Garmin Repair Recommendations?

 

I have an old, Garmin Nuvi 205W that I've taken pretty good care of over the years, but recently the touchscreen went screwy until it stopped responding altogether. I tried recalibrating the touchscreen, and reinstalled updates a couple of times, but it quickly stopped responding again. I'd like to keep the lifetime maps I have registered with the device, so I'm looking for any recommendations of places to send the Garmin for repair.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!

Mike

Let us know what happens

I have a 760 with the same symptoms. It loses screen calibration every now and then and becomes unusable until I re-calibrate it again. It's old enough and unreliable enough that I bought a new GPS and keep the 760 as an emergency spare. I might be tempted to repair it if the fix was cheap enough.

GPS Repair

I have heard good things about Sharcnet repairing GPS units.

http://www.sharc.net/gps_repair.htm

sharcnet

Sharcnet does excellent work and can certainly fix your Nuvi but the question is why would you spend good money on this very old GPS. I know you have lifetime maps for the Nuvi but you can buy a new refurbished Nuvi with lifetime maps and a full 1 year Garmin warranty for under $100 from GPScity.com, for example. See http://www.gpscity.com/search/q=nuvi+2457lmt+newly+overhaule...

GPScity.com also has other models like the Nuvi 42lm and 52LM, both with lifetime maps and full warranty for $80 which is probably similar to what you'd pay to fix your existing unit.

Spending money on your broken GPS doesn't sound like a wise investment IMHO.

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

Some Options:

If the LCD screen on your 205 is still bright with no evidence of fading, the problem is likely the digitizer screen overlay. If you are comfortable working on the unit yourself, replacement digitizers are available on eBay for less than $13 such as:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Garmin-nuvi-255W-260W-265W-205W-...

This particular item is compatible with 200 thru 265 series Nuvi’s and ships from the USA.

If the LCD screen appears faded or has stuck or missing pixels, replacement LCD screens with digitizer overlay are also available through eBay for less than $16 but ship mostly from China:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FULL-LCD-SCREEN-Display-Digitizer-3-...

Another option would be a used 205 from eBay for $30 like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GARMIN-nuvi-205W-Automotive-Mountabl...

You will have to talk to Garmin about keeping your lifetime maps if you go this route though.

IMO, it isn’t worth spending more than $30. As t923347 points out, you can get a newer unit with the same or better features and lifetime maps for under $100.

Agreed

bdhsfz6 wrote:

If the LCD screen on your 205 is still bright with no evidence of fading, the problem is likely the digitizer screen overlay. If you are comfortable working on the unit yourself, replacement digitizers are available on eBay for less than $13 such as:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Garmin-nuvi-255W-260W-265W-205W-...

This particular item is compatible with 200 thru 265 series Nuvi’s and ships from the USA.

If the LCD screen appears faded or has stuck or missing pixels, replacement LCD screens with digitizer overlay are also available through eBay for less than $16 but ship mostly from China:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FULL-LCD-SCREEN-Display-Digitizer-3-...

Another option would be a used 205 from eBay for $30 like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GARMIN-nuvi-205W-Automotive-Mountabl...

You will have to talk to Garmin about keeping your lifetime maps if you go this route though.

IMO, it isn’t worth spending more than $30. As t923347 points out, you can get a newer unit with the same or better features and lifetime maps for under $100.

Agreed. The newer Garmin units have come a LONG WAY from the 260 series and it's like comparing a cell phone from 2003 to today's iPhone. Night and day difference in feature set.

Can't Transfer Lifetime Maps In This Situation

bdhsfz6 wrote:

If the LCD screen on your 205 is still bright with no evidence of fading, the problem is likely the digitizer screen overlay. If you are comfortable working on the unit yourself, replacement digitizers are available on eBay for less than $13 such as:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USA-Garmin-nuvi-255W-260W-265W-205W-...

This particular item is compatible with 200 thru 265 series Nuvi’s and ships from the USA.

