20 Most Recent Garmin nuvi 250W GPS Receiver - Page 9 Questions & Answers

The unit has a slide switch on the side. If you are asking how to mount the unit, it came with a bracket that snaps on (there are indentations in top and bottom where it hooks in). Then you pop the ball mount into the receptacle on the back. The circle disc to which you refer is for PERMANENT dash mounting. It has double sided tape that sticks to the dash. You can then use the suction mount on the disc instead of the windshield. I hope this helps.

Hi, this is usually caused by a bad battery, or battery issue,not charged properly etc, this needs to be replaced. Now, if not that then the software has glitched and needs to be replaced/upgraded.

To replace the software you need to install the Garmin software and connect up your GPS, via USB, and logon to the Garmin website and try to update your existing software, this will usually sort out any problems,
Below is the link for your manual and support. It shows you what to do and how to do it in the easy to follow manual.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/manual.jsp?...010... -

Now if it still will not work after battery replacement and or software upgrade, then you will need to send it back to Garmin, they will repair/replace your unit, for a very reasonable cost.

I believe they give you one free map update when you purchase the item and register it. After you use the free update they cost.

You can purchase one time maps or you can buy life time updates through the myDashboard on Garmin.com

try placing the gps in a different location in the vehicle. it is not getting a good view of the sky to find the satellites.

The problem is with the socket at the back of the satnav where you plug in the mini USB plug of the power cord. As the socket wears it feels as if the plug is in fully when it's not. Push the plug in further and the problem should be solved.

Hi davisfive,

The Garmin Nuvi 250W and most other 200 series GPS receivers are normally reset as follows:
The reset button is located on the right rear-backside of the unit. Press a blunt non-metallic object or a cut off toothpick into the small hole and hold for approximately 15 seconds. The unit should do a fresh reboot. Sometimes these GPS units can be reset by sliding the Power key to the left for 10-15 seconds to completely shut the unit down. Then, do the same procedure for 10-15 seconds again, to power it back on. It would be best to assure the unit has external power, and hopefully a full battery charge, for best results. Also you can download a complete manual from this link for more info: http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/nuvi205_OwnersManual.pdf Let me know how this turns out, and if I can help you further. Regards, Bill

You can purchase map updates on CD at your local GPS retailer. If you do not want to do this, go to www.garmin.com. Go to the tab at the top of the site that says "Products". It will drop a menu. Click on, "On the Road". On the next page, click, "Automotive." Since the Nuvi 250W is discontinued, click that on the left side of the page. Then scroll to the Nuvi 250W and click it. Click the "Map" tab and then click on "View map updates for this product." Then click on the appropriate update.

Malls and places are not available on map updates. They are considered Points of Interest (POIs). There are many sites on the web that offer POIs for you to download to your GPS. You just have to find one that offers what you are looking for.

If you type a partial name and tap the 'OK' button the unit will give you a list of close matches to select from. Type in the full city name before tapping OK. You should also open the tools menu and check the settings.

Once you've signed up and paid for a lifetime membership it's recorded on the garmin website. When you get access to another computer go to www.garmin.com and click on myGarmin. Log in using your username and password. When you click on myMaps you'll see the latest map you downloaded. Click on "Details" just under the map name and there should be a button which says "Download Again". Click on that and you get to download the map to your new computer.

The voice may not be deleted. The procedure below gives describes the steps to get the voice back even if it's deleted.
1. Press the Volume (Speaker symbol) in the bottom right corner and check that the mute box is not ticked. If it is press it and it will be ok. Also check that the volume isn't fully down.
If that doesn't solve the problem it may be because the voice file is not selected or has become corrupted or deleted.

