Camery Hybrid Signal

You might want to check the specifications of your windshield. Some have a metallic ingredient or coating that can hamper RF signals.

Our Illinois tollway transponders will not operate inside a vehicle with some metallic windshields, for example. I have seen some discussion here on this subject but it really wasn't conclusive.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/8017

You might be able to use an external antenna if this is the case.

Did the CSR at Garmin suggest an external antenna? Some windshields don't allow the signal through. I'm surprised to hear of sensor interference; why would they emit interference?

Any electronic device can create a harmonic or other jamming signal. A hybrid would be worse (possibly) than others due to the larger electric motor. We use rfid tags at work and install them in hospitals/nursing homes. Dryers / lights / blowers all cause problems, just have to find a work around.

So that brings out the questions on the hybrid.

1. What does the signal show with your unit on the hood of the car (do this in a parking lot or your driveway - not while the car is moving please)

2. When you move the unit into the car (before it is started) does the signal change?

3. Start the car does it change inside / on the hood? If it does there may not be much you can do.

Have you done a check of the updater for the latest software? I found my reception improved afterwards. Do you have any trouble with radio stations? as the signal for your msn is on the same as radio stations check.

Daniel

make sure its to one side or another..But not in the center of the dash.
THe hybrid has most of its sensors in the center of the dash.

Try that,ive had that work fine on my customers hybrids.

Both my Nüvi 350 and Nüvi 750 receive the signal just fine in my '07 Camry. So unless the hybrid has a different windshield (possible but doubtful), I suspect the hybrid circuits.

I do have a sunroof, so that might help me a bit.

The windsheild isn't going to cause complete block of reception of singal. However, there are windsheilds that will deminish signals...such as....

Not all inclusive, but...

Solar Ray
Heated Reflective
Sun Gate
Metal Oxide
Insta-Clear
Solar Control

Thank you for the reply. I will try to answer all of the questions.

I don’t think it is the windshield because if the car is off and the gpsr is in the car the gpsr get the signal fine. No problems there. Once I turn on the car, and I have signal already, while driving I will get lots of “Lost satellite signal”. If turn on the car first then the gpsr then I will never get signal.

I did talk to a CSR at Garmin they suggest an external antenna. They actually gave me an external antenna. That works great but I hate the extra wire.

I do have the latest software.

I did try put the gpsr on either side of the car but that did not work either.

I think it is the hybrid part of the car because I try it on a regular Camry and it works fine.

You have successfully isolated the cause. Hybrids have electical motors and large generators which give off strong magnetic fields and electronic noise. I am surprised that they are not shielded enough so as not to interfere with GPS reception. Obviously your radio and cell phone work OK, but those operate on very different frequencies than the GPS.

Well, that is good to know, I guess I won't go green just yet then!

Did you try to mount the GPSr next to the rear view mirror? In other words, really high.

I tried mounting the external antenna next to the review mirror. That did not work either. I tried mounting the external antenna everywhere in side the car and noting. It does work when it is outside fine but I don’t like a cable between the cracks of my door.

Does anyone know if the 7 series has a fixes to this problem?

I read the Magellan forum site and someone mention it works in their hybrid but it was not a camry hybrid.

I also had an interference problem with my truck. It seems that when I have my Sirius satellite radio on, my TomTom losses satellites and will not work. My Sirius is using a transmitter so that it works with my existing in dash radio. If I move my TomTom about 2 or 3 feet from the Sirius receiver it is fine.

I have a 2008 Camery Hybrid and my Nuvee 250W works fine.

Navy man 64,

Where do you put your Nuvi in your car?

white99gt,

I think you are right. I put my gpsr to the left side of the car and it is working fine. Thank you for your advice.

When I tried it before, but I had the gpsr in the center but put the external antenna to the left side and that did not work.

Center dash forward under the mirror Have used both the suction mount and the "bean bag".