3490; No voice command, traffic receiver, or auto power-off after 2019.30 map update.

 

I have two 3490LMTs. I recently updated both (using Garmin Express) with the latest map update (2019.30). Updates were done back-to-back with no issues or errors and I've used Garmin Express in the past (on the same laptop) to update both units without issue.

One is fine. The other will not respond to Voice command. In addition, it does not see the traffic receiver when in its mount and it will not power off when power is removed. With the benefit of two receivers and mounts in two vehicles I've verified that the working unit is fine in both mounts and the non-working unit does the same thing in both mounts.

Here's what I've tried, so far (in descending order), verifying the issues were still there after each step.
- Power off, power on.
- Reinstall the map update (several times now).
- Reinstall the language file.
- Hard reset.
- I've gotten complacent about full backups, but I did have one for this unit from 2016 (complete copy, hidden & system files included). First, I did a full backup/copy of the unit in its current state. Then I deleted everything and copied the 2016 backup to it. Restart and okay the update to an older version. Now on 8.20 (I believe) and a 2017.x map. It works as it should, but has the exact same issues.
- Hard reset of the 2016 version.
- Remove back, disconnect battery, check mic connection, look for anything amiss.
- Delete the 2016 version and copy the current backup back to it.

It's now back as it was, but the same issues are still there. The unit wasn't dropped or mishandled at any point. I simply brought in from the car and updated it.

I'm not sure where to go from here, which brings me to this post. Any ideas/suggestions?

guess

Is it possible that the GPS has an intermittent connection at the USB connector? That could have caused a corrupted map install.

dobs108 smile

You Can Try

If you're comfortable doing this sort of thing, you can try replacing some of the system files in the bad unit with those in the good one. MAKE A COMPLETE BACKUP OF BOTH UNITS BEFORE ATTEMPTING THIS! At least that will eliminate software as the problem.

May not be a bad idea

That may not be a bad idea. I would have thought restoring it with one of its own complete backups of a known working configuration would have replaced everything that it's possible to replace, but perhaps not.

Expanding on your idea, does anyone know if it's possible to restore a complete backup of one unit to another one (both are 3490s)? If so, I could try completely backing up the working one and restoring that backup to the non-working one.

Otherwise, is there some way to completely wipe and restore it? By that I mean, something beyond deleting everything I can see (in Windows, with show hidden and protected OS files both enabled) and then copying the full backup over to it. I have no experience with, but am aware of something called garmincure3, but that looks to be more for fixing booting/connecting/transfer issues.

Battery disconnect

My 3490 went wacky like that once a couple of years ago. I was about ready to give up on it.
Opening it up and disconnecting the battery for a while got it back to normal. Nothing else worked and it's been fine ever since.

How long did you leave the battery disconnected? Might try longer, like overnight. Then again the 3490 is getting up there in age at this point, perhaps it has developed an issue now.

Best of luck, they're hard to replace. Not much out there with a powered mount anymore which is what I really like about it.

--
Garmin Nüvi 660 & 3490LMT with ecoRoute HD, Nüvi 855 gone to GPS heaven

Re: Battery disconnect.

I only had the battery disconnected for a few minutes. That's an easy one, though, so I'll give overnight a try this evening. Thanks for the tip.

Not sure a restore from a good unit to bad unit would work.

The unlock code for the map won't work. I don't believe you will get a map other than the base map. I guess it could tell you if it will power off which is one of your issues.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

copying from one unit to another

barr88 wrote:

That may not be a bad idea. I would have thought restoring it with one of its own complete backups of a known working configuration would have replaced everything that it's possible to replace, but perhaps not.

Expanding on your idea, does anyone know if it's possible to restore a complete backup of one unit to another one (both are 3490s)? If so, I could try completely backing up the working one and restoring that backup to the non-working one.

Otherwise, is there some way to completely wipe and restore it? By that I mean, something beyond deleting everything I can see (in Windows, with show hidden and protected OS files both enabled) and then copying the full backup over to it. I have no experience with, but am aware of something called garmincure3, but that looks to be more for fixing booting/connecting/transfer issues.

It should work for everything except the maps. It is worth a try, but from all the other remedies you have tried, I am not too confident it will solve the problem. Still, if it was me, I would try it.