If the LCD screen appears faded or has stuck or missing pixels, replacement LCD screens with digitizer overlay are also available through eBay for less than $16 but ship mostly from China:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FULL-LCD-SCREEN-Display-Digitizer-3-...

Another option would be a used 205 from eBay for $30 like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GARMIN-nuvi-205W-Automotive-Mountabl...

You will have to talk to Garmin about keeping your lifetime maps if you go this route though.

IMO, it isn’t worth spending more than $30. As t923347 points out, you can get a newer unit with the same or better features and lifetime maps for under $100.

Under Garmin's policy you would NOT be able to transfer the lifetime maps to a 205 bought on Ebay.
"Your nüMaps Lifetime subscription or other lifetime map subscription may not be transferred to another person or another Garmin product."
http://www.garmin.com/en-US/legal/lmdisclaimer

However I have a friend that several years ago has a 265W that was out of warranty and crapped out. He bought the subscription from Garmin since lifetime maps were not available on that model. He was offered a refurb from Garmin for 89.00 and they were kind enough to transfer the maps to the replacement 265W. But this is not your situation so your subscription will not be transferrable.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Thanks, John

I don't think Sharcnet remains operational. I tried to click the tab to get a quote, but it doesn't work. Thanks for the suggestions.

Thanks, bdhsfz6

I think it is the digital overlay, because the LCD works fine. For $13, I might try to repair myself. The only concern I have is opening the cover without making things worse, or destroying the cover.

I am considering getting a new device, but I wanted to see how cheap it is to repair the current, simpler device.

Thanks for the help!

Contact.

You could try to contact Jim at Sharcnet directly through the POI Factory contact tab here: http://www.poi-factory.com/user/99265. He has been known on occasion to accept repair orders from POI Factory members that contact him.

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

Thanks to All

Much appreciate everyone's suggestions. I see the logic in buying a new device with all the extra features and capabilities. Gotta admit I'm still quite basic with some of the latest "necessities" technology offers with each new model. I've found that I often don't use the new capabilities added to primary functions.

My friends sometimes joke that I still use a Garmin, because smart phones also have GPS functionality. However, the Garmin has been fantastic on some past trips, such as Costa Rica. I was able to download the best map I determined from online forums/reviews and navigate the country without problems others had experienced while using their phone or other GPS maps.

My rationale for trying to repair the old device is basic, and possibly flawed, to be honest. I thought the new Garmins, with all the extra features and components, might be more difficult/expensive to repair than the simpler 205W. In comparison, I have an 80s model Jeep that is much simpler/cheaper to repair than a later model vehicle I own with all its computerized sensors and crap. I also thought my older device is less likely to attract thieves, who tend to like the shinier objects with wifi capability, music, and personal features to remind the user of their spouse's birthday. I've probably given enough details to reveal that I'm not one to wait in a long line for the latest Iphone...

I much appreciate everyone's suggestions. I think I'll give it a shot to repair the 205W myself, and trash it if I fail. I admit it's looking more and more practical to buy the latest model.

Thanks, alandb

I'll see what he thinks.

You would probably be happy with the cheapest Nuvi

mlandon,

I think that your comments about your previous GPS experience and feelings about not always having the latest technology make a lot of sense. You have been satisfied with the old Nuvi 205, and do not look forward to learning the new features (and may not even want them). and want an inexpensive solution.

In your particular case, it would probably be well worth it to you to pay as much as $100 (and maybe more!) to fix the 205, and be happy with not having to learn and and use newer model features. Alternatively, you might want to visit a store like Best Buy, just to view and fiddle with newer Nuvis...and see if any features really attract you.

I have read probably thousands of Nuvi comments and product reviews (here, there, and at Amazon)...and realize that LOTS of people get a GPS that they are not happy with...and I believe that is because they are too complicated to learn even most of the features (let alone those units that seem to be defective). My personal guess is that perhaps one-half of buyers never learn all the key features their Nuvi has, and even fewer do much more than inputting an address and going from Point A to Point B...and are still satisfied!

