Garmin nuvi 350 suddenly lost ability to find satellites.

Discussion in 'General GPS Discussion' started by richg99, Jun 16, 2009.

  1. richg99

    richg99 Guest

    After serving me well for a couple of years, the unit now cannot find any
    satellites. I am no more than ten miles from its last known location. After
    trying for a while, it comes up with three questions. Am I inside (no). Am
    I more than 100 km from the last known location. ( I've tried answering this
    both NO (true) and Yes...to no avail. and..... Is it the correct date (
    yes).

    I've tried it sitting still with no tree cover; and tried it while driving
    around nearby at 40 mph. It has looked for up to 30 minutes and found no
    satellites, since this trouble began.

    Any ideas or trouble shooting fixes? I've completely turned the unit off and
    then back on...that didn't help either. I have NOT updated the map.

    regards and thanks Rich
     
    richg99, Jun 16, 2009
    #1
  2. The techhie answer is that the receiver has lost its sensitivity. Another
    possibility is that the backup battery is dying or is dead.

    The Garmin FAQ for the 350 rovides this answer (Hints at a softare update) for
    no satellite reception: .

    http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/si...?search_key=can't+receive+satelites&Go=Submit


    BUT I just copied the answer thusly:

    ///////////quote\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
    Question: Why won't my nuvi 3xx acquire satellites?
    Answer:

    If your nüvi 3xx is no longer acquiring satellites please read the article
    linked below to ensure that this is not being caused by something in your
    environment:

    Why won't my unit acquire satellites?

    If after reading the above article your unit is still having problems, please
    ensure that your unit's software is up to date. You can do this by using our
    WebUpdater® program.

    If you have tried all of the above suggestions and your unit is still not
    acquiring satellites, you can perform a master reset by doing the following:

    Note: A master reset will erase all waypoints or favorites and will restore
    your unit to the default factory settings.

    (ED: I suggest you save all your waypoints, then do the deed.)

    1. Turn the device OFF.
    2. Place your fingertip or the eraser end of a pencil in the top right
    corner of the touchscreen.
    3. Apply pressure in the top right corner of the screen.
    4. While pressing down on the screen, power ON the unit and continue
    pressing on the screen. A message displays to confirm if you really want to
    delete all user data?
    5. Touch Yes.
    6. The unit will now restart.
    7. Follow the onscreen prompts to set up the nuvi.

    Once the reset is complete, please place your unit in an area with clear view
    of the sky until it acquires satellites. If you are still having issues please
    contact product support at (800) 800-1020.


    Last modified on: 07/30/2008

    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\unquote///////////////////////

    Angelo Campanella
     
    Angelo Campanella, Jun 16, 2009
    #2
  3. richg99

    OG Guest

    You needed to complete the 'Market Name', 'Product' etc drop downs at the
    top of the page

    Try this
    http://iqc.garmin.com/eCustomer/KOD...iew()=c{aab60e60-5a7e-11dd-418d-000000000000}

    which in turn links to the WebUpdater page
    http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp
     
    OG, Jun 16, 2009
    #3
  4. richg99

    Happy99 Guest

    age is no excuse.
     
    Happy99, Jun 16, 2009
    #4
  5. richg99

    richg99 Guest

    OK I have the web updater on my computer ... and... I am ready to do a
    "master reset" as well. HOW do I ---"save all of my waypoints",---- please?
    I've read the entire manual. It tells me how to add data ... i.e. mp3 etc.
    .....but I cannot find a reference as to how one ...."saves and then
    restores" ....their present waypoints. Any help appreciated. thanks Rich
     
    richg99, Jun 16, 2009
    #5
  6. richg99

    OG Guest

    Can't say anything about 'map' type data; but as for waypoints, routes
    or tracks that you want to save...

    Google, download and install EasyGPS and use the 'receive' button to
    download all your data as a 'GPX' file

    After the update, you can 'send' your historic data back to your Satnav.

    NB I don't know how the upgrade affects stored map data, but if the
    software is well written it should be independent of the stored data.
     
    OG, Jun 17, 2009
    #6
  7. richg99

    richg99 Guest

    Thanks to all who tried to help. Unfortunately, after trying all of the
    above ideas...and then calling Garmin..the only solution seems to be sending
    it in to Garmin.

    As it costs about $90.00 to have the unit fixed...and considering that I
    haven't yet updated my map ( for another $90.00 or so )...it isn't really
    worth it. I'll take it apart and tinker and see if I can find an unsoldered
    wire etc. Thanks, though, for all of your efforts. Rich
     
    richg99, Jun 17, 2009
    #7
  8. richg99

    Happy99 Guest

    Best way to render it useless...
     
    Happy99, Jun 17, 2009
    #8
  9. richg99

    keith Guest

    There was a thread about a year ago giving detailed info on how to take
    it apart - I think it was amalgamated into a website by someone, so
    probably worth a bit of searching. Only thing I can remember is that
    there is a spring in the aerial pivot which tends to disappear to the
    other side of the room unless great care is taken! :cool:

    Keith
     
    keith, Jun 17, 2009
    #9
  10. On Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:18:51 +0200, Happy99 wrote:

    Although it's apparently useless already :)

    I would probably do the same as richg99 just for giggles.
     
    Gene E. Bloch, Jun 18, 2009
    #10
  11. richg99

    richg99 Guest

    Thanks Keith..I will search for a method of taking it apart without causing
    any additional trouble. I've done similar "fixes" to a number of items over
    the years. Many ( but not all) have been successful. regards, Rich
     
    richg99, Jun 18, 2009
    #11
  12. richg99

    Ed Pawlowski Guest

    I recall reading that Garmin has a service where you send the old unit back
    and they replace it with a repaired unit and the latest map. That may be
    worth it. There was a post about it here a few months back.
     
    Ed Pawlowski, Jun 18, 2009
    #12
  13. richg99

    Goat Guest

    Rich. Have a copy of the instructions on the computer but can't find
    were I got it on the internet. Will email it to you if you wish.

    Goat
     
    Goat, Jun 18, 2009
    #13
  14. richg99

    richg99 Guest

    Yep, that was the offer they made for $90.00. rich
     
    richg99, Jun 18, 2009
    #14
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