GPS Garman nuvi 350

bigtiller · Jun 1, 2008

My nuvi 350 is 2 almost years old and quit receiving satellite signals yesterday. The battery was not low but I charged it anyway and I pushed the reset button and it still will not pick up any satellites. I don't imagine there is anything I can do except replace it. Anyone else have one go bad on them before the new was warn off?

Sigarms · Jun 1, 2008

bigtiller said:
My nuvi 350 is 2 almost years old and quit receiving satellite signals yesterday. The battery was not low but I charged it anyway and I pushed the reset button and it still will not pick up any satellites. I don't imagine there is anything I can do except replace it. Anyone else have one go bad on them before the new was warn off?

I've had one for going on a year now, no problems.

Now you have me a little worried though.

Redbug · Jun 1, 2008

BigTiller,

Garmin has a repair dept you can send it to.

Garmin: Out-of-Warranty Information

The flat repair rate is around $175. I am not sure what a new one would cost vs getting it repaired. Worth looking up and comparing. I have a Nuvi 650 and really like it. I named mine Sally.

Dmace · Jun 1, 2008

Check the GPS settings and make sure the WAAS is enabled. Also, make sure your antenna is extended/flipped and that there is nothing directly above the antenna blocking it. Remember that the GPS signal can be blocked by anything that blocks light like heavy tree cover, overpasses, and dark storm clouds.

This is the reason you want to keep the WAAS enabled, it uses ground towers to redirect the signal so you don't loose it under cover.

Last ditch attempt, try to find an external antenna if yours did not come with one and plug that in. This will test if the internal antenna is gone or not.

I have the NUVI 350 and it is a great car GPS yet small enough and battery powered for those long rides on our Harley.

Willl · Jun 1, 2008

Hey, I've got one of those antennas.
It's not the same model number, mines a 'GPS-P1MAL'. Sure looks the same thou.

My new Garmin handheld don't have external capabilities so it's homeless.

Somebody want it ?

scott_vt · Jun 1, 2008

Good Evenin Bigtiller,
I use a Garmin Nuvi in the flatbed that I drive at work, it is a great unit ! As Derek states, you can lose the signal in certain instances, I would try his recomendation first and if that doesnt work I would consider sending it back for service ! The unit I have was quite expensive when new, so maybe the repair route is a viable option !

bigtiller · Jun 5, 2008

update:

I found my sales receipt and the GPS isn't as old as I thought. It is 1 year and 5 weeks old. The warranty is only 1 year and I figured I would be out of luck getting it fixed for free. So I got on Garman's web site and ran an up date but it did not help nor did a master shut down. Then I contacted Garman and they said to send it in to them for some "warranty work". I should have it back in 2 weeks and I am out only $7 for postage and postal insurance.

Redbug · Jun 5, 2008

Hey that's great BigTiller! It's nice to know a company will stand by it's products and go one more step. And your post is good for Garmin, also. When you get it back, let us know the story.

scott_vt · Jun 5, 2008

bigtiller said:
update:

I found my sales receipt and the GPS isn't as old as I thought. It is 1 year and 5 weeks old. The warranty is only 1 year and I figured I would be out of luck getting it fixed for free. So I got on Garman's web site and ran an up date but it did not help nor did a master shut down. Then I contacted Garman and they said to send it in to them for some "warranty work". I should have it back in 2 weeks and I am out only $7 for postage and postal insurance.

Good Evenin Bigtiller,
Hey good deal !!! Hopefully they can rectify your problem !