracker Might Go Offline

1. Blown fuse (vehicle fuse box or in-line fuse)
2. Loose wiring (power or ground)
3. SIM card has dislodged or failed
4. Poor network coverage or 4G blackspot
5. Device firmware/software crash (needs reboot)
6. Vehicle battery disconnected or voltage too low
7. GPS antenna damage or obstruction
8. Water or dust ingress
9. Installation error or tampering
10. Expired SIM data plan or account suspension
11. Platform-related issue (server or software bug)

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

🔌 1. Check Power Supply (Fuses + Wiring)

Possible Cause:

The tracker has lost power due to a blown fuse, loose wire, or disconnection.

What to Do:

• Inspect the vehicle’s fuse box. Check the fuse that’s powering the GPS device (usually 5A or 10A). If it's blown, replace it.
• If there’s an in-line fuse connected between the power cable and the GPS tracker, check that too.
• Wiggle-test the wiring. If you’ve got intermittent power, the wiring might be loose.
• Use a multimeter to confirm 12V or 24V (depending on the vehicle) at the tracker input.
• Don’t forget the ground wire — a bad ground connection is one of the most common culprits.

Solution:

Fix any loose wiring, re-terminate if needed, and replace any blown fuses.

📶 2. SIM Card Issues

Possible Cause:

SIM card has popped out, isn't seated properly, has expired, or is unable to register on the mobile network.

What to Do:

• Power down the unit (if possible), open the casing, and check the SIM card is seated properly.
• Clean the SIM contacts with a soft cloth and reinsert.
• Try the SIM in a mobile phone and check signal strength, data connectivity, and whether it registers on the network.
• If no signal, the SIM might have expired or been suspended due to non-payment.

Solution:

Reinsert or replace the SIM card. If it works in a phone but not the device, the tracker might need a reboot or reset.

🌐 3. Network Coverage or 4G Blackspot

Possible Cause:

The device is in an area with no mobile signal or a known dead zone for 4G.

What to Do:

• Use your own mobile phone with the same carrier as the device’s SIM to test signal strength.
• Drive the vehicle to a different location (ideally one with strong mobile coverage) and see if it comes back online.
• Check the Linxio platform for the last known location — if it’s remote or underground (like a car park or tunnel), that might be the issue.

Solution:

Wait until the vehicle is back in coverage or consider installing an external antenna for remote areas.

🔄 4. Firmware Crash or Hardware Lock-Up

Possible Cause:

Sometimes devices just freeze. Like any other bit of tech, they need a hard reset.

What to Do:

• Power cycle the unit by disconnecting the power feed for at least 30 seconds, then reconnecting.
• If there’s a hidden or exposed reset button on the unit, hold it in as per manufacturer instructions (check the Linxio hardware manual).
• Monitor the Linxio platform for the tracker’s status after reboot.

Solution:

Reboot the device. If the issue keeps happening, contact Linxio support — the device might need a firmware update.

🔋 5. Battery Issues or Power Interruption

Possible Cause:

The vehicle’s battery is flat, or the tracker is wired to an ignition source that doesn’t always have power.

What to Do:

• Confirm vehicle battery voltage is healthy (above 12V for cars/trucks, or 24V for heavy vehicles).
• Use a multimeter to check voltage at the tracker during both ignition on and off states.
• If wired to ACC (ignition) only, try moving the power source to a permanent 12V feed.

Solution:

Fix any wiring mistakes and ensure a stable, always-on power source unless the unit is meant to operate only during ignition.

📡 6. GPS Antenna Damage or Blockage

Possible Cause:

Tracker can’t get a GPS lock because the antenna is blocked, broken or installed poorly.

What to Do:

• Check that the GPS antenna is facing skyward, not behind metal, and not tucked under the dash with heaps of cabling.
• If it’s an external antenna, make sure it’s firmly connected.
• Move the antenna to a better location, ideally under the dashboard or near the windshield.

Solution:

Reposition or replace the GPS antenna.

💦 7. Environmental Damage (Water, Heat, Dust)

Possible Cause:

Water or dust has gotten inside the unit, causing corrosion or short circuits.

What to Do:

• Check for signs of corrosion or moisture near connectors.
• Look at the casing for cracks or gaps in seals.
• Give the device a sniff — burnt or “metallic” smells are a dead giveaway.

Solution:

If the unit’s been compromised, it’ll likely need replacement. Consider waterproofing or a better mounting location for future installs.

🛠️ 8. Tampering or Accidental Disconnection

Possible Cause:

Someone’s unplugged it, whether on purpose or accidentally during maintenance.

What to Do:

• Inspect the physical connection to the GPS unit.
• Check for unplugged connectors, cut wires, or loose plugs.
• Talk to the driver or maintenance team — it may have been unplugged during work on the vehicle.

Solution:

Reconnect the device and secure it better. A zip tie or adhesive mount can stop accidental dislodging.

📴 9. SIM Suspension or Data Plan Expiry

Possible Cause:

The mobile carrier has suspended the SIM due to no data plan or billing issue.

What to Do:

• Log into your carrier portal and confirm the SIM is active.
• Check that data is enabled and there’s credit or an active plan.
• Replace with a known-working SIM and see if the tracker comes back online.

Solution:

Top up the SIM or contact Linxio if you're on a managed SIM plan.

🧑‍💻 10. Linxio Platform Issue

Possible Cause:

Sometimes the backend software itself might be experiencing a glitch or a delay in updates.

What to Do:

• Log into the Linxio platform and check if multiple devices are offline — this could hint at a platform-side issue.
• Refresh the web portal or mobile app.
• Contact Linxio support to see if there's a known outage or delay.

Solution:

Wait it out or report it — usually, these are sorted quickly.

✅ Quick Checklist Recap

• ✅ Power: Confirm voltage and fuse
• ✅ SIM: Check placement, status and signal
• ✅ GPS: Antenna position and satellite lock
• ✅ Reboot: Always worth a try
• ✅ Tampering or unplugging: Ask the driver or workshop
• ✅ Linxio platform: Confirm it's not a false alert

Still Stuck?

If you've worked through all of this and the device still isn't coming back online, flick through the device's serial number and last known location to Linxio Support. We'll check it remotely, review logs, and can even push updates or resets where possible.

Pro Tips for Installers

• Use heat shrink or proper connectors instead of twisting wires.
• Always add a fuse close to the power tap.
• Avoid hiding antennas under metal dash components.
• Keep SIMs locked in place with a dab of non-conductive silicone if vibration is an issue.

Let me know if you'd like this rewritten for internal training, printable checklist formats, or to be added into an online help centre structure.

Updated on: 17/07/2025