Breathing new life into an older unit

It is not possible to add additional features to a nuvi 1300

Use the SDcard method described in this thread:

https://www.gpspower.net/garmin-tutorials/190929-enable-feat...

Luckily the OP has a nuvi 40LM as well in case the 1300 ends up bricked. It'd be an interesting experiment but should only be attempted if you're willing to risk total destruction of the old 1300, especially since the technique is six years old, well before Windows 10 came out (assuming the OP will use a Win10 PC).

I do hope the OP reports back with either a statement that it worked, failed, or wasn't attempted.

I'm proof that it is possible, and I've mentioned making the modification multiple times here. In fact, thanks to a modified firmware package, I now have routes on my 1300LM as well as the items that the thread tli linked to mentions. That method should still work since it only swaps out the bootloader's splash image for one from a different region, but the OP should be careful anyway as there is a risk of permanently bricking the GPS in attempting this.

On a side note, I would have loved the SD Card method mentioned in the thread. When I modified my 1300LM years ago I had to do it the hard way.

I am familiar with the link tli posted however it is several years old and does not contain information regarding Windows 10 which I would be using. At this point I feel this would be more of a gamble than a calculated risk. If anyone has any information to the contrary please let me know but at this point I am backing off.

I can attest that the SDcard method does indeed work when I used it about two years ago. Since the OEM firmware for the 13xx and 14xx series hasn't change since then--version 6.30 being the most current, the SDcard method should still work now. This method only requires any Internet-connected device (Linux, Android, Windows, iOS, etc.) for downloading the required custom firmware patch from the web onto an SDcard. The SDcard method is extremely simple and fully automated, but as always use at one's discretion, risk, and comfort level.

Indeed. The fact that the SD Card method is OS independent is a big plus compared to the old way of doing it. The only things you don't have after the modification are routes and the full map of North America. Routes is resolved using the modified firmware I mentioned upthread. The maps can be legally resolved by purchasing a new map or downloading one from openstreetmap.nl.

I think that firmware is still available for download at GPSPower. If not, I have it stored on my hard drive and can make it available to anyone who wants it.

Sounds like it just might work. I had a difficult time locating the firmware on GPSPower but if you could make it available that would be great. I definitely will give it a shot.

Garmin nüvi Route-enabled Firmware

Make sure you back up your existing gupdate.gcd file in the nüvi just to be safe.

@Chancemjc, hope I catch you in time... This version of the modified firmware for enabling 'Routes' is intended only for GPS units with a HWID of 0972. If your 1300LM's HWID is different, then another version of the modified firmware is required. Otherwise, risk bricking if attempting to flash the wrong version. More info at:

https://www.gpspower.net/garmin-receivers-firmwares/337287-n...

The process for enabling 'Routes' is slightly different and not fully automated like that for enabling the other features. Greater care and attention are necessary in downloading and flashing the appropriate modified firmware for the applicable hardware version. Fully read and understand the procedure described in the referenced thread before proceeding. BTW, all the download links via GPSpower in both referenced threads are still active and available, FYI.

a Garmin 1350 which is still used regularly.
No problems & I'm still able to load useful locations to the database each week, including cameras, etc.
That's the new unit. The others are a 350 & 370!.
Fred

Since the links in question are still active, I will delete my download because it isn't needed. Thanks for reminding me about the hardware differences, because I genuinely forgot that. I haven't visited GPSPower in a while.