[ALERT] 8x0, 8x5 (& others) may also brick

 
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nuvi 760, nuvi 765T, nuvi 855, nuvi 3790LMT, nuvi 3490LMT - SoCal area

Garmin has a big PR problem with this...

And I went and bought the "lifetime" maps for a unit that now has no life, so I'm out that unless Garmin wants to make good somehow...

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*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

Im almost at the point of no return.....

Dorkus and Keith, if I were to dump Garmin and its buggy firmware/software, what make of GPS, if any, will also handle custom poi's as easily as the Nuvi?

I'm really giving this some very serious thought.

Grumpy about Garmin,
Rayzers

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You can walk a horse to water, but a pencil has to be led.

no clue...

All I have used are Garmin units since my last Magellan which was a Meridian Gold hand-held unit years ago. All brands will have their own issues.

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nuvi 760, nuvi 765T, nuvi 855, nuvi 3790LMT, nuvi 3490LMT - SoCal area

Where is the problem? There

Where is the problem? There was a software issue and they quickly fixed it and are replacing bricked units. They did not deny there were any problems for for months until a class action suit was filed.

That is customer support guys and Garmin seems to have taken care of the problem.

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Nuvi 3790LMT, Nuvi 760 Lifetime map, Lifetime NavTraffic, Garmin E-Trex Legend Just because "Everyone" drives badly does not mean you have to.

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onestep wrote:

That is customer support guys and Garmin seems to have taken care of the problem.

Yes, I agree. This problem should NOT have happened but it did. Garmin was quick to release a fix and will fix all bricked units.

What I don't agree with is Garmin making customers pay to ship bricked units back to them to repair. This issue was solely their fault and no fault of the end-user...some of which were likely in an unfamiliar area with a bricked GPS. They should at least pay the shipping charges both ways.

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nuvi 760, nuvi 765T, nuvi 855, nuvi 3790LMT, nuvi 3490LMT - SoCal area

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DorkusNimrod wrote:

What I don't agree with is Garmin making customers pay to ship bricked units back to them to repair. This issue was solely their fault and no fault of the end-user...some of which were likely in an unfamiliar area with a bricked GPS. They should at least pay the shipping charges both ways.

I also disagree with refurbished replacements for those who bought it brand new. Garmin must send them a brand new replacement instead of an overhauled unit.

My 885T died yesterday

Yesterday when I posted that my 885T was suffering the same fate as the 700, some disputed that scenario.
I just hope that the fix comes out before my travel plans for the July 4th. holiday.
All of my music and other files are loaded on my Nuvi.
We are at Garmin's mercy, but I too am glad they did not fall asleep or suffer temporary amnesia, but acted on it promptly.
Let's hear it for the 885T bug fix...soooonnn

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Being ALL I can be for HIM! Jesus. Kenwood DNX9980HD Garmin 885t

NUVI 885T issues

I purchased a NUVI 885T last week. When it arrived and I went through the registration process (on my Mac) it stated a software update was available as well as a one-time free update for the latest CityNav 2010.

Several hours later following the download and install of the updates, I purchased a lifetime MSN Direct subscription. I attached my NUVI via the USB cable, to my computer but failed to be recognized by Garmin software (the NUVI did appear on my desktop that indicated the USB cable was working).

Unplugging from my Mac, the 885T was able to lock on sats for navigating but using the older 2009 map software version. In order to unlock the latest update the unit had to be recognized by Garmin software and it clearly was not. I even tried a second Mac to no avail. Garmin suggested on their FAQ connecting to a PC but I don't own one - nor is that a reasonable expectation for them to suggest it given they tout their Mac software.

I phoned Garmin support for help. It took about 40 minutes to get through. The tech who answered, to her credit, admitted not knowing much about Macs and transferred me to another rep who did. (NOTE: Garmin - add a phone option for Mac users to be connected directly to a Mac trained rep! Even AT&T finally figured this out!)

After lengthy conversations and a remote control episode, the rep emailed me an RMA to return for repair. Clearly it was something to do with the NUVI. (NOTE: Will I be reimbursed for postage? Not likely which only added to my frustration and dissatisfaction with Garmin customer service. Their penny-wise, pound-foolish attitude - specially for a such very pricey GPS unit - is terribly shortsighted.)

I've used Garmin for years. In my opinion access to support has worsened, not improved. Telephone has always, in my experiences, been faster (albeit long waits to get through) versus glacial and ususally vague email responses.

Tracking repair status is abysmal for customers. I'm registered with Garmin and have a "MySupport" page where repairs are supposed to be listed. Apparently people don't talk to one another at Garmin because I do have an incident number and an RMA but nothing has appeared in my account info for tracking repair status. So what's th epurpose for having a MySupport area? Window dressing?

After reading about the bricking problems on this list I sent a follow-up email asking the the rep who issued me the RMA for help tracking repair of my unit. He simply fired off an unsigned email telling me "All repairs are handled in the warehouse. If you call and speak to customer service they may be able to get the tracking number for it." Not at all helpful. (NOTE: Garmin - establish a communication link between customer service components so one hand knows what the other is doing instead of leaving the customer feeling as though they are left to fend for themselves)

I tried calling support this afternoon and was advised via a recorded message to try back tomorrow when they weren't so busy. I can only imagine the phone lines are humming what with this latest SNAFU regarding firmware.

I really do like Garmin products. I understand that products may fail. But I have no idea when or if anything will happen with my new NUVI - I assume it will but when? Or how this will affect my lifetime MSN Direct if I get a new NUVI. It shouldn't have to be this difficult in this day and age of multiple avenues of electronic communication. If I felt like someone really cared I could be a whole lot more patient.

