Hello from Dubai! I’ve got a strange issue with my WRX 2022. Whenever I drive and use my phone (iPhone or Android), either through CarPlay or not, I lose GPS signal or get a really bad connection with Waze, Google Maps, and Maps.me. I’ve tried a few different phones, but the problem persists. I think it could be the PPF on my car, but the person who installed it says I’m the only one with this issue. I also wondered if it’s something to do with military GPS jamming in the region, but it’s hard to know for sure. Anyone else dealt with this kind of problem before or have any ideas on how to fix it? Thanks in advance!
Try using a GPS reception testing app. Check the signal outside of the car, then inside. It’s likely due to jamming from your area, but it could also be something with the car itself.
What brand and type of tint do you have on your windows? If it’s metallized tint, that could be blocking the GPS signal.
Gael said:
What brand and type of tint do you have on your windows? If it’s metallized tint, that could be blocking the GPS signal.
I’ll check the details and update you here. Thanks for the suggestion!
I’m a GPS enthusiast. It seems like a mix of GPS interference in your area and the window treatment messing with the signal. You might be able to use an offboard GPS that connects to your phone via Bluetooth. You can install an antenna on the external GPS and place it on your roof (you’d need to run some cables if you don’t have a sunroof). Here’s a guide that might help you get it working with your phone: How to connect an external Bluetooth GPS to an Android phone. Let me know how it goes, I’m curious to hear what you figure out.
I don’t have any advice for you, but that matte PPF looks awesome!
Where do you keep your phone? On the dash, or in a storage compartment? I noticed that my GPS works perfectly when my phone’s on the dash, but gets choppy when it’s in my pocket or center console.
Mecarmind1 said:
Where do you keep your phone? On the dash, or in a storage compartment? I noticed that my GPS works perfectly when my phone’s on the dash, but gets choppy when it’s in my pocket or center console.
I even tried holding the phone outside while driving, but the problem still happened.
@Tracy
That sounds like it might be outside interference, and not something with the car itself.
Does the GPS signal change if you open or close the sunroof?
Themech said:
Does the GPS signal change if you open or close the sunroof?
No sunroof, but I tried holding the phone outside while driving, and it still didn’t work.
Themech said:
Does the GPS signal change if you open or close the sunroof?
No sunroof, but I tried holding the phone outside while driving, and it still didn’t work.
Maybe try Velcroing the phone to the roof? It’s a bit of a weird solution, but hey, phones are waterproof-ish, and Dubai doesn’t get much rain.