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

Unrelated but...

Sorry for the unrelated question but owning a 3490LMT myself, did this latest update require the microSD card or did it all fit within the memory of the unit? I was about to update mine but may hold off for a bit. -Thanks!

--
Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

It'll be close

Preroll wrote:

Sorry for the unrelated question but owning a 3490LMT myself, did this latest update require the microSD card or did it all fit within the memory of the unit? I was about to update mine but may hold off for a bit. -Thanks!

The 3490 is an 8GB device and may still just be able to install all of North America internally...or not. It'll be close whichever way it goes and it can depend upon how large your log files are, whether or not you've deleted unneeded files (like foreign language navigation voices), added additional English language voices to the couple that problem came with the device from the factory, added or deleted vehicles or other maps, etc. Then too, there have been times that a map update coughs and leaves behind some older files that should have been deleted when a newer replacement was installed but for some reason, failed, and that can cause an early need for an SD card.

2019.30 will fit

2019.30 loaded fine on my unit without an additional memory card. Right now I have 260MB left. I keep things pretty lean.

--
Garmin Nüvi 660 & 3490LMT with ecoRoute HD, Nüvi 855 gone to GPS heaven

No luck.

I think this one may be permanently broken. If there's a plus, it's still technically working. There's just no voice command, no traffic (doesn't see the traffic receiver), it won't auto power off when it's in the mount and the vehicle is turned off, and it won't use the speaker in the mount (internal speaker works). Based on suggestions received here, I have additionally tried:

Battery unplugged overnight. No change.

Full backup of the working unit copied to the defective unit. I get an error about not being able to authenticate the map (as expected). Otherwise, it works, but has the same issues as before.

I also tried deleting everything again and copying its own 2106 backup to it again (FW 8.20, 2017.10 map). This time, I connected it to Garmin Express and let it update it (to 8.30 and the 2019.30 map). Interestingly, it complained that there wasn't enough space and I needed to add a micro SD to update. It all fit previously with about 88MB to spare (and does on the working unit, with about 100MB to spare). I added a micro SD and let the update finish. Unfortunately, no change.

This is unlikely to be a hardware failure. This is a daily use GPS and I'd used it earlier on the day I updated it with the 2019.30 map. The next morning, I put it back in the car and I first noticed Voice Command wasn't working (I'd used it the day before). When I got to work, I noticed it didn't do it's 15-second power-off countdown when I turned the car off. If it is a hardware failure, it's extremely coincidental that it happened when it did.

So it's most likely a software issue, but it doesn't appear to be one that can be fixed (not by me, at least) At almost 6 years of frequent use, I guess I got my money's worth (originally paid in 2013, $200). Still, it's a shame to have to retire it for a map update I didn't really need for any other reason than to stay current... although I'd updated the map countless times over the years without a single issue.

Thanks to all who offered suggestions. This appears to be a one-off issue (and I have an identical working unit I just updated that proves that out). However, for older units with little to no support, you may want to consider updating the map a little less frequently. The next one could be the one that goes wrong.

Before you throw it out ....

Did you try the method of copying all data from the other unit except the map files? I still think that is worth a try. Also, reinstall the software by putting a copy of gupdate.gcd in the /.system folder for the software version you want to install (copying data from the other unit does not replace the software). As a last resort, if you are willing to take the risk, reformat the internal storage (make sure you do FAT32) before restoring the files from backup and copying in the gupdate.gcd file for software reinstall.

IMPORTANT: If you reformat, DO NOT DISCONNECT THE UNIT until you have completed copying all files including gupdate.gcd from your backup to the device. If you disconnect or lose connection it may not be possible to get the device back into mass storage mode to do the restore. I am sure you realize this is a "last resort" procedure and if something goes wrong, it could brick the device permanently.

Edit: Another thing just occurred to me. I think the old WebUpdater gives you the option of reinstalling the current software version. Garmin Express does not have that option. That might be the easiest thing to try if you haven't already tried that. WebUpdater is still available for download here: https://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=999-9...

