Nuvi 660 - Touch screen accuracy

I just returned a brand new Nuvi 680 to Buydig.com yesterday because of the exact same thing. I am glad I looked here for others comments.
I was entering my favorites and would find that when I press one key, a different letter gets entered. It was random. Different keys, different letters. I could even erase the error, press the same key, and get the right letter the second time.
I called Garmin for help. I told them I installed the new updates and did a soft reset, to no success. I tried a hard reset. No luck. They recommended a replacement.
Even with the Costco Nuvi 660 for $499, I plan to wait till the next series. The 680 is missing so many features found on my Streetpilot 2720, I am hoping they will be on the next model. I sure hope so. Garmin support is great.

No need to return it. You need to calibrate your Nuvi. On my Nuvi 350 select the Settings-->Display-->Touch Screen-->Recalibrate. I am not sure but I suspect the Nuvi 660 menus to the recalibrate are the same as the Nuvi 350.

Thats a good idea and I should have mentioned that I tried that in my original write up. The keys did depress accurately, but the results were crazy. Example: I was able to carefully and slowly press the letter D, but the letter P would show on the screen. I thought maybe I was just clumsey at first, but that was not the problem (this time, ha ha).
I am still a little uneasy with this online communications, but I will get used to it I guess.

I really like this GPS stuff. Now that I have owned a Garmin for a whole MONTH now, I just can't get enough. I need to perfect the POI creation stuff. Seems like there is a lot of conflicting instructions out there. Like when to use quotation marks. Hmmmm. I just don't know. The poi-factory is a great resource. The best one.

I have been having the same problem with my C330. I re-calibrated 4 times in about an hour a couple of days ago.
I noticed that it seems to happen when I have my 330 on the dash mount in the sun. I have wondered if the sun heating the case is causing some of the problems. After I bring it inside or move it to a cooler location, the problem seems to disappear. I don't know if this is a coincidence, but.......................

I recently exchanged my Nuvi 360 for the Nuvi 660 and happen to experience the same touch screen accuracy you've been having.

Garmin has been fairly good with releasing software/firmware updates, so I suspect one will be included to address this issue. Until then, just do what I do to minimize the inconvenience - tap lightly and quickly with your pinky finger.

Unfortunately, even if they come out with a firmware/software update, it most likely won't fix the screen problem. It appears to be a hardware issue. This type of screen has layers that, when pressed together, cause the unit to respond. These layers are so thin that the slightest pressure will cause the unit to think it's a key press.

I know I'm over my 14 days to return mine to Circuit City, BUT I did get the two year warranty. Hopefully Garmin will address the hardware issue soon!

Thank you all for your comments, I feel better that I'm not alone!!

By the way, the screen re-calibration was the first thing I did to try and fix it. Obviously, no luck!

John

Just received mine from Costco ($536.06 includes S$H) a few days ago and the first thing I did was to update the software. I haven't had any problems..knock on wood....with the touch screen accuracy. I'm still exploring it's capabilities.

I'm having the same problem with the Nuvi 680. I've called tech support and reported it but they seemed ignorant.

I updated the firmware immediately also. I do this with just about every device I buy. I just bought a 660, and so far haven't any screen calibration issues. This is my first GPS, and already I wonder how I ever lived without one.

I called Garmin support to see if they were aware of any keypad problems. I told them at poi-factory.com many of us have noticed the issue. They were totally unaware, but they promised to mention it to the programmers. I like people that care. I will buy a Garmin the next time too.

At first I didn't notice anything, but lately what I have been thinking has been 'mis-presses' seems to be similar to what a lot of you have been experiencing (well that and trying to figure out how by pressing the lower left part of the screen ("V") could be accidently triggering ("N").

While annoying, I don't think I'll be returning the 660 since it appears that a number of people have been having this issue. Garmin has a great track record with me on early issues with the 2610 when it first came out, so I'll give some time to see if this is resolved.

