My garmin nuvi has trouble locating satellites and losing signals. What happened? It used to be much more reliable.

Hello,

Try fully charging the unit and leaving it stationary for about 20-30 minutes if you still dont lock satellites try giving the unit a firmware updates using Garmins WebUpdater software here is a link.
http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp.


Hope this helps!

One problem, which I've experienced, are tinted windows (tinted with metal oxide). They block or distort the microwave signal to/from the satellite. Garmin has an optional external antenna which can be used, or you can try relocating the GPS in your car. Try it with all windows down and the unit near an open window. If that works you've confirmed the tinted glass problem.

You should place it as far forward on the dash as possible, underneath the front part of the windshield. That gets it out from underneath the metal roof of the car so that it can receive the satellite signal.

Please see this link:

http://www.sharc.net/gps_antenna_repair.htm


- Jim

Whenever these devices start acting up, I recommend performing a hard reset of your Gamin Nuvi 205. Also, use Garmin's WebUpdater service to make sure you have the latest software on your device. There have been numerous fixes to the firmware to allow the Garmin 205 or acquire satellite signal faster, and to be more accurate with your location.

I hope that helps.

try reset by holding down finger on bottom right hand corner of screen before you power up, and go to www.garmin.com for software update

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• If your unit is trying to acquire satellites for the first time, it may take longer than normal to establish an initial position. If the unit is powered on and outdoors with a clear view of the sky this should not take more than 3-5 minutes.
• If your unit has not been used for an extended period of time (more then a month), it may take 3-5 minutes to acquire satellites.
• If your unit is indoors, it may not acquire satellites. Even standing next to a window indoors will block a majority of the sky which is needed for a device to locate and lock onto a satellite signal.
• If you have just finished updating the software in your unit or you have performed a master reset, your unit may take 3-5 minutes to acquire while outdoors as the data that is used to locate satellites may have been erased.
• If your unit has traveled over 500 miles while turned off or not tracking your travel, it may take 3-5 minutes to acquire even in ideal conditions.
• If your vehicle has a protective coating on its windshield or electronic devices which interfere with the unit receiving signal, your unit may need an external antenna* in order to acquire satellites.
• If you suspect this to be an issue, try taking the unit outside of the vehicle with a clear view of the sky for 3-5 minutes so that the unit can acquire satellites. If your unit loses satellites once moved back into your vehicle you will most likely need an external antenna*.

If your unit is still having trouble acquiring satellites, please ensure that it has the latest version of operating software by using our WebUpdater program. Once your unit is updated please allow the unit to acquire satellites outdoors in a stationary position with a clear view of the sky.

This device should find a signal nearly anywhere it is used. The further away from the earth's equator it is used will increase signal lock or "fix" time though. You should be able to get a fix by bringing the unit into an open space (few / low trees, buildings, etc.) and leave on for up to 20 minutes. The GPS should provide an accurate location in this amount of time and should be able to fix in a moment or so from that point on.

If you have troubles still, contact Garmin Support below:

http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/support/supportcontact

I hope this helps!

If your Garmin Nuvi is 765T visit the Garmin web site and upgrade your software for free and also read: http://www.amazon.com/Nuvi-765T-died-tonight/forum/FxFTK8E026BG45/Tx3LG8KEDC3FWNU/1/ref=cm_cd_ef_rt_tft_tp?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B001ELJER4

Hi, my name is Vince & i had that very same problem with my nuvi 200w, have you tried to update it on your pc ?, i updated mine after travelling down the motorway at 40 miles an hour thinking that their was road works after the sat nav told me. I also found that updating it seemed to increase the signal strength too, try it, it may solve your problem.