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

When I'm copying data to it,

When I'm copying data to it, be it from the other unit's backup or this unit's 2016 backup, I'm copying EVERYTHING. I'm in mass storage mode, with hidden and system files displayed. So I'm deleting everything (including the entire /.system folder) and copying over everything from the backups (which all include the /.system folder).

So when I delete everything and copy the 2016 backup to it, it powers up and gives a warning that the software that's about to be installed is older than what's currently on the unit. I okay that, it does the "software loading" screen, and eventually boots up as it was in 2016 (with 8.20 software and 2017.10 map). With the same issues still present at that point (on a different load and map), it makes me think something got written or corrupted in a protected partition or area I can't access. Either that, or a hardware issue coincidentally occurred during the map update process.

I haven't tried copying a backup from the working unit except for the map files. Would that mean copying everything except for these three files (in the /.system folder)... gmapprom.img, gmapdem.img, gmap3d.img?

I also haven't tried formatting it yet, but since I'm unlikely to continue using it as it is, it couldn't hurt to give that a shot.

Might be bad hardware.

It sure sounds like you have tried all the obvious things other than reformatting the internal storage. I am beginning to suspect a hardware failure ... maybe related to the device internal components that connect to the powered mount. Have you checked the contacts on the device where it connects to the powered mount to make sure there is no dirt, corrosion or damage?

If you decide to take the leap of a device reformat, let us know how it turns out, and good luck.

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

Too Bad

The 3490 is normally a good solid unit. This is the first problem of it's kind I've heard of.

If you like the 3490 and want to stick with it, there are two decent looking units on eBay right now for around $50

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3490-4-3-GPS-Speech-Rec...

and

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-3490LMT-GPS-w-Bean-Bag-Dash-...

That way, you would have spare cables, mounts etc.

Garmin has worked with me in the past to transfer the lifetime map update from a defective GPS to a used one as long as it hasn't been reported stolen.

Sometimes however, an incident like this is an excuse to spring for a new GPS. In either case, good luck!

Re-formatting is possible (not sure why you'd want to, though)

alandb wrote:

It sure sounds like you have tried all the obvious things other than reformatting the internal storage. I am beginning to suspect a hardware failure ... maybe related to the device internal components that connect to the powered mount. Have you checked the contacts on the device where it connects to the powered mount to make sure there is no dirt, corrosion or damage?

If you decide to take the leap of a device reformat, let us know how it turns out, and good luck.

Externally, the mount connector looks fine. I've had it apart twice now and everything also looks okay internally. The ribbon cables look to be seated properly and I reseated what looked to be the main one leading to the connector and the GPS receiver. If all of the issues were related to the connector/mount, then I would be more likely to suspect a h/w failure. Voice command, however, is the one thing that doesn't seem to be related to the mount. I don't know what h/w or software component drives what, though, so the two could be related.

Formatting. With nothing to lose, really, I tried a re-format. I'm on a Win7 (x64) laptop and I used Windows to do the format. I just right-clicked on the Garmin (in mass storage mode) and chose Format from the context menu. I didn't delete anything in advance (saw no reason to do so). I accepted all the defaults (was already set for FAT32 and drive label was the same; GARMIN) including the default 'Quick Format.' Interestingly, the total available space increased from 7.17GB to 7.34GB with formatting. I'm not sure if Garmin over or under provisions, but the total did go up after the format. After that (and being careful not to disconnect or bump the USB cable or the GPS at any point during this process), I copied the full backup back over to it. Then, safely remove and power on. Everything appears to be exactly the same (other than slightly more free space), but the original issues are still there. I can't confirm any long term issues that might present, but everything looks fine initially.

So I can confirm that reformatting is possible (on a 3490 using Win7) with no apparent issues. I'm not sure why you'd ever want to do this (as it didn't fix anything in my case), but it does appear to be possible.

I agree that the logical conclusion is a hardware issue of some sort. It's just that the timing of it is very questionable: Unit working fine and in use daily. Remove from car, carry into house, do 2019.30 map update (no new FW, only the map update), carry back out to car the next morning... and no mount detection (auto power-off, traffic receiver, external speaker) and no voice command. I don't know. Perhaps this latest map update exposed a h/w issue or caused something to be written or re-written in s/w somewhere inaccessible that got corrupted. If I'd dropped it, or it had been having intermittent problems, I'd be more likely to believe the h/w scenario. It had been rock-solid up to this, however. If I didn't have an identical unit that I'd updated at the same time, I could point to a laptop, or Garmin Express, or USB cable issue. I think this may just be a one-off where "something" went wrong and I'm unlikely to ever know what it was.