One interesting note, this is the only area I've found that is even discussing the issue, wonder how many people have this issue, but think it's just them.

-stephen-

My Nuvi 660 working just fine. Granted it is only a couple weeks old but I have been putting the favorites in like crazy as I travel ALOT for work.

Touch the icon and hit save....no problems....typing the name....no problems....scrolling the map no problems.

Hopefully it is not due to the latest software update from Garmin as I just installed that on my unit. If the problem comes up now I will have to wonder if that is what did it.

*Sax*

I got my 660 last week from Costco for $499 (an offer I couldn't refuse) and noticed the keypress issue almost immediately.

I recaliberated it a couple of times, but it seems to be either a manufacturing issue (the screen layer) or firmware. Either way, I'm going to keep this unit as it's only an annoyance factor and I bought this unit primarily for it's GPS capabilities. Since it pretty much passed my expectation on its routing logic (though falls slightly short of Magellan routing algorithm), I'm going to keep it until more compelling model comes out.

Nice this about my purchase is that I got it from Costco (their father's day special) for a great bargain AND Costco has a great return policy. I can return this anytime and get full refund including shipping/handling. So if this stops working in a couple of years from now, I can just take it back to Costo. I can then use it to buy another (and newer) model. Though they do have a list of electronic items that only comes with 90-day return policy (for example, the Nikon D40x I purchased from them), this is not one of them...and even if it only came with 90-day return policy, where else can you buy this with no-questions-asked for 90-days? And it's a full refund and not a store credit.

Yup, I'm definitely keeping my 660 even with this annoying key problem.

Someone needs to let them know there is a problem. Who better than US. GPS addicts.

I noticed that on the previous 650 I bought and I had to return it because the "Acquiring Satellites" would never turn off. This is now my second nuvi and the problem with the touch screen doesn't seem to be happening any longer.

If your observation is correct (though untested), a hardware issue based on the display type alone could pose a widespread dilemma for ALL Nuvi 600 series users due to the fact that the entire 600 series use the same screen technology, WQVGA color TFT (see Garmin's website for detailed specs). No amount of re-calibration and/or software update will change the physical characteristic of the display unless A) Garmin issues a 600 series recall and replaces all the screens, or B) current users exchange their 600s for another brand/model. Ouch!

Based on my original theory that the 660's "phantom" key presses are possibly related to specific software/firmware (version 3.70), I visited three separate electronic retailers (2 Circuit City and a Best Buy) within a 20-mile radius of home to test each of their 660 demos. Beginning with Circuit City #1, I proceeded to enter alphanumeric texts within the Spell Name function. After spending 15 minutes playing with the Nuvi 660, I checked the software version installed on the floor model. I repeated the same process at the second Circuit City store and at Best Buy.

Here are my observations:

1) Circuit City #1, floor model Nuvi 660 - no "phantom" key presses noted. Software version: 2.70.

2) Circuit City #2, floor model Nuvi 660 - no "phantom" key presses noted. Software version: 2.70.

3) Best Buy, floor model Nuvi 660 - no "phantom" key presses noted. Software version 2.70.

Please note that while my observations reveal the same result, they are strictly limited to my experience. Others are welcomed to try the aforementioned crude method and see for themselves; however, a definitive conclusion should only be obtained under controlled testing environment and methods.

Until a hardware and/or software fix comes our way, press lightly, press quickly, use your pinky.

Actually that is a good question (re: firmware) My device arrived with version 3.8 installed so I never had any other firmware installed to play with. Does the unit allow itself to be downgraded? (say to the version 2.70 that was tested in the store?) I'd be interested in seeing if that removes the issue.

Deleted Comment.

Most often than not, I found it more prudent to use the manufacturer's latest version of software/firmware patch. Use of the current version offers the 'lesser of two evils' compared to an outdated one. If enough users experience (and voice) new found issue(s) with the latest patch, the manufacturer is more likely to research the issue and resolve it with another patch.

