Replacing Battery in Nuvi

The Nuvi 660 went through the Radio Frequency testing required by the FCC. Those docs are now public and have internal pictures of the circuit board. Looks like the Nuvi battery is a very small battery similar to a computer CMOS (BIOS) battery, but I'm not able to tell much from these pictures. Notice the word BATTERY on the bottom right of the circuit board.

See the FCC docs on the Nuvi 660 at
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/cf/eas/reports/ViewExhibit...
You'll want to look at the PDF called Internal Photos.
Note I got this link from another GPS site. I don't think the Nuvi 3XX models will have FCC R/F tests since they do not transmit Radio or Bluetooth.

FCC docs for the Nuvi 310/360 are below

https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/cf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&RequestTimeout=500&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=629499&fcc_id='IPH-01081'

The 350 is same as the 360 minus Bluetooth, FM Trans and built in traffic.

Here are the links shortened up a bit.
Nuvi 660
http://tinyurl.com/277cvp

Nuvi 310/360
http://tinyurl.com/29wzvo

Maybe JM can come in a edit those long links so they don't distort the page.

I see what you think is the battery but it doesn't seem large enough to supply 4-8 hours of power. The manual says it has a lithium battery which they can make into a sheet. My guess it is very thin and almost the size of the circuit board. Garmin makes a point that it can't be replaced without sending the unit in to them so if it has a custom battery we couldn't find one to match. Generally the biggest problem is figuring out how to open the case with its plastic snaps.

I agree with you the 3-7 hour battery would need to be bigger, but there could be a CMOS(BIOS) like battery similar to computer.

I called Garmin and asked them about the rumored price of $220-$275 to replace the battery in the nuvi 350. The tech support response was "we want the battery to last 5 to 7 years. During that time we will take care of you, replace it for free or a discounted price". I asked him what a discounted price would be? He stated "maybe $50 to $100."

So it appears it depends on who you get, and if he got up on the right side of the bed that morning! Or if this rep was correct, maybe we could keep calling until we got someone who will replace it for free!

It is pretty easy to open up your nuvi,(but not recommended by Garmin or me)...
looking at your nuvi from the back flip up the antenna. You will see two tiny torx screws on the antenna. Remove them and carefully seperate the antenna housing. Pay attention to how the antenna flex is seated because reassembling the antenna housing can be tricky. On the left bottom side the pin assembly that holds the antenna in is spring loaded. Pull the pin towards the center and you will be able to seperate the antenna housing from the unit. Underneath you will find two more tiny torx screws holding the main housing togather. Remove those two screws and you are almost home. Now you need the special plastic tool that you can get on ebay. The tool is used for opening ipods without mangling them. Gently pry the case apart with this tool. Start where ever it is easiest to get the tool in. Once opened you can figure the rest out for yourself. The battery is flat and rectangular and is seated behind the circuit bourd attached to the back cover.

To answer your question. The battery is not a simple replacement. I would really not recomend that the average Joe try to take his Nuvi apart. If you are a SKILLED electronics technician or watch maker then go ahead and be carefull. But if you are not used to working with tiny delicate assemblies, there is an 80% chance that you WILL damage your Nuvi while trying to take it apart or reassemble it.

Well, I suppose I qualify according to the skills you mentioned. I have built a couple of Heathkit color TV's, three Heathkit CB's (GW-10's), and now at the the present time doing clock repair and restoration (Certified). However.........there is noooooo way I would open my 660. BTW, I bet the Heathkit color TV's, and maybe CB's are before a majority of registered users on here's time.

I have, and still use - a Heathkit digital alarm clock I built in Jr. High over 25 years ago...

I think they should have to put that right on the box. Hopefully I won't have that problem any time soon. I just got my 350 a couple of months ago and I was surprised how long the battery actually lasted!

How many recharges can we expect on that "5-7 year life cycle"? I dont know of many 5 yr cycles on any of my other electronics.
I have opened up my ipod and replaced the battery sucessfully. I recently used my 360 and upon the"low battery signal" and I started thinking "if I only had another battery pack..."
Anyone sucessful getting and installing an OEM battery?

WoW, Haven't thought of, or heard Heathkit in over 35 yrs! I have a multi-meter still in use today that I built back then.

i have a c 330 and the battery has to be replaced by garmin the battery has to be sodered in the board and if you try it yourself if the battery heats up to much it will explode .

I would guess that would be true if you don't know how to solder, you have to use a heat sink to take heat away from between your iron contact point and the battery, before it can get to the battery and even think about heating it up. Be sure to use rosin core solder only for this job.

Bob

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

Ebay has batteries.
Don't know how easy it is to do.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BATTERY-For-Garmin-Nuvi-600-610-610T-650...

And here too..........On this site the pic shows a plug, so maybe no soldering required.

http://www.batteryship.com/htmlos/htmlos.cgi/batteryship/cat...

Maybe similar to this.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG7kXQYmsX0

They are available at Radio Shack and they just plug in to the board. The ones used in the Nuvi series are standard batteries readily available on the open market for as I recall around $22.

Example link:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=299858...

Excellent news for 600 series owners. Any idea if there is a comparable solution for the 700 series?

I suppose that if the battery for my 680 last for 7 years, then I will probably be ready for an upgrade anyway. Certainly, if the cost of replacing the battery was prohibitive, then I should think I would be better of just applying it to a new gpsr.

