GPS crashes after 3 minutes.

[PeggyLee]

I use a Garmin GPS.All day yesterday the machine would crap out after three minutes of service.Well went back to the "old fashion way" and used charts and compass to work the water.
Called the Customer Service and spoke with a TECH who was cool and stated it is a software problem that can be corrected via a card that is already on its way.No cost to me.
HAS THIS HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE.   Thanks, AJ

[Hotrod]

If it's going completely dead.  and able to be turned right back on.. I would check the power connections..  one drop in voltage and that baby's off.  just like hitting the switch

[wb]

I have the Garmin498- combo GPS and sonar- no probs yet plus I like it

[Hunter 2]

My hummingbird 917c froze up twice yesterday. I had to disconnect the power to reboot it,, Never happened before.

[Luna Sea 5]

very interesting, thank god for that no cost thing.

[PeggyLee]

Yes, I have checked the power connections to the back of the unit and also checked the power connections they too seem good to the panel.
But I will def. check this again,and again till I resolve.Waiting on the software card,hopefully its in Friday mail.

[CapBob]

I've had two Garmin GPS units and never experienced that problem

[IrishAyes]

Wanna sell one?

[PeggyLee]

I know,having it shut down is frustrating.I hope this tech knows what the hell he's talking about(he was searching the latest regs.while he was on the phone and getting the computer updates for the software to the date it was put in service).
If it were a power or voltage problem why does it go on and then after three four minutes shut down. 

[IrishAyes]

AJ,
Even if you find it is a power problem, at least you will have all the up-to-date software. 

[Duffman]

Something to check - fuseblock.  My Garmin c-plotter would turn off every 5 minutes or so by itself.  Found slight corrosion on the fuseblock terminals, REAL slight. 
   My guess is it will work at first then once the circuit heats up from use, the warmer wire temp and corrosion is enough to shut it down.  these things are incredibly sensitive to voltage drop

[Pops Soul]

I had some problems with mine. crapping out every so often, turned out to be the in line fuse, the element in the fuse was loose but not burned out. Good Luck, one thing with the big GPS companies they will do everything they can to please their customers to keep them coming back 

[PeggyLee]

Thanks guys for the come backs.I will take your good advise and really check out the panel and fuse and connections in my determination in  solving this problem.
Every thing seemed good on the past inspection but something has to be corrected.

[Reckless]

 Should be a reset on it somewhere. I have a GPS for the car and it acts like that now and then. Hit the reset and goes for awhile with no problems.

[ped579]

Just for haha's, when I was a tech for RCA we cleaned fuse blocks with a very sophisticated piece of equipment the eraser of a #2 pencil. It was about the size of a fuse and just a few turns and the corrosion was gone.

If you have relays and they chatter or have corrosion in the contacts take a piece of a shopping bag and put it between the contacts apply a slight amount of pressure and pull the paper through a few times, your contacts will be nice and shiny without taking away any metal or leaving any filings around to get into trouble.

[PeggyLee]

I'll give it a shot.   

[ped579]

 

[PeggyLee]

update: Received the Garmin software update card;and did exactly what the Tech instructed me to do.It took 5-8 minutes and the job is done.Went out for a run around,and Presto the GPS is back in action.
ITS a wonderful thing this technology,who knows maybe they will make cars with power windows and door locks soon,maybe even radios in the cars with set buttons and dials.

[IrishAyes]

They might even put an electric type starter so you don't have to crank that big handle anymore...

[PeggyLee]

I heard they are coming out with a top on the car that actually moves on and off made of canvas or something.Also maybe plastic bumbers,and these bucket seats.
I wonder, is it the same five gallon bucket we use for fishing.