Got another refurbished 2460LMT with NA maps that is not what it is supposed to be

 

Yup, I tried again because everyone says "No issues", "great unit".
I did more homework on this one. It cost me $30 more. I verified with the reseller (Isave via Amazon) that it has lifetime NA maps and that the warranty is a 1 year. I was told yes to both. I was also told that they buy as is from Garmin. So a 2460 LMT with NA maps should have lifetime NA maps.

After charging it and registering at Garmin via Garmin Express, I was not offered any map update. Further investigation at the "Mymaps" tab at Garmin show lifetime maps for Europe. It also shows 6 European updates and then a NA map 2013.10.

It is in the standard black and white box with proper labeling. I have sent an email back to Isave basically stating they are (in my opinion) purchasing items that are misrepresented.

Garmin support is not open on the weekend so I sent them an email to see if they will change the lifetime to NA since they are misrepresenting their units. I will report back.

I was so hoping that a refurbished would work for me. I wanted a 5" with 8gb memory and a powered mount. Do I go to a newer refurbished unit, spend more money, and pray it comes with lifetime NA maps? I didn't want to go to more expensive because I told need anything real fancy.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

The Saga Continues

I can't believe this happened to you again, it sounds like the luck I have. This surely is out of the ordinary when buying refurbished units. This is the first time I've heard they come with the wrong maps, especially having it happen twice through different Amazon vendors.

I would call Garmin on Monday and explain the situation to them and see what they say. In addition I would call Amazon and let them know what's going on. Having two different vendors ship misrepresented maps appears that Garmin who refurbished the units made the error in my opinion. Just seems odd this only happened on the 2460LMT model.

Doing a Google search on Refurbished Nuvi 2460LMT's does not show availability at Amazon or ISave so I'm unable to see the ad.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Heres the link

And now the price has gone up at Isave.
Click on "refurbished"

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZX871I/ref=pe_385040_128020140_...

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Nuvi 2460LMT.

Involve Amazon

Tell Amazon that you want what you were promised by the seller and that they even confirmed to you, and that you want it at the agreed upon price. Also, you should have the seller pay for any return shipping. They should be able to issue a pre-paid shipping label to you, don't out lay more of your money hoping to get it back.

While I would hope that Amazon would put the pressure on to make this right, I would also contact the credit card company and have a charge back issued. Do that now, don't wait.

Agree

Agree 100% on all your points.

What I wonder about is why the OP is dealing with the Amazon seller at all. In my experience Amazon themselves will clear this up with the minimum of hassle and their open all the time AFAIK and you don't have to wait on the phone as they will call you back at the time you want to be called back.

Garmin will simply tell him that there really isn't anything they can go as the maps on the unit are different than what was on it when it was manufactured, therefore no lifetime maps anymore.

Also the link provided now says the order will be shipped and sold by Electromax not iSave.

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

this must be gray market

This must be a gray market unit which was meant for sale in Europe. Garmin must have refurbed it but somebody else put the NA map on it. This is unethical and I doubt it was done by Garmin.

dobs108 smile

:(

I've had issues with Amazon before, but they have always made good, no muss no fuss. What a pain.

--
2 DriveSmart 65's - We do not live in Igloo's and do not all ride to work on snow mobiles.

I'm More Confused now

t923347 wrote:

Agree 100% on all your points.

What I wonder about is why the OP is dealing with the Amazon seller at all. In my experience Amazon themselves will clear this up with the minimum of hassle and their open all the time AFAIK and you don't have to wait on the phone as they will call you back at the time you want to be called back.

Garmin will simply tell him that there really isn't anything they can go as the maps on the unit are different than what was on it when it was manufactured, therefore no lifetime maps anymore.

Also the link provided now says the order will be shipped and sold by Electromax not iSave.

You are corret, the link pwohlrab provided does show Electromax as the seller, however, it shows as a new unit, NOT REFURBISHED, as pwohlrab stated he purchased. It's currently shipping for 235.00 for a NEW unit..

Now if you click on the link at that page that shows
"7 Refurbished from 118.00" you will find the seller ISave selling a refurbished for 169.95. This is the seller pwohlrab said he purchased from.
No matter who he purchased from, the Amazon description of the 2460LMT shows it comes with full North American Maps.

I believe pwohlrab's best course of action is to take this up with Amazon and let them figure out why these units he received are not what is indicated in the ad. Perhaps member dobs108 is correct in saying thesa units may be gray market and meant for sale in Europe and it is those vendors changing the maps to North America not realizing map updates for North America will not work.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

That's

muell9k wrote:

I believe pwohlrab's best course of action is to take this up with Amazon and let them figure out why these units he received are not what is indicated in the ad.