As for the downgrading your firmware, I do not think the GPS unit and Garmin's WebUpdater software allow for it. Best bet is to let your voice be heard and wait for a new patch. Until then, press lightly, press quickly, use your pinky.

As for the nuvi 350, it can be 'down-versioned'. When working on nuvi 350/360 linebreak problem, I went down 4 different individual versions before returning to the latest with no problems.

RT

I haven't seen this mentioned over at GPSPASIONS either, but my 660 definitely has the problem. Like everyone else, tried re-calibrating. Sometimes it will just enter some totally unrelated key - letter or button. Not enough to return it, I love it, but annoying nonetheless.

Please make sure you send Garmin an e-mail describing the problem. The more people that enter a support request the more likely Garmin is to address it faster.

I sent Garmin another e-mail last night regarding the accuracy and phantom key press issue. The response, even after I explained what I had done to try and fix the issue and including a link to this thread, was to re-calibrate the screen. I kindly replied and told the girl that I had tried that at least 20 times with no improvement.

Again, please keep sending in support requests to Garmin about this.

I would be interested in learning more about this 'linebreak problem' you alluded to with regards to downgrading a particular software/firmware version. However, you may want to start another forum related to your discovery; I am curious to know if it can be done with the Nuvi 660, or any other GPS make/model. Thanks.

I received a reply this morning. They said they have not seen this where re-cal did not fix it, but did ask if it seemed to be on any particular screen.
I pointed the tech to this thread. Did not hear anything else after that.

There are several links referring to the nuvi 350/360 linebreak problem. POI Verifier was orginally written to change the linebreaks to display correctly on the nuvi 350/360.

Just a few links are:
Linebreak Problem-Thread 1
Linebreak Problem-Thread 2
Linebreak Problem-Thread 3

When trying to determine where the problem started, I down-versioned 4.4 to 4.3 to 4.2 to 4.1 to 3.9, then back to 4.4 with no problems (you have to re-enter your settings). Don't know if you can do it on the 660. Someone else was going to down-version another Garmin model. Maybe a search on this site will find that thread.

Good luck.
RT

Mine acts up on just about every screen. I actually haven't seen a screen where it DOSEN'T happen.

Keep feeding Garmin info. As long as we keep requesting support, they will hopefully alert the right software/hardware guys and maybe a software patch is in the near future.

Thanks again everyone!

Anyone else try out a store demo? I would still love to see if this is a software or hardware issue.

Just got my reply back from Garmin, and they suggested updating my unit to the latest firmware (already was done).

Wrote them back with an update and we'll see.

I'm trying to figure out if there are 'hot spots' with the 'phantom pressing". One thing I have noticed is when using the keypad, mis-reading a key press as "U" (regardless of what was actually pressed) is the most common phantom that is occuring on my unit.

Garmin's latest request from my initial e-mail was to perform a master reset. Told the tech that I had already done this as well as re-installing the software. I also informed her that this was the third unit from 3 different stores.

Keep the info flowing all!!

And the 680 I purchased still had the keypad problem. I told that to Garmin. Key problem just like everyone has described. My friend at work, who I convinced to buy a 680, also has the problem.

I returned my 680 9 days ago, guessing that I was alone with this problem. It is not a deal breaker, but it sure is annoying. If I found a killer deal on a 680 now, I would buy it again.

When do the new maps come out?? ha ha

My 660 had a problem but it went away when I recalibrated the screen. It has been alright ever since.

I am ok with the default touch screen settings in my 660.

I have noticed on my 360 the touch screen accuracy only happens randomly. I mainly notice this in the MP3 screen. Sometimes it is right on the money, sometimes I try to skip fwd a song and the play/pause button gets depressed.

I also tried the recalibration, but makes no difference.

I have a Nuvi 660. I have not experienced random errors (probably I did not pay enough attention). But, the most annoying part is that I frequently activated the buttons next to the intended once. I am pretty sure I hit the right button. I did recalibration from time to time.

