Use Cell Phone With Free Data Plan As GPS
Use Cell Phone With Free Data Plan As GPS
Overview
I paid a total of $25 plus tax and got a free data plan along with some free voice and text. The voice has some echo, so I am only using the data plan as my gps in the car. The service is from freedompop. If you have your own Sprint cell phone, you may pay $20 to use the “Bring Your Own Device” program, a little cheaper than what I paid (I don’t have a unused Sprint cell phone lying around). Even though freedompop does not promote their free data plan service as much, I will show you how to downgrade your plan to get the free service.
I will also show you my cheap and simple way to attach the cell phone in the car. Thought it does not look glamorous, this is one of the most practical and useful life hacks. Please subscribe especially when you need ideas or inspiration. Also please leave comments below, and share your own DIY results (we understand this DIY result may not look the best, hope your inspired result would be better looking :) For other ways to mount your cell phone or gps, please check out this video:
The Cheapest and Simplest DIY Cell Phone/GPS Mount in a Car
One more note: the free data plan is not an unlimited data plan, so you still need to watch your quota. Also you are getting something free or cheap, so don’t expect the best support.
High definition video may help you see all of this better. This video is shot in the 4K UHD setting (if you have 4K TV, you may select this Youtube Setting/Quality).
Other related videos can be found here:
How to Get Free 4G cellular Data Plan (USB stick)
Tags
cell phone
gps
maps
cell phone mount
cell phone dock
cell phone holder
DIY
Alternative Methods
There is more than one way to approach this task. Here are the most common methods, ranked by difficulty and cost.
Professional Service
Take your vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership for professional diagnosis and repair.
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
- Estimated Cost: $100-$300+
- Notes: Guaranteed workmanship; saves time and eliminates guesswork
DIY Following Manufacturer Manual
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and perform the procedure yourself with basic hand tools.
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Estimated Cost: $20-$100 for parts
- Notes: Most cost-effective; requires patience and willingness to learn
Online Tutorial + DIY
Watch detailed video tutorials specific to your make and model, then perform the repair yourself.
- Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
- Estimated Cost: $20-$100 for parts
- Notes: Combines visual learning with hands-on practice; pause and rewind as needed
Tips and Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls and use these tips to get the job done right the first time.
- Read the relevant section of your owner’s manual before starting any repair.
- Take photos of each step with your phone so you can reverse the process if needed.
- Label all connectors, bolts, and hoses as you remove them to avoid confusion during reassembly.
- Use the correct tool for the job — forcing a wrong-size wrench rounds off bolt heads.
- Work on a level surface with the parking brake engaged and wheels chocked.
- Keep a magnetic tray nearby to hold small bolts and fasteners so they do not roll away.
- If a bolt will not budge, apply penetrating oil and wait 10-15 minutes before trying again.
- Clean all mating surfaces before reassembly to ensure proper seals.
Tools and Materials
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Socket wrench set | $20-$60 |
| Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead) | $10-$25 |
| Pliers (needle-nose and standard) | $10-$20 |
| Work light or flashlight | $10-$25 |
| Shop towels / rags | $5-$10 |
| Nitrile gloves | $5-$10 |
| Owner’s manual | Free |
When to Take It to a Mechanic
Not every repair is a DIY job. Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic if:
- You are unsure about the diagnosis — misdiagnosing the problem wastes money on unnecessary parts.
- The repair involves safety systems (brakes, steering, suspension) — mistakes here can be dangerous.
- Special tools or equipment are required that you do not own and would cost more than the shop labor.
- The vehicle is under warranty — DIY repairs can void warranty coverage if something goes wrong.
- You do not feel confident after watching tutorials and reading guides — there is no shame in hiring a professional.
Video Tutorial
For the full video tutorial, visit Genius Asian.
Related Articles
Continue learning with these related guides:
- Car Maintenance Complete Guide
- EV Buying Guide 2026
- Dodge Caravan Changing the Oil Pressure Switch
- Dodge Caravan — How to Turn stuck Ignition Key
This article was originally published on cartrek.com on 2015-04-10. Content has been updated and expanded for 2026.