A GPS receiver is activated and it is determined whether the GPS receiver has received within a first predetermined attempt period of time a set of GPS signals that is adequate to determine a location of the GPS receiver. If not, the GPS receiver is deactivated for a first delay period of time. The GPS receiver is then activated again and it is determined whether the GPS receiver has received a complete set of GPS signals within a second predetermined attempt period. If not, the GPS receiver is deactivated for a second delay period of time that is longer than the first delay period of time. The GPS receiver is then activated once more and again attempts to acquire a complete set of GPS signals.