Possible issue with the new C340 software

Rick,

I just used mine in the car and when I arrived at my destination, the unit did not turn off. Have you tried an actual trip or just this simulated one?

Alan

Just the simulated one for the moment. While I agree it's not a biggie for a simulation problem if all else works, it does show that they changed something fairly dramatic since it worked fine on the previous software. I'm just wondering if there might be even larger glitches that may show up under other actual use situations.

Garmin's QA software testing should have caught this one, having been in that business for over 25 years. I would appreciate you running just a short simulated trip to see if yours behaves as mine does.

Thanks,

Rick

I guess I spoke to soon. On the way home, had a lot of problems:

1-Long time to acquire satellites
2-At first, kept shutting off
3-At home-turned off on its own.

Spoke to Garmin and she said it was the 1st she was hearing of this. Since then, have put back 4.0 version and hope that I don't have any further problems until glitches are rpaired and I update again to 4.3.

Alan

That's kind of what I was afraid of. Usually where one program glitch shows up, there's more. Again, 25 years experience talking.

I'm going to hold off going back to 4.0 until I run it on the road. Then I can provide Garmin more data as to problems.

Thanks for the input.

Rick

If you want the site to change back as I have done,let me know.
Alan

Please post, we may all need it...

25 years? that would put GPS back to... 1985?? the government may have been using a system, but i've never heard of a personal device until it was developed in 1989-1990 or so

I didn't say GPS, guy. Computers and software systems. By the way, that's what really allows your GPSr to do it's thing.

Rick

Running into problems as you described.

Unit seems to take longer-
Has shut off a few times while in actual navigation mode.
Screen at times is unresponsive to touch.

Any advice on safely going back to 4.0?
Thanks

Here is the site to revert back to version 4.0 on the Garmin c340 if necessary:

http://gpsinformation.org/perry/streetpilot/c3x0/

Seventh(7th) from the bottom.

Good luck.

Thanks, Alan

I have a feeling that's going to be a very popular site visit once folks realize this new update is screwing up more than it fixes.

Also, I'd appreciate what you have to do to go back since I use webupdater which pretty much makes the process automatic.

Rick

I updated (via webupdater) last evening. Tried it today from my home to Manchester Airport in N.H. It shut off every few minutes. I had to restart it over and over. Each time it turned on, it picked up where it left off. I put in a written request for help on the Garmin site. I called the 800 number but was told the wait would be 30 minutes, I did hold for 15 minutes, but had to hang up (the people I dropped off at the airport called...their flight was cancelled due to bad weather somewhere along their flight path).
I hope any of you who have problems with this update write or call Garmin, maybe they'll issue a patch of some kind.

I held on for 15 minutes and stated my problems with the update. They said that this was the first they were hearing about it. They helped me find v4.0.

Alan

This may be one of those instances where I send an email to my VP contact at Garmin. The worst possibility is that they begin shipping units with this software in it only to discover that's got bugs.

I'd personally shoot (only figuratively, of course) the Garmin software QA department if it was me running the show.

Rick

alanrobin1Going back to v 4.0
Here is the site to revert back to version 4.0 on the Garmin c340 if necessary:
http://gpsinformation.org/perry/streetpilot/c3x0/
Seventh(7th) from the bottom.

Do I "save" or "run"? Do I use the webupdater?

I found the site and the link, but don't quite know how to install it.

Thanks!

Again, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't dreaming about the problems with the new software. Re-ran a short simulated trip and this time the unit locked up tighter than a drum near the final destination. No touch screen, no action by the unit in any way, shape or form. Wow, this is really something you don't want to have on your expensive GPS unit.

Regards and will be definitely letting Garmin know about this bad release.

Rick

Rskowron,
I tried to duplicate the issues you identified in the simulation mode. I don't intend to sound critical, but did you see the box stating "restart when finished" directly under the "yes" button. Could you have possibly "fat fingered" the yes button?
Also, I too had the freezing screen and such after the 4.3 update. I reset, hard started, rebooted (kicked it a couple of times- not really)... but mine seems to work flawlessly now... actually better than before... if that could be.
I do have a message into Garmin - waiting for response. I will post if I hear something.
Does anyone know how to increase the volume on this thing (other than the dial)? I am at full volume and at times can barely hear it.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Going to get my unit out of my truck now and revert back to 4.0 since you folks were nice enough to offer link to retrieve it because I downloaded 4.30 at 2pm this afternoon and went out driving later this evening with my son and 3x I had to hit the reset button because it kept freezing. Not happy with this update at all. Glad to see I was not alone.

