Garmin receives sat signal ok will give directions - basically everything operates normally with the exception that the actual map on the screen does not show anything.

I can help you fix your Garmin Nuvi 200.

The error message you are receiving about maps is actually a sign of a firmware corruption problem, which just happens from time to time with electronic devices. Updating the firmware of your nuvi will replace the corrupt firmware.

These are the steps to take to update your Nuvi 200:

Download and then run Garmin 200 WebUpdater to replace its firmware / system software. Occasionally a nuvi 200 will also need a Hard Reset (preceded by a favorites backup) to bring it back to 100% operation.


I hope that helps.
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Nuvi 200 Manuals here.
Backup your favorites.
Nuvi 200 Hard Reset.

You have the solution here:
http://www.sharc.net/gps_antenna_repair.htm

sat nav needs a valid gps signal to start calculating route, even if it found entered address. Address is searched on built-in map, not live gps position. That means, sat nav may have problem with gps signal. Try to reset device to its factory settings first. hope this helps

TRY USING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA. THIS SOLVED MY SIMILAR PROBLEM.

LENN

how do i upgrade my gps 200w map

I had the same problem (blank screen, vertical line). After speaking with Garmin, I was told to turn off the WAAS function. Disable it for now, because the WAAS signal, coming from the satellite, has changed, and Garmin has not yet published a remedy to correct this problem. A fix should be out in a software update, sometime in the future, hopefully. Just so you'll know, I also did a software update, to the latest version 4.0. The unit performs perfectly now, however, the accuracy is not quite as good, due to the lack of WAAS.

What you said does make sense. When you have your unit in simulator mode, the GPS receiver is turned off, so it is not receiving signals from the satellites. The strange signal from the WAAS satellite must be what has been messing things up. Good Luck!

Are you using the Garmin AC adapter or the Garmin car adapter? Using the wrong cable and the Garmin will think that you are trying to connect to a computer. Not all USB cable are alike.

When connected to your computer it thinks that you want to upload or donwload information.

Garmin puts out map updates on a regular basis. You must purchase these. The GPS comes loaded with maps that are current as of the date of production of the unit. It cannot "know" when new roads are paved and new subdivision are created without being "told" via map updates. The unit knows where it is in relation to the maps loaded on it by receiving signals from the GPS satellites in orbit. If things change, the maps must be changed in order for the unit to give you correct directions.

Turn on the Garmin. Look for the little wrench on the screen and select it. Now look for Map, select Map. Now look for Map Detail. Verify that it is set to "Normal" or Higher to get more map details.

Did you try zooming either "in" or "out" ??? Did you verify that the new maps are installed? Did you try doing a reset?