GTM 20 problem

Scary.

When your 2nd charger and 3rd nuvi arrive, if I were you, I'd test the combo in a different vehicle and see if they work. Then I'd try it in your car--if it fails again, then there's an issue with your vehicle.

most likly it is the cig lighter outlet, sometimes they are over charged, had a similar issue with a cell phone, fried 3 of them before i tested the output voltage of the outlet, if it were me take it to someone that can test the outlet for how much voltage it is supplying!!! better safe than sorry!

Hmm, I would also speak with Garmin support. The GTM 20 has a fuse that should have blown if the cig lighter is providing too much voltage/amperage. I agree with CraigW's comment, test in a different vehicle first.

That came to my mind as well, sort of. To explain, the first time this occurred was within 5 minutes of plugging it into a rental car's outlet.

The second unit was damaged while in the same car it had been used in for nearly 6 months.

My suspicion is that the rental outlet was faulty, damaged the circuitry of the GTM 20 and smoked the first unit. What ever damage had been done, resulted in ruining the 2nd unit and it would have done so regardless of what car it was used in.

Does this sound plausible?

It sounds quite plausible to me--a rental-car fried the GTM-20 that ruined the two nuvis.

But as has been suggested here, it'd still be nice to test the new devices in a different car first--and if you have access to a voltmeter, test the output of the cigarette outlet that smoked your 2nd nuvi.

I've had problems with my receiver working properly for months and Garmin just decided to replace it (new one on it's way as we speak). But no smoke and fire! Sheesh!

I got my new (refurbished) Nuvi 760 today, along with my GTM 20. Originally I was told I'd be getting a new GTM 20, but apparently mine was repairable. There's nothing on the service report that notes what was done, so imagine my trepidation when plugging it in for the 1st time.

As suggested previously, I didn't start with my car, but with the power port on a portable air pump. That worked fine, so I tried the car port and no problems. As an additional item, after updating the GTM 20 to the latest firmware, it even finally accepted the code for my lifetime subscription to FM Traffic. Something that had been a problem since prior to the first unit's failure.

So, after several weeks and 3 Nuvis, problem solved. I will say I have been impressed with Garmin's support staff. They were very friendly and helpful. After the 2nd unit blew, they even offered me a free case and expedited shipping to overnight for my trouble. I know it wasn't a big deal to them, but it showed they were trying.

I would check the outlet if I were you, get a volt meter and check it. Garmin is going to stop replaing your unit if it's your problem.

I have a GTM20 that has been replaced, my problem was the receiver just crapped out but still delivered power to my GPSr. It was replaced with a New unit and also received a new 14 month subscription at that time. I would definitely check the outlet in your car.

Bob

I would check the outlet if I were you, get a volt meter and check it. Garmin is going to stop replaing your unit if it's your problem.

I have a GTM20 that has been replaced, my problem was the receiver just crapped out but still delivered power to my GPSr. It was replaced with a New unit and also received a new 14 month subscription at that time. I would definitely check the outlet in your car.

Bob