garmin c 330 battery issues

can i replace the battery in the unit by myself or would i need to send it back to garmin for them to do this ?

I also own C330 but so far no battery problems. I would suggest you to send email to Garmin Tech. Support or call their 800 number for advice.

So far our C320 does not have any battery issues but co-worker had to send his C330 in for battery warranty. Others had issues with the micro USB connectors. The USB connector is attached via surface mount not through hole technology and it will break off if used too much, especially if you have the i series.

Same for me. My unit will not power up unless in the car cradle or connected to the computer. My unit is under a year old so I have just emailed tech support to find out if I have to send the unit to them or not.

i just bought the C330 last night. I was told the battery would last off the cradle about 1 hour. Would be very intersted if we are able to change the battery ourselves.

One hour seems too short.

I have the 340 which is essentially the same as the 330 except for pronouncing street names. Mine will work off of the charger for 6-8 hours normally.

Ive had a C330 for years and have never had a problem with the battery. In fact if I remember rite the battery should last 4 to 6 hour. I would email Garmin it might not be charging rite....

The response I got from Garmin when I called 800-800-1020 about my c340 is to ship it back to them to have battery replaced. I asked if it was something I could do myself. The answer was no. So they provided me with an RMA number to write on my returned item, they will repair/replace and mail back to me. Told me all within 7-10 days. I live in the sunshine state so not sure if too much sun got to the device as the handbook does mention excession exposure to sun may cause shorter life to the battery.

Rhamona, thanks for the info. I will call the 1-800 number as I have had an issue with my C330 not working while out of the cradle or USB cable.

My 330 is now unable to power up unless it's in the cradle. Not sure re the warranty because I bought a refurb... Had it for exactly 2 years -- worked great.

Heat kills batteries

I've had a c330 for 2 1/2 years. Was working with Garmin tech support on a 2008 Map update issue (unit would not update from my Vista OS pc. Finally did update from an XP OS pc). The battery died the same day the map update was successful. (Would only work in the cradle or from the usb port). E-mailed the same tech support rep about the battery and mentioned that a 'Net forum said in some cases Garmin would replace the battery gratis, even 'tho the unit was out of warranty. They were very helpful, sent an repair authorization, I returned the unit, and 9 days later (today) I received a replacement unit, looks new, might be a refurb, buts it works great. Needless to say I'm happy...

I had the same issue with my C320. Worked fine for little less than a year, until it showed signs of dying battery life. I purchased a C330 recently. Hope it does not do the same.

btw, I think these guys use lithium batteries and the life of these batteries declines if the unit is left in the car exposed to temp changes.

Now, I just bought my 650 a couple of months ago, and I noticed it says the battery is non-replaceable? Is this true? Do I dump my 650 in a couple three years? Is this planned obsolescence? Or is there some way to get the battery replaced?

I am sure that you can send it in and get Garmin to replace it for a small fee.....or free as someone said there about theirs. If not, then just use the power cord I guess. That is my plan anyways.

Not sure if I'm supposed to do this...but if you look on the gpspassion.com forums under English Forums - Hardware / garmin ix, garmin c3xx and c5xx Navigation Systems there is a tutorial by kris2005. The title is "C320 Battery Replacement - DIY."

All it takes is a little soldering - which is why I would imagine Garmin doesn't want most folks attempting it on their own.

Daniel

No need to go elsewhere as this has already been discussed right here in 'River-City'. Check out POI Factory's thread at:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6306

RT

I replaced this battery about 2 months ago on my C330. As I remember, it was a little stronger battery that I did it with, lasts about 8hrs now. Got it from eBay using the numbers for about $15. If you have ever sodered anything, it is pretty straight forward and a "google" search of battery replacement on a C320 will get you a few nice articles on it. Took about 10 minutes once I had the battery. Better than sending it to Garmin for $250 on something that is out of wart already.

John

Somewhere on this site is a very good link to replacing the battery. might try a search for it or if i can find it will post it for ya'll

Here's a link to replacing a c320 battery, but it should be pretty close.

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=67938&...

No need to go elsewhere as this has already been discussed right here in 'River-City'. Check out POI Factory's thread at:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6306

Come back to post the thread, but see you beat me to it. Still have it in my clipboard tho.

How much did they charge you? I was looking at their site and they said it was a flat $150 and it included the newest map upgrades. Unfortunately I just did that upgrade ($79).

Generally speaking, a Li-Ion device that won't power up on its own but runs when plugged in is because of a battery pack (or the internal charging circuitry of the unit itself) has gone bad where the Battery appears as an open circuit.

Another sign of this is if when plugged in it usually will show the battery is fully charged. This is because with an open circuit, the voltage at the battery terminals rises immediately to the max voltage and the unit thinks the battery is charged. With a working battery, the voltage at the battery terminal would normally be less than full voltage and rises slowly as it charges.

So my money is on a bad battery pack that has developed an open circuit (perhaps a blown internal battery pack protection device).

PT

Dont know if it will help you on your battery, dont know much about the difference between the two units.

http://www.gpspassion.com/forumsen/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=67938

How to change battery.

I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but when I bought my C330 3 1/2 years ago, I paid 679.00 for it. But, like all the other posters, my battery gave up, and the only way I can use it is in the cradle or hooked up to the PC. Fortunately, my replacement, my NUVI 765T is working great.

Check this site for help replacing the battery or Goggle "garmin streetpilot c330 battery replacement".

http://www.fixya.com/support/t118686-replace_battery_garmin_...

I too was unable to charge my 660 but after some internet research I really did find the solution. First, there are sites on the net which show step by step the replacement procedure in a picture by picture sequence. Having done it, it was soooo helpful and accurate. The ONLY thing I would add is that the step in which you are replacing the piston/spring assembly upon both disassembly and then later, reassembly, can be treacherous. Be extremely careful not to let the piston/spring assembly SHOOT out. I lost the spring for two weeks and finally found it. The other helpful bit was the purchase from Batteryship.com. Not only is the battery better than the original, the purchase includes all the tools necessary for the entire procedure! Lastly, after finding the site such as one listed below

http://www.portatronics.com/guide/GPS-Repair-Guide/

be sure to line up your unit just the way it is shown in the picture. Make note of the red/black battery cables and their position BEFORE pulling the plug. The wires joining the screen to the unit is much like a computer 'ribbon connector' which connects the cd to the computer (for those of you have opened a computer).

Good luck. It really was satisfying overcoming the obstacles which Garmin has set up.