A user over at GpsPasSion (where I started a similar thread) had this to offer. It's not a direct correlation, by any means... and I can't say whether or not it's accurate... but it's somewhat related:
"Don't know about the 3490, but the older version (the 3790) had a hardware issue that caused some units to lose voice control and other features after one of the firmware updates. It was a long time ago and I don't recall the details, but I do remember the only way to fix was to have Garmin replace the device. The 3490 is close cousin of the 3790 (possibly even the same hardware) so maybe that's related?"

Whether it makes good sense or not, that's exactly what I did.

bdhsfz6 wrote:

The 3490 is normally a good solid unit. This is the first problem of it's kind I've heard of.

If you like the 3490 and want to stick with it, there are two decent looking units on eBay right now for around $50

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-Nuvi-3490-4-3-GPS-Speech-Rec...

and

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-3490LMT-GPS-w-Bean-Bag-Dash-...

That way, you would have spare cables, mounts etc.

Garmin has worked with me in the past to transfer the lifetime map update from a defective GPS to a used one as long as it hasn't been reported stolen.

Sometimes however, an incident like this is an excuse to spring for a new GPS. In either case, good luck!

My thoughts exactly. I found a used 3490 on eBay a couple days ago for $70 that looked to be from a private owner and not a pawn shop (so maybe less likely to be stolen or reported as such). It's LMT and has the traffic receiver power cord, so hopefully I'll be able to register, update, and configure it to match my existing one.

Whether it makes good sense to buy a used (and aging) GPS is a personal choice, I suppose. For me, the 3490 does everything I want (plus speed & red light cams w/custom alerts, No-Voice "Voice" for daily commuting when you don't want voiced turn-by-turn directions but you DO want cam alerts) and, with the addition of an anti-glare screen protector (also ordered, from Lexerd), is perfect for me. Plus, I have all the mounting and wiring already in place and this allows me to continue to have the exact same user experience in both vehicles without buying TWO new GPSs and then having to figure out how to configure them to my liking.

The impetus behind the map update (that started all this) is that I'm flying out to California (Sacramento area) in early January to drive cross-country back to Maryland with someone and I wanted to have the latest map available. I was going to bring both GPSs with me (one for backup). In hindsight, a fully-functioning GPS is much preferred to one with the absolute latest map. C'est la vie.

Thanks

CraigW wrote:
Preroll wrote:

Sorry for the unrelated question but owning a 3490LMT myself, did this latest update require the microSD card or did it all fit within the memory of the unit? I was about to update mine but may hold off for a bit. -Thanks!

The 3490 is an 8GB device and may still just be able to install all of North America internally...or not. It'll be close whichever way it goes and it can depend upon how large your log files are, whether or not you've deleted unneeded files (like foreign language navigation voices), added additional English language voices to the couple that problem came with the device from the factory, added or deleted vehicles or other maps, etc. Then too, there have been times that a map update coughs and leaves behind some older files that should have been deleted when a newer replacement was installed but for some reason, failed, and that can cause an early need for an SD card.

I always delete logs. My last update was 2018.30. I backup the entire unit (just in case). That folder was 7.28GB so guessing I should make it but if I put in a microSD card to expand, does it use the internal memory and only part of the card or just push the whole update to the SD card? Never had to think about it until now.

As a footnote, I am going to CES to talk with my friend at the booth to see if in fact they will release newer models as they didn't last year.

--
Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

Both of my 3490s didn't need

Both of my 3490s didn't need an SD card for the 2019.30 map update. However, it's getting very close. One (the one that now has issues) had 88MB free space remaining after the update, the other 122MB. During my troubleshooting, I restored an old 2016 backup (8.20 firmware, 2017.10 map) and then let Garmin Express (GE) update it to the latest versions (8.30, 2019.30). Although everything fit previously on the same unit, this time GE prompted that there wouldn't be enough internal space and I needed to add an SD card. When I did, it put everything to internal memory except for the map files, all of which were installed to the SD card.