That's my point. wink

--
Nuvi 350, 760, 1695LM, 3790LMT, 2460LMT, 3597LMTHD, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, DriveSmart 61, Garmin Drive 52, Garmin Backup Camera 40 and TomTom XXL540s.

Everyone makes good points

I feel that all involved (Garmin, Amazon, and Isave) should be aware of what is happening. I have sent emails to all of them. Yes, I could have called Amazon, BUT, I prefer email so that there is a so called paper trail.
I know Amazon will refund my money with no questions asked. They did it with the last one. I am hoping that someone figures this out and I get lifetime maps of NA for the device. I should not have to go to a more expensive, and new model just to resolve this. The 2460LMT fits my needs.

I do suspect that Isave won't do anything. I also suspect that Garmin won't do anything. I also suspect that the only way for Amazon to make it right is to refund my money. I will most likely have to take that option which forces me to buy a more expensive unit (which is why I went to refurb). The issues I have had force me to buy new and not even consider refurbished!

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Consider This Alternative Unit

My experience with the 2597LMT has been very good. I have purchased two of these refurbished units from Walmart and had zero problems. Here is a link.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/32337585

Let Us Know Isave & Amazon Email Replies

pwohlrab wrote:

I feel that all involved (Garmin, Amazon, and Isave) should be aware of what is happening. I have sent emails to all of them. Yes, I could have called Amazon, BUT, I prefer email so that there is a so called paper trail.
I know Amazon will refund my money with no questions asked. They did it with the last one. I am hoping that someone figures this out and I get lifetime maps of NA for the device. I should not have to go to a more expensive, and new model just to resolve this. The 2460LMT fits my needs.

I do suspect that Isave won't do anything. I also suspect that Garmin won't do anything. I also suspect that the only way for Amazon to make it right is to refund my money. I will most likely have to take that option which forces me to buy a more expensive unit (which is why I went to refurb). The issues I have had force me to buy new and not even consider refurbished!

I realize you are frustrated and who wouldn't be. However, you are the first to have these map issue issues that I am aware of with refurbished units.
If the 2460LMT is what you want then I see no reason to pay more for a new different model that costs more.

Amazon needs to know what these vendors are doing and not permit them to sell through Amazon if in fact they are the ones responsible. Amazon has to be aware of these issues since I'm sure there are other buyers experiencing the same problem.

It seems to me this is only happening with the 2460's, it's possible there is a high demand for these discontinued refurbished Nuvi's. Who knows where these Amazon vendors are getting them from to fill the demand. They (vendors) may or may not be adding North America maps to European models, but who is, that's the mystery.

The good part is Amazon is an outstanding company to do business with and your only loss will be time and aggravation.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

File a Dispute as Suggested.

While it's only happened a handful of times, I've gotten to the point when I buy online and the product isn't as advertised or has any problems, I tell the seller since what I purchased isn't as advertised or expected, I would like an RMA and want them to email me a prepaid shipping label.
Yes, they may resist on the prepaid label, but I stay with it and if they still refuse I let them know I'll be filing a dispute with the credit card company.

Good Luck,

--
Nuvi 2598LMTHD

Like the Song Says...

”If you had no bad luck, you’d have no luck at all”.

Although being burned like this, twice no less, certainly gives the refurb concept a bit of a black eye, I question your choice of sellers.

It should be noted this item is a product referral by Amazon and not fulfilled by Amazon directly. It isn’t clear what responsibility Amazon bears with this sale.

It’s interesting that the Isave website is selling 2460LMT refurbs (no HD traffic receiver) for $250. I wonder if this is the same unit.

http://www.isave.com/Category/CategoryListNoCache.aspx?categ...

The Factory Outlet Store, an authorized Garmin reseller, offers a refurb 2460LMT (no HD Traffic receiver) for $170.

http://g.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/24539-49808/Garmin-Nuvi-...

The best deal I can find right now is an eBay seller who is offering a “Garmin Certified Refurbished” 2460LMTHD (includes HD traffic receiver) for $125. In this case, if Garmin won’t honor the warranty, eBay will.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-nuvi-2598LMTHD-5-GPS-with-Blu...

If you experience the same map issues with a third unit from a different vendor, the problem definitely lies with Garmin and is likely specific to the 2460 model.

I’d like to add that yours is one of the very few complaints I’ve seen here at the factory about Garmin refurbished products.

