Nuvi 3490 voice control

Have you done a reset on the 3490 since you last updated the firmware? Often this clears wierd problems like the one your having. I doubt the maps have anything to do with it.

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Played around with the unit some more, now no voice commands work at all. Paired my phone with it via BT and it does not pick up any sound through the mic when making or receiving a call. So I'm guessing the mic/circuit died. Too bad kinda liked that feature for searches. Oh tried reinstalling maps as per Garmins support, to reload the ASR files, no help. Did a reset, no help. 2yrs old out of warranty of course. Thanks for the help, still seems to work fine otherwise.

Reester,

I invite you to read about my similar problem (and quick replacement of 3590 - 16 months old, this past month), per this discussion at gpsreview.net :

http://forums.gpsreview.net/viewtopic.php?t=28128

I use the same username of "nuvifan" at the other forum. Follow thru the discussion, as I updated with my actions with Garmin...and final report, with complete satisfaction with a refurb 3590.

In case you have any problems accessing the thread, it is entitled "Nuvi 3590 Audio Problems" (first posted August 13; last post August 24).

Prior to reading your thread nuvifan, my curiosity got the better of me. But thanks for posting your experiance.
I decided to open the unit and disconnect the battery for a complete "reset" of all circuits. I have seem similar problems with other battery operated devices where a software "reset" does not always reset the hardware circuits. I figured it's out of warranty anyway what's the harm. The gamble paid off. I let it sit with the battery disconnected for a few minutes and put everything back together. And voila, voice commands all work again. Guess it wasn't the mic but an amplifier circuit or something. Perhaps it was static that messed it up, who knows.

I would have never thought disconnecting the battery would fix it. Sometimes perseverance can be very rewarding.

It was a crap shoot, I know. But I works perfectly again. I gave Jill all kinds of commands driving home from work. And unlike my wife, she listened to me once more.
Worst part though was getting this thing opened up. It snaps together and is taped with double sided tape on the inside in a few places along the edges. I almost gave up not wanting to break any tabs inside or deform the metal back plate. Now I know the battery is sort of user replaceable when the time comes.

@reester

Some Nuvi's are easier to open than others. But you should use the proper tools to open it without causing damage.

Here is a link to show a video on how to replace the battery on the 3490. There is a sequence on using the tool to open it.
http://www.newpower99.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GAR...

Whenever I want to know how to replace battery I use Google and type in "Battery Replacement Nuvi 3490 (or whatever model). When I see the Newpower99 link that's where I go.

I just recently replaced the battery in an older iPod Touch 3rd Gen for $7.00 and from what I see in the Newpower99 video the tools are the same for an iPod Touch and a Garmin Nuvi.

Agreed, most tools designed for opening small electronic devices will open the Nuvi's. I know some Nuvi's require a T-5 Torx screwdriver.

Here's a link for a cheap tool kit that should open all Nuvi's. For 2.84 plus free shipping you can't go wrong.

http://www.amazon.com/Screwdriver-Opening-BlackBerry-Blackbe...

Agreed, proper tools are always good to avoid damage and make the job easier. I should probably get one of those kits with the plastic opening tools. My finger nails are not the proper tools I know. I have all the small screw bits in a kit which is invaluable. Thank you guys for the tool link and the newpower99 link, I'll be placing an order. My battery in the 3490 is still good but I need one for my old 660. Again thanks.

Not to knock newpower99, but you may also want to check with these folks for batteries, tools, and comparison pricing:

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

Battery replacement on the 660 (and 3XX series) is not as easy as most newer units. It is very easy to damage the LCD and touchscreen ribbon cables going to the main board. You also have the antenna to deal with.
Watch the video and take it slow as not to damage anything.

http://www.newpower99.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=GAR...

As CraigW indicated there are other sources to get batteries & tools, nut the Newpower99 videos are an excellent source to show how its done.

Yes the 660 is not the easiest unit to get into. I've actually replaced the touch screen digitizer on mine a couple of years ago. Should have done the battery at that point too, but it was still holding somewhat of a charge then. Now it lasts all of 2 or 3 minutes. Not a huge deal as it is only used with the power cable anyway.