Congrats to you that you have been able to avoid buying "the latest Iphone" and such: I USED to feel the same way. However, if you are unable to repair "old faithful" 205, I urge you to buy the least expensive Nuvi you can, and especially recommend that you consider a refurbished unit. Refurbs seem generally just as reliable as new (from user comments I have read), can be very cheap, and are available both at Amazon and gpscity.com The latter has a wide range of models, a one year warranty, and an excellent reputation among readers here. Among those two sites, there are MANY refurb units for about $100 or less.

Unless you have a specific feature in a Nuvi that you want (and it sounds like you don't), I would buy the cheapest model, which might be, say 1-3 years old, and that would probably serve your needs. Even so, it will likely have a significant learning curve, and you may not think it worth the effort to learn, practice with, and be as easy to use as the 205. On the other hand, you should be able to return it for a full refund in short order (particularly with Amazon).

If you do buy a new unit, remember to come back here for advice from FAQs, and from the community of many forum members who love to answer newbie questions, and solve problem issues.

I believe that most of the previous commenters, like myself, would like to read the results of your search for a repair...or a new unit. Best of luck to you.

Great Information....

Thanks.

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RKF (Brookeville, MD) Garmin Nuvi 660, 360 & Street Pilot

Buy new or refurb

I understand your love for your Garmin ... particularly if it's been in the family for awhile.

I have four old Garmin GPS, all of which are still working, three of which have lifetime maps and an iPhone with Viago ... but despite my love of them, I wouldn't put a nickle into fixing any of them, including the iPhone.

Even though you say you are a "basic" sort of guy .... a factory refurb unit is downright cheap and comes with a WARRANTY. And most come with lifetime maps!

Take the plunge. Buy a new one if you want! It's only money and you can't take it with you! Plus, then you will have TWO(2) units with lifetime maps ... which DOUBLES the fun trying to install the map updates.

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Garmin 205, 260W, 1450LMT, 2460LMT, HEREwego for iPhone ... all still mapping strong.

Repair Advice

mlandon wrote:

I think it is the digital overlay, because the LCD works fine. For $13, I might try to repair myself. The only concern I have is opening the cover without making things worse, or destroying the cover.

I am considering getting a new device, but I wanted to see how cheap it is to repair the current, simpler device.

Thanks for the help!

Having worked on several different models myself, replacing batteries and fixing a loose internal connection, I strongly recommend availing yourself of all YouTube as well as repair information sites. The biggest thing to worry about when removing the back cover is the possibility of ripping cables connected to the back cover. Not all devices are designed that way but older devices did have connectors and it was very easy to rip a flat cable off of the main board. I did that ONCE and it took me an hour to get it properly attached again.

I have a 765T that I have opened twice now to replace the battery and it is a much easier device to work on than its predecessors. I have lifetime maps on that device which I paid $80 for so I hope to keep it going as long as possible.

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I support the right to keep and arm bears.

My 765T

The touch screen on my 765 would lose the bottom screen continuity with very cold or very hot conditions, finally I could not get the touch screen to work at the lower part on the screen at all. I bought the touch screen digitizer & display assembly on Ebay for $19.80. Some of the other Nuvi models the parts were cheaper than that. It was very easy to replace, there are tons of videos on You-tube if you do a search. The 765T works great now.

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Garmin Nuvi 765T, Garmin Drive 60LM

In our case repair is only option

We have a OEM tray for 7XX series Nuvi in our Frontier, so if the 3 we have all go bad we will be looking to repair them

Update

Just want to give a status update. Thanks to bdhsfz6 for the link to the digitizer on ebay. I bought it for $13 and installed it. I had to buy a cheap solder kit for less than $10.

I've used the old nuvi 205w for nearly two weeks. After calibrating the touchscreen, the unit works better than it did before the touchscreen had stopped responding. The touchscreen is more sensitive, so I no longer need to press it firmly.