3597

muell9k wrote:

...It seems to me this is only happening with the 2460's, it's possible there is a high demand for these discontinued refurbished Nuvi's. Who knows where these Amazon vendors are getting them from to fill the demand. They (vendors) may or may not be adding North America maps to European models, but who is, that's the mystery...

As I've mentioned in another thread, I tend to monitor the nuvi 3597 devices that are offered on eBay. Recently I've noticed items offered on the (US) ebay site that appear to have a European or Australian map in which the Seller fails to mention the continent being covered.

Given the desirability of the 3597 with no newer replacement being offered, and given the absence or limited supply of new 3597s—with many folks calling the 3597 officially discontinued—I wonder if there's been a effort by some vendors to buy up residual stock from Europe or Oz, then offer them in the US, either as is, or with a one-time City Navigator North America installed.

When this thread started, I think we all thought this was a one-time problem. But since it's now happened twice to the same individual, we should monitor for reports of this nature, and certainly report an issue if it happens to you.

It's hard to accept that Garmin is doing refurbs of this sort since they should know better about the map update failure issue that will occur. As muell9k says, the big question now is who (singular or plural) is performing the whatever>NorthAmerica conversions and are they aware of the consequences...or not?

My 2 Cents (again)

bdhsfz6 wrote:

The best deal I can find right now is an eBay seller who is offering a “Garmin Certified Refurbished” 2460LMTHD (includes HD traffic receiver) for $125. In this case, if Garmin won’t honor the warranty, eBay will.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-nuvi-2598LMTHD-5-GPS-with-Blu...

@bdhsfz6
That link is not for a 2460LMTHD but rather a 2598LMTHD. The 2460 never came with HD Traffic.

@CraigW

CraigW wrote:

Given the desirability of the 3597 with no newer replacement being offered, and given the absence or limited supply of new 3597s—with many folks calling the 3597 officially discontinued—I wonder if there's been a effort by some vendors to buy up residual stock from Europe or Oz, then offer them in the US, either as is, or with a one-time City Navigator North America installed.

You may be on to something there, this possibly is the reason why the inability to get the North America Updates exists.
Hopefully member pwohlrab will keep us posted on the email replies he receives so we all can learn and be able to address the issue if other new posters post this problem.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Response from Amazon.

As previously stated, I know they will resolve the issue with a return if needed. I don't expect an answer from Isave or Garmin till Monday. My reason for contacting all of them is to both get a resolution for me, AND, so they hopefully figure out why it happened so it does not reoccur for anyone.

Amazons answer:
Hello,

I'm really sorry to hear about this.

I can completely understand how frustrating and annoying the situation can be when something like this happens but believe us it was never our intention. We try our level best to provide convenient and stress free shopping to our customers but in this case we haven't met the standard, please accept my sincere apologies for this.

I'm forwarding your issue to our inventory and catalog department for investigation--I know they'll want to hear about your experience and make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else.

I understand that you are going to contact Garmin about this item "Garmin nuvi 2460LMT 5-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator".

If Garmin doesn't help, please write back to us by replying this email, we will contact seller for return and full refund.

In addition to our large selection, one of the benefits we try very hard to offer our customers is convenience. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience you experienced in this case.

We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Best regards,
Latha B.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Not a very Encouraging resonse from Amazon

Although Amazon’s reply was very apologetic, it doesn't get to the root of the problem.

pwohlrab wrote:

Amazon Reply
I'm forwarding your issue to our inventory and catalog department for investigation--I know they'll want to hear about your experience and make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else.

As previously mentioned, I’m sure you're not the first to complain.

pwohlrab wrote:

If Garmin doesn't help, please write back to us by replying this email, we will contact seller for return and full refund.

It seems they are hoping Garmin will solve the map issue, but from your prior contact with Garmin they will be of no help. What they need to do is contact ISave directly as well as the other seller and find out what’s going on.
We know they (Amazon) will offer a full refund, but that’s not the point, you didn’t receive what was expected.

Please let us know the response you get from ISave.

BTW what did you pay from the 2460LMT from ISave, the ad they have on the Amazon site shows:

$169.95
& FREE Shipping
Refurbished
Refurbished by Garmin, comes with a full Manufacturer's warranty. Satisfaction guaranteed.

They (ISave) are the only refurbished seller that shows Refurbished by Garmin

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Isave jumped the price

I bought it for $149.95
About $30 more than the last fiasco at Firemall LLC.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

My Mistake

muell9k wrote:
bdhsfz6 wrote:

The best deal I can find right now is an eBay seller who is offering a “Garmin Certified Refurbished” 2460LMTHD (includes HD traffic receiver) for $125. In this case, if Garmin won’t honor the warranty, eBay will.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-nuvi-2598LMTHD-5-GPS-with-Blu...