The 7XX series is fundamentally the same as the 6XX.
Unlike the PDAs, Garmin has actually kept a product line alive for more than a year

Changing the battery should not be different.

Although there seems to be some supply of Garmin OEM batteries, like other things there are far more "fit like OEM" product with a higher 1500Mah life. (vice the OEM 1200Mah)

I have seen many for about $12 USD.

Considering my Nuuvi is well out of warranty and if I break it I will just get a new one and transfer all my maps. I plan to replace it myself when the time comes.

Just might have it done by a shop in Thailand, as they tend to be much better at this stuff.

My most current problems are the worst ever with the 23Aug08 software that keeps locking up my unit. Software version 4.6. Then there is the Mapping software upgrade that keeps asking for a CAB file.
Doesn't Garmin test anything anymore ?

I did get a 3000Mah battery for my Ipaq, but this was about $110, vice the stock 1200Mah. The Ique comes with a 1200Mah, but 2000Mah appears the best available right now.

I'm really reading the wrong posts. I was just congratulating myself on changing the D cells in my flashlight. (they are available at Radio Shack too)

How about the nuvi 205? i cant find batteries for it, unless its the same as the regular 200.

thanks

Any insight on how to open a 2xx series nuvi? I can't see any way to open the thing without destroying it. Soldering doesn't worry me, I've had mil-spec training and done lots of precision work. But trying to open this thing has me concerned about the day that I know will come when I have to service it. And yea, paying Garmin's price would be insane. Newer, faster, fresher devices are a smarter purchase. But I would still want to fix an old one, even if only to have as a spare, or a knock-around unit for a bike, or for a hand-me-down.

Dismantling the 3xx series:-

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/16159

In order to open the nuvi 2xx case, you have to first remove the serial number/unit model sticker from the bottom edge. Doing so will reveal two screws (likely Torx #5 or #6, maybe Phillips). Removing the screws will allow unit's casing halves to be separated from the bottom edge first; beware that the halves are snapped together around the perimeter. Use of plastic tools here is a must to prevent casing damage. While separating the halves, watch for PCB connectors & wiring to the battery and speaker since they are attached to the back half of the case while the LCD & mainboard are attached to the front half.

I'm not brave enough nor skilled enough to try it. If I still have this nüvi when the time comes I'll gladly pay Garmin to replace the battery.

Nuvi 660:
I don't get why Garmin would make a product that won't let the user easily change out the battery? Especially if all it takes is to simply plug in the new battery once you figure out how to open the unit. I know they want to make money, but the battery issue is enough for me to look at competitors GPS units when my Garmin dies. I've had my NUVI 660 for almost a year and recently noticed my battery life is already beginning to shorten. Dissappointing. But do love my Garmin

Have you by chance contact support about sending in your unit for a replacement battery, and if so, is there a charge since you only had it for a year or so. I would not think Garmin would charge for that service due to the length of time you had the unit.

I'll have to try the disassembly and battery replacement when the time comes, cuz basically I can screw the thing up and then not feel guilty about buying a new state of the art fresh GPS. I am a technician by trade, but plastic snaps usually mean everyone breaks them, at any level of talent. Some super glue on the reassembly of a fresh battery ain't so bad, after all the new battery will totally push this beast into the dinasaur stage and never need another battery. I WILL attempt it, and take what I get afterwards, patched up or broken, then buying a new model. Garmin INC isn't getting that kind of money from me for a slightly, not so simple battery swap. I, my inginuity and my soldering skills challenge them all.

Man you're bringing back memories - I built a lot of my electronic test equipment from Heathkit.

Tks!

Are you kidding me! I break out in cold sweats and convulse uncontrollably just going through uploading the latest firmware "upgrades" onto my 660 nevermind the thought of cracking open my device.

It is pretty easy to open up your nuvi, (but not recommended by Garmin or me)...looking at your nuvi from the back flip up the antenna. You will see two tiny torx screws on the antenna. Remove them and carefully separate the antenna housing. Pay attention to how the antenna flex is seated because reassembling the antenna housing can be tricky. On the left bottom side the pin assembly that holds the antenna in is spring loaded. Pull the pin towards the center and you will be able to separate the antenna housing from the unit. Underneath you will find two more tiny torx screws holding the main housing together. Remove those two screws and you are almost home. Now you need the special plastic tool that you can get on ebay. The tool is used for opening ipods without mangling them. Gently pry the case apart with this tool. Start wherever it is easiest to get the tool in. Once opened you can figure the rest out for yourself. The battery is flat and rectangular and is seated behind the circuit board attached to the back cover.

I followed Robert 660's instructions and got my nuvi 270 open.

It is a very delicate procedure and I recommend it only if your alternative is to dispose it or pay the rediculous Garmin fee.

It takes some serious force to get the two halfs of the housing apart after you've got the screws under the serial # sticker out!

I wonder how susceptible the PCB is to ESD? I also wonder how many people would use proper ESD protection?

Being from a PC background and technical field of employment, I've come to a basic conclusion that ESD ground strapping is over rated.I've watched PC builders sitting on carpet(highly conductive) simply handling boards with nothing for ESD protection. I would still be gentle and not grabby on circuits, but I doubt I'd go ESD protected as such. sv

Oh yea, I would solder the connections with a soldering iron, not a gun. Guns kick a lot of spurious Ac activity.