2. Press Tools, then press Settings (or Locale on some models), then press Language. You will see a bar for Voice. Press Voice and select a different voice. If this doesn't solve the problem it's most likely because the voice file has become corrupted or been deleted. To replace the corrupted/deleted file.
3. Download webupdater from http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=999-99999-27 and connect your satnav to your computer. Install webupdater and your satnav will look for updates. After it's finished it will give you an option to download voices. Click the ones you want and press next. The voices selected will be downloaded to your satnav.
When you have removed the satnav from the computer you'll need to select a voice again as described in para 2 above.

Most GPS problems - Hangs, frozen screens, problems acquiring satellites, ETC, can be attributed to the device not having the latest firmware installed.
This firmware enables it to communicate with the satellites - but if they aren't speaking the same language they get confused easily. For Garmin GPS Automotive units, Garmin has you do the following before sending it in for repairs:
1 - SOFT RESET
2 - HARD RESET (CLICK HERE to see instructions for either reset)
3 - UPDATE the device using their WebUpdater software (CLICK HERE for that) Garmin is the only company that offers repairs AFTER the warranty has expired. They offer a FLAT RATE REPAIR service for units no longer in warranty. For Other GPS units please consult your owner's manual or their support site - as each model - and even manufacture dates - can lead to different reset procedures. TomTom
NAVIGON
MAGELLAN NEXTAR does NOT offer any types of Firmware or map upgrades or repair services. Instead - they have an exchange program to update to a new UNIT for around the same price as a repair would be. CLICK HERE for more on that. WARRANTY on most GPS devices is 1 year from the date of purchase. Broken screens are considered ABUSE - and not covered under warranty. Finally - If your unit is on the charger for HOURS, You've tried both the car AND USB type charger, and you turn it on... it stays on for a minute (or so) then powers down or never comes on at all - the battery has lost it's ability to hold a charge and must be replaced. Looking around YouTube - you can get a tutorial on how to CAREFULLY crack open just about any GPS. The tool(s) necessary typically are included with the battery purchase. Typically batteries run about $25 +/-. NiCd batteries are meant to be energized once a month so they keep active, and don't build up deposits that lead to their premature failure. I hope this was helpful for you. Thanks for using FixYa - a 4 THUMBS rating is appreciated for answering your FREE question!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Details on how to update your garmin satnav are at http://www.fixya.com/support/r5628920-update_garmin_satnav_maps

Take the unit to the location at which you first entered the PIN. This is the Security Location. The unit will unlock and you can reset the PIN.

The cable you need is called a "mini USB cable". It has a mini USB connector on one end and a usb cable on the other. It can be bought in most computer shops once you know what it's called. If you can't get one they're easily available on line. Amazon has them at http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-27005-Mini-B-Cable/dp/B000067RVL
or if you put "mini USB cable" in google it will come up with plenty places that sell it.

What did you update? The message you are getting refers to the maps. If you have not updated the maps in more than a year, you will continue to get that message. If you update the firmware, voices or anything else, it will NOT stop the message.

what are you experiencing with your unit

1. Press the Volume (Speaker symbol) in the bottom right corner and check that the mute box is not ticked. If it is press it and it will be ok. Also check that the volume isn't fully down.
If that doesn't solve the problem it may be because the voice file is not selected or has become corrupted.

2. Press Tools, then press Settings (or Locale on some models), then press Language. You will see a bar for Voice. Press Voice and select a different voice. If this doesn't solve the problem it's most likely because the voice file has become corrupted. To replace the corrupted file.
3. Download webupdater from http://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=999-99999-27 and connect your satnav to your computer. Install webupdater and your satnav will look for updates. After it's finished it will give you an option to download voices. Click the ones you want and press next. The voices selected will be downloaded to your satnav.
When you have removed the satnav from the computer you'll need to select a voice again as described in para 2 above.

The problem is caused by the mini usb plug at the back of the Satnav not being pushed in fully. It appears to be but bacause of wear on the socket it stops before it's in fully. Push it in further and it will be ok

The manual is available in Adobe Reader format from http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/nuvi200_OwnersManual.pdf To name streets you need the text to speech. The garmin nuvi 250 doesn't have that feature.