So my experience is that that's how it works. With GE, at least, I don't believe there's an option to install the map to SD (if you have one installed) if GE determines there's still enough internal space (don't quote me on that, though). It will continue to use internal memory by default until it determines there's not enough space remaining. At that point, it will prompt for an SD card and put ALL of the map files (but only the map files) on the SD card.

Certainly, there are methods to manually install the map files to SD regardless of how much internal space remains. I'm speaking only to my experience with GE's automated process.

Thanks

barr88 wrote:

Both of my 3490s didn't need an SD card for the 2019.30 map update. However, it's getting very close. One (the one that now has issues) had 88MB free space remaining after the update, the other 122MB. During my troubleshooting, I restored an old 2016 backup (8.20 firmware, 2017.10 map) and then let Garmin Express (GE) update it to the latest versions (8.30, 2019.30). Although everything fit previously on the same unit, this time GE prompted that there wouldn't be enough internal space and I needed to add an SD card. When I did, it put everything to internal memory except for the map files, all of which were installed to the SD card.

So my experience is that that's how it works. With GE, at least, I don't believe there's an option to install the map to SD (if you have one installed) if GE determines there's still enough internal space (don't quote me on that, though). It will continue to use internal memory by default until it determines there's not enough space remaining. At that point, it will prompt for an SD card and put ALL of the map files (but only the map files) on the SD card.

Certainly, there are methods to manually install the map files to SD regardless of how much internal space remains. I'm speaking only to my experience with GE's automated process.

Strange how it required the SD one one and not the other unless you had extra log files like indicated by another user above that took up too much internal storage. Being that I don't have any logs saved, it "should" make it all on internal. With that being said, I am hoping to see something new this year at CES and move on.

Thanks again!

--
Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX

Must be frustrating.

Must be frustrating. Have no idea what could have caused that.Hope you figure it out.

It's a lost cause, unfortunately.

Makinja wrote:

Must be frustrating. Have no idea what could have caused that.Hope you figure it out.

With nothing else left to try, I retired it to the ATV accessories bin along with my old 3790. It still functions as a GPS, so I could use it on my ATV if the 3790 ever quits working.

I ended up getting a used 3490 on eBay for $70 to replace it. Actually, I found two used 3490s in very good condition at that price point (w/traffic receiver power cords, mounts, etc.)... since a third vehicle is soon to be added to the household.

I was able to register and update both without issue and the 2019.30 map didn't require an SD card on either device. One had what I believe was the original firmware (3.60) and a 2012 map (the other had a 2013 map), but no issues updating to a map that's 7 years newer. I remember reading somewhere that lifetime maps could (not necessarily would, but could) expire on devices that went too long without updating, but I didn't have any problems.

Good to hear

barr88 wrote:

...

I ended up getting a used 3490 on eBay for $70 to replace it. Actually, I found two used 3490s in very good condition at that price point (w/traffic receiver power cords, mounts, etc.)... since a third vehicle is soon to be added to the household.

I was able to register and update both without issue and the 2019.30 map didn't require an SD card on either device. One had what I believe was the original firmware (3.60) and a 2012 map (the other had a 2013 map), but no issues updating to a map that's 7 years newer. I remember reading somewhere that lifetime maps could (not necessarily would, but could) expire on devices that went too long without updating, but I didn't have any problems.

Good to hear that you found a resolution. to your issues and good to hear that you are able to update the maps on your newly acquired GPSRs.

Fit

So I finally got around to updating my 3490 to 2019.30 and it left me with 549MB free on the device. It appears that when I had 2018.30 loaded, it took more space than this update. Not sure if the files are more compressed or if they eliminated a bunch of junction views and POI's?!?!

--
Garmin: GPSIII / StreetPilot / StreetPilot Color Map / StreetPilot III / StreetPilot 2610 / GPSMAP 60CSx / Nuvi 770 / Nuvi 765T / Nuvi 3490LMT / Drivesmart 55 / GPSMAP 66st * Pioneer: AVIC-80 / N3 / X950BH / W8600NEX