I know it's old, but it's working as good as new again. Overall, I spent less than $25 and I maintain the lifetime map updates. Still, I'm considering buying a newer version as a second device.

Thanks to all for their inputs. Very helpful.

Update

Thanks for the update.

Nice Work

mlandon wrote:

Just want to give a status update. Thanks to bdhsfz6 for the link to the digitizer on ebay. I bought it for $13 and installed it. I had to buy a cheap solder kit for less than $10.

I've used the old nuvi 205w for nearly two weeks. After calibrating the touchscreen, the unit works better than it did before the touchscreen had stopped responding. The touchscreen is more sensitive, so I no longer need to press it firmly.

I know it's old, but it's working as good as new again. Overall, I spent less than $25 and I maintain the lifetime map updates. Still, I'm considering buying a newer version as a second device.

Thanks to all for their inputs. Very helpful.

Thanks for advising you were able to fix your Nuvi yourself. It may inspire others to give it a try should their touchscreen go bad. Other then paying to have it repaired, you saved it from the landfill since it's useless without a functioning touchscreen.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

That is one reason...

that this is the BEST GPS site there is!

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Garmin Nuvi 765T, Garmin Drive 60LM

760 - Sound issue

I have a couple of nüvi 760 units that I love. They play mp3 and aud (audible.com books) files. New units don't do that. They also have an audio out jack and an FM transmitter so they work through the stereo in the car or truck.

The original unit quit having sound via the internal speaker quite some time ago. It still works via a cable or FM transmitter to the car stereo. I would have had sharcnet repair it long ago but they said they won't touch a unit that has been opened previously and I replaced the battery in it. (The sound worked for about a year and a half after that so I didn't mess it up installing the battery.)

I bought a replacement of the same model as I use the unit to listen to books - both mp3 and aud format - but that one has now ceased to make bookmarks with the audible books. GAH!

I suppose I will eventually have to switch to using my phone as none of the new Garmin units can play mp3 or aud files and they also don't seem to be able to function through the car stereo. If I could find a new unit with those features I'd buy the thing but...

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

Re: 760 sound issue

Jim at Sharcnet has stated the speakers often become logged with stray metal filings and dust/dirt. As you have opened them before, try again to see if you can clean the speaker. I understand replacement speakers can be purchased but you would probably need a commercial supplier rather than Rat Shack of Fry's.

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Illiterate? Write for free help.

Just A Thought

thrak wrote:

I have a couple of nüvi 760 units that I love. They play mp3 and aud (audible.com books) files. New units don't do that. They also have an audio out jack and an FM transmitter so they work through the stereo in the car or truck.

The original unit quit having sound via the internal speaker quite some time ago. It still works via a cable or FM transmitter to the car stereo. I would have had sharcnet repair it long ago but they said they won't touch a unit that has been opened previously and I replaced the battery in it. (The sound worked for about a year and a half after that so I didn't mess it up installing the battery.)

I bought a replacement of the same model as I use the unit to listen to books - both mp3 and aud format - but that one has now ceased to make bookmarks with the audible books. GAH!

I suppose I will eventually have to switch to using my phone as none of the new Garmin units can play mp3 or aud files and they also don't seem to be able to function through the car stereo. If I could find a new unit with those features I'd buy the thing but...

Why not follow Box Car's suggestion and see if you can clean the speaker on the original that's defective.

If that doesn't work, consider taking the one out of the replacement you bought and put that speaker into your original. Since the replacement doesn't make bookmarks with audible books hopefully your original will. You'd be sacraficing that one to at least having one that is working properly.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Agreed, IMO not worth

Agreed, IMO not worth fixing. Pick up an economy unit and you'll like the improved feature set.

If you want it fixed...

johnc wrote:

I have heard good things about Sharcnet repairing GPS units.

http://www.sharc.net/gps_repair.htm

...this is the guy to go to.

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With God, all things are possible. ——State motto of the Great State of Ohio