Might want to hold off from reverting back to the 4.0 as I ran out to get the unit and copied the link that was provided in earlier posting and lost all the favorites!!!!!!

Save the file to your desktop (or wherever you want to execute it from) - plug your Garmin into the computer with USB cable and turn on the Garmin - Double click the downloaded file to execute it and follow the prompts.
Note: on the first screen choose USB at the bottom - not a com port. Also after updating it required me to reset location and timezone but a very easy rollback to version 4.0
Also Note: Rhamona is correct - you WILL lose all your favorites and have to re-load them.

Saw no such request during the update. I use the webupdater which seems to perform all of the necessary steps including reboot. I did see that happen. In any event, several powerup-powerdown cycles should also take of "reboots". It has done that admirably on it's own.

Just to be sure, I will try and reload 4.30 again, though I'm sure webupdater will stop that process as I'm sure it checks versions prior to downloads. I also have a problem believeing it's that simple since a number of well experienced users are experiencing a myriad of problems. My suggestion is to watch it closely when you're using it to see if any of the mysterious symptoms appear and then let Garmin Tech know if they do.

Rick

Has anyone besides me tried the ol' "hold the upper right corner while powering up, doing the complete reset dealio, and having great success"? Maybe I'm just the lucky one or maybe I haven't hit the right buttons yet, but I'm trying to make the C-340 crash, and I just can't. I've turned circles, burned up gas, anything/everything making my system recalculate just to test - all to no avail. I've even programmed stops in between points A & B, ran the simulations, etc.
Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Oh yea... not that it would matter - maybe. When I did the Upper Right Corner deal.... I did run the checsum to see if it would pass... and it did. Who knows anyways.

I read about simulation, but why would you do it? Is it like going on a trip without the hastle of driving (he he)?

Jen

Well i learned 2 things today about upgrading:
1) Always read this forum BEFORE running an update, then I wouldnt have the annoyances that everyone has had to deal with.
2) Read the ENTIRE thread before going forward with something. I reverted back to the 4.0 but didnt find out till after i read the entire thread that i would lose all my favorates.
Oh well, live and learn.

As Rhamona points out, this forum provides some consolation knowing we are not alone with the problem(s) we are experiencing.

If anything comes up with my Garmin, or I have any questions, I come here. More than likely someone will have addressed my issue and I breath a sign of relief that I don't have to call Garmin Tech support! Thanks one and all.

I'm not going to wait for a reply from Garmin Tech about this problem, I'm going to revert to 4.0 and making a list of my favorite places!

I agree. No real value but always like to check on functions when I do a major "system" upgrade. It was just a test of the software since I knew it worked fine in the previous version.

Rick

Just tried the hard reset and yes, it does seem to fix the issue. Of course, you do lose all personal info. It appears that Webupdater may be the culprit in that it must leave old remnants of 4.0 in the unit. They seem to be cleared by a hard reset.

Thanks for the info.

Rick

I updated to 4.3 and am running NT2008. No problems on my c340 in simulated mode. No shutoff or screen going black when reaching the final destination.

Cheryl - Transfer you favorites to Mapsource before you update - then transfer them back after upgrade !

When I use Mapsource to transfer favorites back to GPS, information is cut off like zip code or phone number so I am skeptical to send back to unit. I have the favorites in Mapsource on my computer but just afraid to send back to unit as again, they dont come back the same way.

My unit is freezing constantly at this point. I hope that Garmin is getting flooded with calls regarding this new 4.3 software update and fix this bug pronto.

I was ultimately able to get it to run, at least with limited testing, by doing the hard reset outlined in earlier posts. I've had it running all day now and it seems to be working. Still haven't had a chance to take it on a real run yet but will.

At least, as of now, it appears to be an issue when you use Webupdater to upgrade the software. But, I guess we'll all see. I have sent my two cents to Garmin support

Rick

I upgraded 2 days ago with web updater and have had numerous shutdowns... so I reverted back to v 4.00 with no problems...I spoke to someone at customer support today..He thanked me for reporting this and said he has not heard of any problems yet but it is still early and he would give it to the software engineers.....I told him about this forum and the same problem some are having...I'm taking a wait and see approach right now as the c340 works perfectly with 4.00...

Yeah, I think the easiest solution at this point is absolutely let Garmin support know you have issues and revert back to 4.00 (note: unless you save your Favorites and all, they will be lost). Or, if you don't want to go through that, just stay where you are until Support fixes the issue (and ultimately they will).

