Getting the Tracker disabled
Discussion
I want to disable the tracker, I don’t subscribe to its services and there’s been so many posts, BR vids too, stating that the older the car gets, the likelihood of it causing gremlins is virtually guaranteed, so before that happens I thought, switch it off and be done with it.
So I took my 2009 Vantage to the local Aston dealership and asked for a fixed cost to get it switched off.
Now BR and Aston Installations both say it’s an easy one hour job, and I have total faith in these two establishments saying it as it is, simple one hour job.
However, my local Aston dealership weren’t convinced it was an easy task, telling me I shouldn’t mess with it if it’s not causing any issues as switching it off or removing it could cause a whole host of undefined problems, plus the keys would need reprogramming. Therefore they couldn’t recommend doing it or give me a fixed price to do it as the outcome would be uncertain.
FFS Really!!!????
Now, I live on an Island so I can’t take it elsewhere, I have to use the local Aston dealership and just tell them to do it, against their advice. Before I do though, has anyone experienced any issues whatsoever due to the tracker being switched off, during or after the process?
I’ve not heard elsewhere either that the keys need reprogramming, was this just bull too?
Any advice or info greatly received.
And here’s a gratuitous photo
So I took my 2009 Vantage to the local Aston dealership and asked for a fixed cost to get it switched off.
Now BR and Aston Installations both say it’s an easy one hour job, and I have total faith in these two establishments saying it as it is, simple one hour job.
However, my local Aston dealership weren’t convinced it was an easy task, telling me I shouldn’t mess with it if it’s not causing any issues as switching it off or removing it could cause a whole host of undefined problems, plus the keys would need reprogramming. Therefore they couldn’t recommend doing it or give me a fixed price to do it as the outcome would be uncertain.
FFS Really!!!????
Now, I live on an Island so I can’t take it elsewhere, I have to use the local Aston dealership and just tell them to do it, against their advice. Before I do though, has anyone experienced any issues whatsoever due to the tracker being switched off, during or after the process?
I’ve not heard elsewhere either that the keys need reprogramming, was this just bull too?
Any advice or info greatly received.
And here’s a gratuitous photo
UncleStig said:
Before I do though, has anyone experienced any issues whatsoever due to the tracker being switched off, during or after the process?
I’ve not heard elsewhere either that the keys need reprogramming, was this just bull too?
Any advice or info greatly received.
Mine was done by BR as part of the annual service a couple of years ago. I’ve not heard elsewhere either that the keys need reprogramming, was this just bull too?
Any advice or info greatly received.
No issues whatsoever. I'm as certain as I can be (without asking Mike directly) that the keys weren't reprogrammed.
Your Vantage is looking great BTW
The unit is electrically disconnected, but the electronics would then detect an error.
A computer file is then replaced in the cars electronic system (think it is called a config file), so everything remains error free.
Perhaps some main dealers are inexperienced about this, or could it be that they are told by AML not to get involved?
I don't think keys are involved with this.
So it appears, as I thought, a simple thing to do.
It’s just unfortunate that the franchised Aston Mechanic I was confronted with didn’t know what he was talking about or simply wanted to upscale the job to maximise income. I’ll just have to try and get a fixed quote again for the job. They don’t fill me with confidence though.
It’s just unfortunate that the franchised Aston Mechanic I was confronted with didn’t know what he was talking about or simply wanted to upscale the job to maximise income. I’ll just have to try and get a fixed quote again for the job. They don’t fill me with confidence though.
Last question on the matter, can anyone confirm where it is, I think I heard it was under the centre armrest, along there somewhere. If so I’d take it all apart again ready for them causing least amount of work. I’m not penny pinching, it just worries me having them take it apart and tinkering down there. All the Apple car play gubbins and exhaust switch etc meets up around there. The least poking the better. 
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|https://thumbsnap.com/LhgmMNT4[/url]
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/LhgmMNT4[/url]Ok it’s a really easy thing to remove.
Behind the armrest there’s a cover hiding two torque screws, use a plastic trim tool to gain access, lift out the panel. It’s bendy, be careful not to scratch the leather. Once this is out you’ve done the hardest part.
Now lift out the shelf behind the seats, this will reveal the screws for the alloy trim running across the back. Unscrew these as well as the one bolt at the end and remove.
Now unscrew the two torque screws under the little leather panel you just removed.
Then remove the rubber drinks holder matt, here you’ll find another two screws, undo these a few turns, you just want to loosen them, not take them out.
The armrest should now be loose. Simply give it a little jolt backwards and it’ll lift up.
Be careful as there are three cables that’ll need to be removed as they’re not very long.
Once the armrest is removed from the car you’ll see two screws holding down the metal panel surrounding the gearstick section. Remove these and once again pull the unit back. Now, something very important! Have a cloth ready to protect the bottom section of the console dash as there are two locating metal extrusions which are very sharp and they will cause scratches if you don’t cover them quickly. I’ll say it again, they will scratch your dash unless you cover them.
This should then get you to the screws you mention
Behind the armrest there’s a cover hiding two torque screws, use a plastic trim tool to gain access, lift out the panel. It’s bendy, be careful not to scratch the leather. Once this is out you’ve done the hardest part.
Now lift out the shelf behind the seats, this will reveal the screws for the alloy trim running across the back. Unscrew these as well as the one bolt at the end and remove.
Now unscrew the two torque screws under the little leather panel you just removed.
Then remove the rubber drinks holder matt, here you’ll find another two screws, undo these a few turns, you just want to loosen them, not take them out.
The armrest should now be loose. Simply give it a little jolt backwards and it’ll lift up.
Be careful as there are three cables that’ll need to be removed as they’re not very long.
Once the armrest is removed from the car you’ll see two screws holding down the metal panel surrounding the gearstick section. Remove these and once again pull the unit back. Now, something very important! Have a cloth ready to protect the bottom section of the console dash as there are two locating metal extrusions which are very sharp and they will cause scratches if you don’t cover them quickly. I’ll say it again, they will scratch your dash unless you cover them.
This should then get you to the screws you mention
xstaticx said:
Might as well do your Armrest Gas struts whilst in there if required?
Hi,I have the armrest out and can remove the 2 screws and metal piece that hold the top end of the strut in place. How do I remove the other end of the strut? Just pull it to the side or is there a screw or something holding it in place?
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