@bdhsfz6
That link is not for a 2460LMTHD but rather a 2598LMTHD. The 2460 never came with HD Traffic.

I posted that link in error. The correct one should have been:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINT-GARMIN-NUVI-2460LMT-Automotive-...

This 2460 is not a refurb but an open box display model for $125 which is in effect "new" and should not have this map issue.

It appears to be a moot point since the OP already purchased another unit.

In any case, thanks muell9k for pointing out my error.

I Wonder?

pwohlrab wrote:

I bought it for $149.95
About $30 more than the last fiasco at Firemall LLC.

I wonder if Firemall LLC and ISave are the same company going under two names. It may just be a coincidence but both companies are located in New York. That MIGHT explain why the map issue was from both vendors.

I know that some Ebay sellers have different user names and have different prices for the same product, but are the same company. Perhaps this is the case here.

Firemall LLC shows located in Spring Valley NY

ISave shows Send Checks To
1407 Broadway
Suite 700
New York, NY 10018
(Tel # 1-866-537-7074)

With returns going to Syosset NY

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

More than likely, ISAVE's

More than likely, ISAVE's address is a Mailbox front. There are no businesses located there, only the mailbox.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

I Don't Believe that is correct

phranc wrote:

More than likely, ISAVE's address is a Mailbox front. There are no businesses located there, only the mailbox.

I have to disagree it's a mailbox front.
The returns dept in Syosett is a legitimate address as well as 1407 Broadway Suite 700 in NYC.
If it were a mailbox it would show PO Box #.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

A Web to wade through

All three, iSave, gogotech, FactoryOutletStore, all three have the same address and suite 700. It looks like a big online group of stores. The returne address for iSave is
"iSave
575 Underhill Blvd.
Unit 350
Syosset, NY 11791
LongIsland Industrial"

"iSave.com
1407 Broadway
Suite 700
New York, NY
10018"

http://www.gogotech.com/contact_us.html

Which is FactoryOutletStore.com

iSave states:
Due to the fact that iSave ships from different warehouses around the country to expedite your shipping time, the address on your packing slip may NOT be the correct address for handling returns and exchanges. iSave is not liable for packages sent to any address other than our Syosset, NY address listed above and below."

Which is the LongIsland address...

A web to un-weave.

--
Mary, Nuvi 2450, Garmin Viago, Honda Navigation, Nuvi 750 (gave to son)

many online complaints

A five minute Google search shows that the websites mentioned in this discussion as well as the Syosset address are related to a large number of online complaints for "merchandise not as represented," and failure to make refunds after items were returned.

The Firemall address in Spring Valley NY is a private house.

dobs108 rolleyes

Addresses at Mailbox ETC and

Addresses at Mailbox ETC and other mailbox business use Suite # for the mailboxes there. The US Post Office uses P.O Box numbers.

--
Frank DriveSmart55 37.322760, -79.511267

Didn't know that

phranc wrote:

Addresses at Mailbox ETC and other mailbox business use Suite # for the mailboxes there. The US Post Office uses P.O Box numbers.

Thanks for setting me straight, I was unaware companies like Mailbox ETC (UPS Store) use addreses with suite numbers for mail pickup. I need to get out more often. redface

dobs108 wrote:

A five minute Google search shows that the websites mentioned in this discussion as well as the Syosset address are related to a large number of online complaints for "merchandise not as represented," and failure to make refunds after items were returned.

The Firemall address in Spring Valley NY is a private house.

Wow, Firemall LLC indeed is a private house according to Google. It's at 92 Union Road, Spring Valley, NY 10977.

I suppose us consumers need to be extra careful with internet purchases and research thoroughly before buying something. It's probably wisest to buy direct from reputable companies even having to pay a little more. I've learned something from this thread.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Answer from Garmin

I followed their instructions by going to the link provided. The serial number on the unit is different than what Garmin Express is showing. The link allowed me to put the correct number in and then Garmin Express found the correct one. I am downloading 2015.30 now. The next step is if I get lifetime maps. I didn't see that anywhere yet.