It has always been my opinion that one can build the best product possible but without solid customer support, it doesn't matter much.

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dhandler

Well, THERE'S your problem. . . . .

You're using a MAC!!

First of all, the issue appears to be in the GPS chipset. So it affects a bunch of their units.

What the causality is has not specifically been published, but it apparently relates to a change made in the GPS world and a change made in the way it keeps time.

Not all units failed. I have a Zumo 660 - it's on the list and I've been pushing mine and it hasn't died. Yours may not either.

And if it lives until they get the fix out for YOUR device you won't be at risk (from that) anymore.

So don't worry about it until you have something to actually worry about. Then you can worry about the issues. Until them kick back and have a beer (or scotch, whisky or cognac . . whatever works for you).

It is probably a very good time to buy Garmin stock.

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Currently have: SP3, GPSMAP 276c, Nuvi 760T, Nuvi 3790LMT, Zumo 660T

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bramfrank wrote:

You're using a MAC!!

Not the problem.

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*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

The original post on Garmins FAQ site got me pumped...

onestep wrote:

Where is the problem? There was a software issue and they quickly fixed it and are replacing bricked units. They did not deny there were any problems for for months until a class action suit was filed.

That is customer support guys and Garmin seems to have taken care of the problem.

"Free mandatory Garmin GPS software update for nuvi 7x5."

They are getting back thousands or perhaps tens of thousands of these units or more to repair, because of their own bugs, and want us to ship them back at our expense. That just takes the cake. They then try to make it appear that they are giving us something "free" because of the buggy software/firmware. That is just too rich.

"We know our customers rely upon their Garmin GPS device(s), especially during the summer travel season, and we regret any inconvenience this situation may have caused. We are committed to developing products that are known for their quality and reliability and will continue to work diligently to earn the trust of our customers.

They got this patch out in a hurry not because of our problems, but because it would have run them huge amounts of money to repair more units. I bet the 7x5 series is retired in less than 1 or 2 months from now.

That BS about their quality and reliability don't fly anymore.

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You can walk a horse to water, but a pencil has to be led.

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I'm surprised it took something like this for people to see whats happening with Garmin products. Garmin has been declining in quality for the last couple of years.

What's really funny is that I've been personally attacked numerous times on this site for speaking negatively about Garmin.

Are you kidding?

onestep wrote:

Where is the problem? There was a software issue and they quickly fixed it and are replacing bricked units. They did not deny there were any problems for for months until a class action suit was filed.

That is customer support guys and Garmin seems to have taken care of the problem.

Wow, I'm shocked by your low expectations. I wonder if the folks sitting their with their bricked GPS feel that "Garmin seems to have taken care of the problem".

Garmin still has good customer service

Regardless of the recent issues, Garmin still does a good job with their customer service. Yes, I had a bricked 755T. I emailed as requested rather than tie up their phone lines and received an RMA within 8 hrs. Considering the volume they are getting, I find that pretty acceptable. I did end up calling this evening (tying up their phone lines) because, like everyone else, did not appreciate being told that I have to pay to ship my unit back for a problem that a firmware update caused. I waited on hold for about 20 minutes (6:30-6:50 ish) before being connected with a pleasant service rep who sounded obviously beaten down. I gave her my RMA (which was wrong so I am glad that I DID call) and politely explained that I didn't believe that I should have to pay for shipping to repair a problem that was caused by Garmin. We had a couple of laughs, I was not demanding, mean, yelling...I told her that I felt sorry for her having people yell at her all day long (of which I do feel bad reading some of the comments here and having worked in customer service before). Lo and behold, a UPS call tag has been issued. I thanked her and she thanked me. She informed me that they have people working the phones and emails extended hours to respond to the obvious increase in volume.

Yes, I do feel that the call tags should be issued automatically without having to ask for it, but whatever. I was able to do other things while the hold music played on my speakerphone.

Many a major company goes through issues such as this. Garmin is handling this better than car companies handle safety recalls, and your cars GPSr failure is not life threatening. These units are getting more and more advanced and more and more problems are going to arise...Garmin is surely NOT alone in having these problems.

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Garmin Quest/Quest2/Nuvi660/Nuvi755T

Garmin had no choice...

Also for the immediate response in fixing this problem is that, not only consumers are using these devices but local, county, state, FEDERAL law enforcement individuals are also using them in the streets.

Garmin is very well known prespectively. They would be liable if a defective unit goes bonkers for state trooper on patrol creating a BAD scenario that would put GARMIN in a bad limelight with all law enforcement agencies around the world. No law enforment agency would ever use them if they did not correct the situation immediately.

Between your God given complaints and the Barney Fifes in the street...they had to respond or face the consequences.

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OrlandoV (Nuvi 765T, Nuvi 885T, Nuvi 2589)

Your 885T

Has your 885T been saved from this storm, or did you suffer the same fate as mine?
I am truly learning what I preach about, and that is to let Patience have her perfect work.
God has a sense of humor!!!

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Being ALL I can be for HIM! Jesus. Kenwood DNX9980HD Garmin 885t

My 855T bricked too

To save copious typing, I'm providing the link below. I too am a Mac user. I suspect some of the problems I've seen happen on the PC as well.

http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?p=94001#94001

As stated in the linked post, I've observed truncated files when updating from 4.40 to 4.60 (4.50 is the "bad" version of the firmware). To be safe, Mac users should be sure to manually eject the Garmin volume before pulling out the USB cable when prompted to do so during the update procedure.

What do you mean "manually

What do you mean "manually eject the Garmin volume"?
Thanks

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Rollandv