retrieve a dropped smart tag down the side of the boot...

[yellowjacket]

Hi all - I did something a little (😅) stupid and, when trying to find a convenient yet hidden spot to hide a tracking tag in my car, managed to drop it down the side of the boot. Not my image, but the bit I dropped it into is inside the plastic cover towards the middle far right of the image (I planned to hide it on the inside of the cover, but did not anticipate it dropping and sliding down a hidden gap right to the very bottom)...

I am no car expert so have no clue as to what exactly I dropped it into, though would like to know whether it is possible to retrieve the tag? I have thought of trying to dismantle the plastic, though I am not sure if this is feasible/possible or will solve the issue. I have accepted that the tag is likely not retrievable, though at least the car will be tagged /very/ securely for the next 6 months until the Battery dies!

[Bper]

It depends how much effort you want to put into retrieving the tag. If it's not expensive but will work for 6 months or so I would leave it. At least you have a good chance that no one else would find it in the event the car was stolen. 👍

[flash22]

the bottom edge of the 1/4 trim is held with 10mm bolts that should let you get your hand in there if you mean the light cover, what side did it drop down ? The inside drops to the boot floor, the other side drops into the dark abyss

[anchorman]

You could start by lifting the deck board out of the boot then tilting the seats forward.  Things get a little bit more involved after that but it depends on your courage!   
 

 

 

[Jimota]

Is there a gap wide enough to insert an extendable magnetic wand?

You can get them for a few pounds on Amazon if you don’t already own one.

[Mooly]

I was going to suggest some sticky tape folded around on itself so the sticky part is on the outside and stick it on the end of anything that will reach down there. Masking tape is good as its not to grabby and sticky. 

[Jimota]

3 hours ago, anchorman said:

You could start by lifting the deck board out of the boot then tilting the seats forward.  Things get a little bit more involved after that but it depends on your courage!   
 

 

 

Don, I’ve just had a panic attack looking at this photo.  I would never attempt anything like that.  I much prefer to sit down with a cup of tea and marvel at your step by step guides.

[MikeSh]

5 hours ago, Bper said:

If it's not expensive but will work for 6 months or so I would leave it.

Will it work though? Sounds like it's pretty deep inside a metal box, which can't be great for radio transmission and reception.

[flash22]

Get your phone in there with the flash light on and recording

Magnet on a stick is ok, but it sticks to every thing

Try a pearl grabber/claw

eg.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276032466477?

 

[Bper]

18 minutes ago, MikeSh said:

Will it work though? Sounds like it's pretty deep inside a metal box, which can't be great for radio transmission and reception.

Track it via the app if it doesn't work then use one of the methods above. Placing under the seat which is one of the common places can't be much different in depth.I suppose it depends on the quality and price of the tracker.

 

24 minutes ago, MikeSh said:

Will it work though? Sounds like it's pretty deep inside a metal box, which can't be great for radio transmission and reception.

 

[Derek.w]

Just try any sticky pad on a stick double sided tape or plasticine borrow some of the kids or neighbours kits it worth a try.

[Jimota]

9 hours ago, flash22 said:

Get your phone in there with the flash light on and recording

Magnet on a stick is ok, but it sticks to every thing

Try a pearl grabber/claw

eg.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276032466477?

 

That’s also worth a try before moving seats and panels.

[dannyboy413]

On 9/23/2023 at 8:38 PM, flash22 said:

Get your phone in there with the flash light on and recording

 

Just don't drop the phone.......!