Dear Paul,
Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I am sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you.
In some cases, Garmin Express may fail to provide updates for newly-overhauled (refurbished) GPS devices.
Symptoms include:
• Express offers no available map updates
• Express offers updates for purchase for devices that include nuMaps Lifetime subscriptions
• Express offers map updates for the wrong country or continent
• myGarmin.com incorrectly states "Your maps are up to date"
This issue can be resolved by manually registering the device to a myGarmin account using the link below:
https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/registration/gettingStarted.h...
Sign in to a pre-existing myGarmin account, or create a new one. Upon signing in, follow the instructions on the site to register the device. Enter the serial number located on the device, not the one shown in Express.
After the registration is complete, remove and reassociate the device with Express:
1. Disconnect device from computer1
2. Open Garmin Express
3. Click Device
4. Click Delete Device from Express
5. Uncheck the box next to Delete the saved backups
6. Click Confirm
7. Close Garmin Express
8. Open Garmin Express
9. Connect device and follow the on-screen prompts to add the device back to Express
The appropriate map updates should now be available for the device.
1Eject the device from the computer first if using a Mac.
Please let us know if you need further assistance.

With Best Regards,
Rita
Customer Care - Automotive Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Rita 6044

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Nuvi 2460LMT.

re: Answer from Garmin

So, it is a Garmin issue, and they know about it at a higher level than the first level support personnel.

That does let the seller off the hook and you do need to let Amazon know the issue appears to be in Garmin's software rather than a misrepresented unit.

--
Illiterate? Write for free help.

Yes, That is my plan, BUT

After the update to 2015.30 I need to find out if there is a way to be sure it offering me lifetime maps.

Once this mess is complete, I plan on letting everyone know the outcome.

Interesting that Garmin Express didn't pick up the correct serial number AND I had to put it in manually.

Box Car wrote:

So, it is a Garmin issue, and they know about it at a higher level than the first level support personnel.

That does let the seller off the hook and you do need to let Amazon know the issue appears to be in Garmin's software rather than a misrepresented unit.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Update: So far so good

I have 2015.30 maps.
Under "Mymaps" at Garmin I have lifetime Europe AND lifetime NA showing.

So the resolution is to manually install the serial number. The unfortunate thing about this is that the link I was given must be a special link. I haven't found anywhere on the site to find that location. To register always brings me to Garmin Express.

So now I can work on settings specific to my use such as moving my Current.gpx, vehicles, adding my pois, etc.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Now We Know

I'm glad to hear you were able to determine what the problem was. I never would have thought Garmin shipped units with serial numbers that didn't match the continent for lifetime map updates.

Had you gotten a more knowledgeable Garmin rep with your first purchase, you would have been spared all the aggravation this has caused you.

I'm sorry you had to be the one that has brought this issue to light, but we now know if other members experience this in the future, how to correct it.

Enjoy your new toy, you worked hard for it.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

@pwohlrab

@pwohlrab, I see that you have several POI files to your credit.

This recent experience has given you the opportunity to create a FAQ that may help others who find themselves in a similar situation for whatever reason - be it refurbished unit or some other error.

I hope you can tease out what actually happened. From what I read, I think the serial number of your unit (according to Garmin Express) did not match the actual serial number of the unit (shown on the back/bottom of the device itself).

If you let Garmin Express "locate" your unit - after it had been fully charged - then GE would have looked around your computer for a GarminExpress.xml file and thus found your 2460. If that was the sequence, then the serial number of the device that GE found seems not to have been the actual serial number on the unit.

Since GE did find a serial number (and that serial number had been previously registered), you were faced with the problem of Garmin believing that your unit was different from what you thought you had purchased.

Hopefully, you made a complete backup of the 2460 before doing anything else to it - including turning it on. If that is the case, then you would have the GarminDevice.xml file as it was when you first opened the box.

Looking at this file, one of the first specifications you would find would be:
<Model>
<PartNumber>123-B4567-89</PartNumber>
<SoftwareVersion>vvv</SoftwareVersion>
<Description>nüvi 2460</Description>
</Model>
<Id>xxxxxxxxxx</Id>

where the "x's" are the serial number.

If the serial number in the "out-of-the-box" GarminDevice.xml file is different from the number on the device itself, that was the root of the problem

I am fairly certain that the GarminDevice.xml file is one of those files that are "OutputFromUnit" - meaning that they are re-written every time the unit is booted. So, I am having trouble understanding how the serial numbers could have wound up different. That would seem to imply that the unit was loaded with files (including maps) and never turned on before being packaged.

Obviously, I have made a number of assumptions above so I hope you can recall the exact sequence of events that led to differing serial numbers.

In any event, perhaps you can learn some of the things that your FAQ would suggest that others with similar problems check out. It seems that the safest course of action is to manually register a device with Garmin.

On another line of thinking, have you allowed GE to run its "service" such that it activates itself whenever you attach a Garmin device to your computer? If so, then GE got first crack at "registering" your new unit.

