NightOwl not locating?

Modified on Fri, 19 Jun at 3:21 PM

NightOwlTroubleshootingLast updated: 06/18/2026

NightOwl Not Locating

Troubleshooting steps for when your NightOwl fails to report a location, whether or not the vehicle is accessible.

There are several potential reasons a NightOwl may not locate. Please follow the steps below, if your NightOwl does not locate after following these steps, please contact Datablaze Support via email.

IMPORTANT: Read through the steps for each option prior to attempting to follow the instructions. These step assume that you have the NightOwl with you. If the NightOwl is deployed on a vehicle, attempt to reboot the device. To learn how to reboot remotely, see the "Sending Commands" article or CLICK HERE.

Option 1: NightOwl Location Troubleshooting (vehicle is not accessible):

Click the menu button at the top-left of the screen.

Click "Devices"

Click on the name of the device you attempting to locate.

On the Device Dashboard, select the radio button next to "Get Current Location" in the Send Commands section.

Next, click the Send button.

Watch the Live History on the left for a new location to come from the NightOwl.

If no location appears after 3-5 minutes, continue to step 9.

On the Device Dashboard, select the radio button next to Reboot NightOwl, then click the Send button.

Watch the Live History on the left for a new location to come from the NightOwl.

If no location appears after 5-10 minutes, wait until you have access to the vehicle and attempt the steps in Option 2.

Option 2: NightOwl Location Troubleshooting (vehicle is accessible):

With the vehicle ignition off and the keys removed from the ignition, remove the NightOwl from the OBD-II port.

Next, wait 5 minutes, then re-insert the NightOwl into the OBD-II port.

Wait approximately 3-5 minutes.

Next, start the vehicle.

It is recommended, but not always necessary, to take the vehicle for a 3-5 minute drive.

Next, login to the Datablaze Web Portal or the Datablaze LiveTrack App and check for a new location.

If no location appears, contact Datablaze Support.

Potential reasons your NightOwl will not locate:

Poor/No cellular coverage - Many rural areas have poor cellular coverage. While carriers continue to expand their networks, coverage is becoming more and more available in rural areas. However, if you reside in a rural area with poor cellular coverage, your NightOwl may have a hard time connecting to the cellular network.

Poor/No GPS coverage - Unlike cellular coverage, GPS coverage is not typically affected by geographic areas. However, GPS coverage is affected by physical obstacles. Therefore, if the vehicle is parked in a large parking structure, a garage, underground parking areas, tunnels, or even a carport, the NightOwl will have a hard time acquiring a GPS signal. In most cases, once the vehicle exists the obstructing structure it will continue to locate normally.