I own both a 670 and 660.

670 works great even after upgrading the firmware.

660 worked great UP UNTIL I upgraded the firmware.

Now I get the random key problems described before PLUS my screen seems to change without me having to do anything. For instance... I'm driving, following a route, next thing I am looking at a text screen containing different data. This happens only on the 660.

I thought the only difference between the two units were that the 670 contains both NA and EU maps. The rest was identical. True or false?

I didn't see any other changes.

Unfortunatly, most if not all tech support centers have a "script" that they have to follow. A systematic list of things to try before they escalate the issue further up the chain.

Thanks to everyone for all the info - keep it coming!

Garmin posted today. It might solve your problems.

THANK YOU GARMIN!!!!!!!!!! Garmin released software version 3.80 for the Nuvi 660 today, June 15 that says that it is to "Enhanced Touch Screen sensitivity". Well, I just tested it out, typing quite a bit and there was ZERO phantom key presses! Thanks to everyone for keeping the info flowing to Garmin!

BIG thanks to Garmin for addressing the issue with speed!

In addition to the firmware update noted above.

From the Garmin Website. Nothing for the 680 yet.

Fast work by Garmin. I am definately buying a Garmin next time. Good catch Keith and golfnm8.

Update Unit Software with WebUpdater
Use WebUpdater to automatically keep your operating software current.

Unit Software
nuvi 660 Ver. 3.80 as of Jun 15, 2007 Download

I downloaded the update but did not see anything about a Bluetooth update. What is it?
It also appears to me that they nailed the touchscreen problem. Before I did the update I tested by doing a 'spell' in favorites using letters that did not result in a favorite popping up. That way also you can see if a mis-type occurred. I just repeatedly tapped the letter key. Sure enough I would get bizarre mis-types, I was tapping 's' and the 'h' highlighted and entered. I couldn't fill up the buffer once (30 characters) without at least one occurence of this each time.
After the update I must have filled up the entry buffer 10 times and it did not happen once. I am totally convinced, at least in my case, that it corrected the problem on my 660.

Did you use Web Updater? If you did, it should have gone to a screen after downloading the update to check for additional updates for voices, vehicles, etc. and you would have had to check a box to download it - and it would install after disconnecting from the computer and restarting your 660.

No I used the .exe download. I've heard of some people tanking their unit with the web updater.

Does anyone know exactly what the BT update is? It may not even be something I need to bother with.

The update gives no notes as to what the revision is for - usually it has to do with compatibility with more phones - if how yours is working is satisfactory to you, then don't bother.

Re: Web Updater - I've read about issues with earlier versions of it - I've used it successfully on my previous 350, and now my 660.

Is and isn't. My Motorola E815 worked great. Pulled over phone book, call lists, everything. Now I'm on a Blackberry 8703e from Verizon. I can use it as a hands free, but that's about it. Does not pull in call lists. I suspect my phonebook would be too big anyway, but it would be nice to have call history as made from, received by the phone.
Caller id works, but only displays the number, I guess the BB does not match it up and send it over.

re-calibrate the screen... go to settings.

Hi Willsell,

If you read the entire post you'll see all the information about what was tried and what eventually fixed the unit. We've all tried the screen calibration first, that's a no-brainer. It eventually took a software update to fix it.

Thanks for your post.

I've read on other forums where Verizon users seem to have more issues than others with Buletooth compatibility with certain devices, including Nuvis. If you're at a point in your Verizon contract where they'll dicker on new phone hardware to get you to re-up on a contract, take your GPS with you, and find something that works the way you want to by trying it out.

Wish it was that easy. It's a company Blackberry managed by the IT department of a $9B company. So I try and stay under the radar.
You're right, Verizon purposely cripples Bluetooth capability so they can suck more money out of you. That being said my Motorola E815 was Verizon also and it worked great. So I don't know if it is just the phone or the Nuvi. I hate to update firmware if I don't really need to.