I ask this because I do not allow this to happen. I use a software package called AutoRuns to disable the start-up of GE whenever my computer is turned on. Then, whenever I want GE, I enable two start-up entries and reboot my computer to get GE doing its thing again.

@jgermann

jgermann wrote:

Hopefully, you made a complete backup of the 2460 before doing anything else to it - including turning it on. If that is the case, then you would have the GarminDevice.xml file as it was when you first opened the box.

Looking at this file, one of the first specifications you would find would be:
<Model>
<PartNumber>123-B4567-89</PartNumber>
<SoftwareVersion>vvv</SoftwareVersion>
<Description>nüvi 2460</Description>
</Model>
<Id>xxxxxxxxxx</Id>

where the "x's" are the serial number.

If the serial number in the "out-of-the-box" GarminDevice.xml file is different from the number on the device itself, that was the root of the problem

Let me begin by saying I bought my 2460LMT brand new from Amazon direct (NOT Sub Vendors).

The first thing I did was do a complete backup.
I never experienced any issues with Map Updates.
And now for the interesting part. My original backup of the GarminDevice.xml file and my current one, both show a completely different Unit ID number from what the Nuvi serial # showa. Also checking the "About Tab" shows the same Unit ID # that is in the GarminDevice.XML file, not the serial # imprinted on the 2460.

I'm confused now, maybe that GarminDevice.xml file is a different Unit ID reference than the actual serial number.

Maybe somebody else can check their units and report the results.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Happened before?

Now that pwohlrab has received what appears to be an authoritative and suitable solution from Garmin, it reminds me that I have heard of this issue of incorrect serial number before. Garmin apparently can flash a new serial number when a device is refurbished.

I don't recall if I read about this in this forum or another one, but if I find it I will post a link.

This appears to be a quality control issue in the Garmin refurb process. I wonder if Garmin outsources the refurbishing or does it themselves?

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Interesting

muell9k wrote:

...
Let me begin by saying I bought my 2460LMT brand new from Amazon direct (NOT Sub Vendors).

The first thing I did was do a complete backup.
I never experienced any issues with Map Updates.
And now for the interesting part. My original backup of the GarminDevice.xml file and my current one, both show a completely different Unit ID number from what the Nuvi serial # showa. Also checking the "About Tab" shows the same Unit ID # that is in the GarminDevice.XML file, not the serial # imprinted on the 2460.

I'm confused now, maybe that GarminDevice.xml file is a different Unit ID reference than the actual serial number.

Maybe somebody else can check their units and report the results.

Good for you for making the complete backup first thing. Hopefully, others reading this thread will see the wisdom of backups and do so now if they haven't made one.

I can not figure out why your device serial number and the one that shows on your current GarminDevice.xml would be different. Especially since you followed Garmin's procedure for registering the device as they suggested in their email. I assume you registered the serial # printed on the device.

We might want to look at https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?...
for some insights.

This FAQ describes deleting "GarminDevice.xml from the device and then rebooting the device after safely removing it from the computer. This is what makes me think that this file is one of those "OutputFromUnit" files.

alandb may be on to something about "flashing" a new serial number. But - if the serial number from this file does not currently match the serial number printed on the device itself, I am really confused as to how Garmin recognized what needed to happen once you registered the device.

I hope pwohlrab will give us some additional information about his experience.

@pwohlrab - when you said you "manually install[ed] the serial number", what exactly did this entail?

@jgermann

I think that perhaps the ID number indicated in the GarminDevice.xml file is a reference file for what version of map updates the unit qualifies for which would be different from the actual serial number.

Have you checked your Nuvi 2595LMT and verified that the units serial # inprinted on the case is the same as the one in the XML file?

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Unit ID is different from the serial #

On all the Garmin Nuvis I own, the unit ID is always a 10-digit number. They are different from the serial numbers that contain numbers (0-9) and letters (A-Z).

The unit ID number is displayed by the key sequence Settings>device>about (device information)

When I do a map-update or use Mapsource to tranfer maps/waypoints/routs, the Unit ID numbers are shown right next to the connected devices in the dialog box asking to confirm/select the device to transfer from/to.

Thanks Pillowcase

Pillowcase wrote:

On all the Garmin Nuvis I own, the unit ID is always a 10-digit number. They are different from the serial numbers that contain numbers (0-9) and letters (A-Z).

Just checked and you are correct. The unit ID # is a ten digit number where the Nuvi's serial # on my 2460 is nine. In my case, my serial # has no letters, only numbers.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

I have a lot to explain don't I?

I have no backups from the 1st 2460LMT that came from Firemall LLC. Therefore I can't check the XML file. What I do know is that I registered it per Garmin's way (Garmin Express). That is the only way to do it on the Garmin website. When you go to register it, the site points you to download and install Garmin Express.

On the 2nd unit that I got from Isave, I did a full backup before I attempted to register it. I just did another full backup which includes the 2015.30 map.

I looked at both XML files. They look identical. At least in the beginning where the unit ID's are. I know they are different full backups because the gmapprom on the 1st backup is 1,706,688 and it is 2,313,152 kb on the 2nd.

I never looked at either unit to get the serial number. I just believed Garmin Express. I have no serial number for the 1st unit. The serial # on the 2nd unit from Garmin Express was 29C039918. The serial number on the unit that they wanted me to manually install is 268245865.

The manual install was from the link they sent me (see earlier post). I have not been able to get to that same location at Garmin by going to any of their tabs. Even the "register unit" sends you to Garmin Express.

Regarding the serial # "somewhere" on my computer. I know that is not the case. Once I sent the 1st unit back I deleted the backup from my computer and recycle bin. I also deleted (unregistered) from My Garmin site. What I forgot to do was remove it from Garmin Express. But that proved to be ok because the 1st one was named 2460 and the 2nd was 2460-2.

What I now need to do is a follow up with Garmin, Amazon, and Isave. I can also start setting up my unit the way I like it.

This entire exercise makes me believe that the 1st unit at $118 would have worked if I got the correct Rep at Garmin. I had to learn the hard way and spend another $30 to get this mess figured out.

I believe that has answered all the questions.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Whoops - dead wrong

muell9k wrote:

I think that perhaps the ID number indicated in the GarminDevice.xml file is a reference file for what version of map updates the unit qualifies for which would be different from the actual serial number.

Have you checked your Nuvi 2595LMT and verified that the units serial # inprinted on the case is the same as the one in the XML file?

You are correct.

Pillowcase also verified that I was wrong.

I see that pwohlrab has given us some info so I need to digest that but wanted to do my mea culpa first.

Registering Devices

Now let me quickly say that I do not have a way to test this with a previously unregistered device, but I will if I can get the 2597 that I bought for my grandson as a Christmas present.

I hope a few will try this technique to see if they think it will work.

log into mygarmin.com.

Hopefully you have done this in the past to register devices.

Enter the "Email or Username"
Enter the "Password"

If you are successful you will get a screen that has on the very top line:
"Welcome, jgermann | MyAccount | Help | Sign Out"

Note that "MyAccount", "Help" and "Sign Out" are underlined, meaning they are links.

Clicking the "MyAccount" link will open up a page that has

Quote:

Change Address
Change your address, phone number and email address.

Change Preferences
Change your password and your language preference.

Manage Social Networks
Connect or disconnect your social networks.

Manage E-mail Notifications
Subscribe or unsubscribe to e-mail notifications.

I post this becase I had to call Garmin to get my password reset and the main screen did not have an "apparent" option to change my password from their temporary one once the Garmin rep successfully got me logged on (I was looking for a Tab or a "setting" icon or the like). Although, to be fair, I should have noticed that MyAccount" was indeed underlined

The normal tabs on my.garmin.com are
Home myDashboard myProducts myMaps myExtras mySupport

Clicking the myProducts tab shows you the devices that you have previously registered. It showed my 765 and my 2595.

Over to the right is a block that says "Need to register?". If you click on this, you will be directed to a page that wants to use Garmin Express to register. I backed out of that quickly.

I then went to the myDashboard tab (without a device attached) and got a screen that said:

Quote:

No Devices Found

Connect a device now and try again.

Search for Devices

If your device still doesn't show, please try the following:

Install the latest version of Garmin’s USB driver software
Be sure your Windows Media Player application is up-to-date

More troubleshooting information can be found on the Garmin Communicator Plugin FAQ page.

Hoping the "Search for Devices" would have Communicator looking for a device and having attached my "2595_on_a_sticK", I hoped it would be found but it was not. I was given a error message.

Backing up and attaching the 765 again, I was able to find the 765. Since it was already registered and not wanting to mess things up, I quit my.garmin.co\......

Note that I log onto mygarmin.com and wind up on my.garmin.com
When my browser is cleared sometime in the future, I will have to start with my.garmin.com and see what happens.

Anyway, it would seem that there is a way to register products other than using Express. When I get my grandson's 2597, I will verify.

Back it up and don't format it!

jgermann wrote:

...I do not have a way to test this with a previously unregistered device, but I will if I can get the 2597 that I bought for my grandson as a Christmas present.

Before accessing the 2597, make a full backup, and be careful not to format it by accident!

dobs108 wink

To add to what Jgermann states

I also got the error when "searching for devices". Which I thought was odd. I had the 2460 plugged in to the USB port as it should be.

As for another way to register the unit....there isn't any that I have found other than through the link that was provided to me.

https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/registration/gettingStarted.h...

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

pwohlrab wrote: After

pwohlrab wrote:

After charging it and registering at Garmin via Garmin Express, I was not offered any map update. Further investigation at the "Mymaps" tab at Garmin show lifetime maps for Europe.

I had this exact same issue with a "1450" I bought a year or two ago. It appears that the device was a returned European unit, I think called 1445. I had the exact same issue with the maps. I called Garmin and found someone who knew what was going on and was able to correct it. They had to re-sync things on their end (maybe the S/N and the unit ID) and all has been good ever since apart from the transfer rate on the device is extraordinarily slow like it's USB 1.0 or something.

--
(2) Nuvi 1450LMT + 3597LMTHD + 2557LMT + DS61LMT-S Boston MA

My saga

--
(2) Nuvi 1450LMT + 3597LMTHD + 2557LMT + DS61LMT-S Boston MA

This Problem Is Not New

uber360 wrote:

I had this exact same issue with a "1450" I bought a year or two ago. It appears that the device was a returned European unit, I think called 1445. I had the exact same issue with the maps. I called Garmin and found someone who knew what was going on and was able to correct it. They had to re-sync things on their end (maybe the S/N and the unit ID) and all has been good ever since apart from the transfer rate on the device is extraordinarily slow like it's USB 1.0 or something.

Thanks for advising that the Map Update issue is clearly the fault of Garmin in their refurbishing department. I realize all companies make mistakes but I wish they would educate their CS reps to be more knowledgeable about the cause so users wouldn't have to call or email again to get the issue resolved.

They should prepare a sheet or enter it in their computers for troubleshooting customers who can't update their maps with refurbished LM units. It shouldn't be that hard to do. It would spare the customers from the aggravation as well as reduce CS calls and emails to respond to.

In addition I think Garmin needs to make the Refurbishment Department know they need to CHECK the ID's after adding the appropriate maps to make sure they are correct for the destined continent they are going to. I wonder if Europeans buying refurbished Nuvi's LM’s experience the same problem from units in for rebuilds that originally came from North America.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Garmin's not alone

muell9k wrote:

Thanks for advising that the Map Update issue is clearly the fault of Garmin in their refurbishing department. I realize all companies make mistakes but I wish they would educate their CS reps to be more knowledgeable about the cause so users wouldn't have to call or email again to get the issue resolved.

Wow, did I ever pick a week to be under the weather with some virus.

I'm glad all was resolved.

Regarding 1st Level Customer Service reps' lack of info, Garmin is not alone in this failing.

My worst case experience was years ago with Norton (or maybe it was Symantec already). They came out with the annual update to either Antivirus or Internet Security and it had a serious flaw that prevented many multiple addressee emails from being sent. Senior Norton software engineers knew of the flaw and that a Norton update would need to be created but this info never was relayed to Customer Service techs so the standard response to users reporting this problem was "fully uninstall/reinstall" which of course, did nothing useful. I eventually received a private email from a senior engineer at Norton giving me a status report of the problem but CS continued for days-weeks to tell users to uninstall/reinstall.

Gray market?

muell9k wrote:

...make the Refurbishment Department know they need to CHECK the ID's after adding the appropriate maps to make sure they are correct for the destined continent they are going to. I wonder if Europeans buying refurbished Nuvi's LM’s experience the same problem from units in for rebuilds that originally came from North America.

Even though these cases have been solved by Garmin support, we never found out whether Garmin intended to ship these nuvis to Europe and they were possibly redirected to the US, or shipped back to the US by the reseller.

The other issue is, how many times can we expect a nuvi owner to recognize there is a problem, call Garmin support, and get helped by a rep who knows about this problem and successfully solves it?

dobs108 smile

Agreed

muell9k wrote:

In addition I think Garmin needs to make the Refurbishment Department know they need to CHECK the ID's after adding the appropriate maps to make sure they are correct for the destined continent they are going to.

I'm told this is the intended procedure but some units must be missed during the process sad

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(2) Nuvi 1450LMT + 3597LMTHD + 2557LMT + DS61LMT-S Boston MA