Rick

Maybe it's just luck, but i've done the update and everything is working just fine on my C340. I did't use the webupdater, just down loaded the update to the desktop and ran the file from there.

Sam

I took one of my c340's that I had reverted back to 4.0 and reloaded 4.3 through webupdater.... all went well. I then reloaded my favorites and all seems to be good. It's been running fine all day. All my custom POI's remained intact as well throughout the conversion back to 4.0 and then back to 4.3... just favorites that had to be reloaded.
I'll load up the other c340 tonight and check it as well.

I reverting back to 4.0, then ran the 4.3 file update and it seems to be working better with the file update vs. the webupdater. It did however shutoff after a simulation run, and I know I did not have restart selected. Funny thing, when I did select "restart when finished", it "restarted" the simulation again. Like a demo mode, and did not restart the GPS.

After I posted a reply here that I was not experiencing problems after I d/l'd v4.3, I ran into those issues everyone else noted big time. Freeze up and shut down. Sooooo, I re-installed v4.0 and everything worked. Then I read here about d/l'ing v4.3 directly instead of going through Web Updater. I did that and BAM, everything went to hell again. So I am back to v4.0, everything is working fine and I'm a happy camper. As to Garmin working on the problem, you can bet they are. Even Dr. Kao is aware of the problem , so we should see something real soon about a fix to v4.3.

In the meantime, I'm sticking with v4.0.

"MrKenFL
Copy old favorites
Cheryl - Transfer you favorites to Mapsource before you update - then transfer them back after upgrade !"

I don't have Mapsource. This may sound dumb, but is this a separate program I should have to use in conjunction with my Garmin?

Also, I have not yet received an email back from Tech support regarding this 4.3 issue or my 2008 Map NT issue. It's been several days.

This is the correct link, and I appreciate your putting it up. I didn't have a chance to do this yesterday.

We have tested the 4.30 update, and it is indeed defective. DO NOT UPDATE! If you have, please set your unit back to the 4.0 and look for new information. I will post as soon as the new release has been finished, AND TESTED.

We do make mistakes, and I personally apologize for not letting you all know about this sooner. Things have been hectic for your favorite Garmin person, so forgive me for my laziness. Some of you know the personal tragedies that have struck my family and myself personally. I am sorry I did not give you better support.

There have been some people posting on here some ridiculous statements. To those who have said things that are not true, or who are talking out of their "south end", please be careful what you say. Your intentions may be harmless, and you may need to say things to feel better about yourself, but giving people bad information causes a lot of problems. Just be who you are, and be honest. You'll be happier in life about that.

Anyway, the link will help you get back to 4.0 and your unit will run fine. Remember that when you run this "back date" you will need to set the machine up from scratch again. While you shouldn't lose your favorites/waypoints, don't be surprised if you do.

If you need help, call Garmin, 1-800-800-1020. 1020, the old "10" signal for "what's your location". Aren't we clever?

Thanks...and again, sorry for my late posting on this!

Cheryl, have you registered your GPS unit? If so, go to the "my garmin" part of the Garmin web page, and log in. You can also go to map, and then map update to see if you are eligble for a "free" update.

If you have not registered, do so and you can order your update at that time if you are eligble. Remember, you have to have purchased AFTER May 1, 2007. Otherwise, you will need to purchase the update DVD disk.

Yes, GT, you are our favorite Garmin person, and we do appreciate all the advice, instructions and insight you have provided and hopefully will continue to provide. I can only speak for myself, but I hope the other forum members share the same sentiments.

As to lateness, it's understandable since this problem only started popping up Wednesday or Thursday when most of us became aware of v4.3's availability. And it took a little time for us to start seeing the freeze ups, shut downs , etc. that the update caused. I know that Garmin engineers weren't aware of the problem until late Thursday night or early Friday morning. I really appreciate the info I got from my guy in Tech Support at Garmin yesterday, and the fact that one of our own members posted the link to GPSinformation.org so soon after the problem started rearing its ugly head is just icing on the cake.

So, GT, no apologies are necessary as far as I'm concerned. Take care of yourself and your own family first, your Garmin family here at POI Factory understands.

I bought two in Dec. 06 and registered both of them. I faxed in my request while Garmin was still giving them to owners who provided them with invoices. They probably won't send it now that they have established a cut off date.
Thanks for the info.

The 4.30 version of the Garmin software has been found to have alot of bugs.
I had to call Garmin to have them email me the older version that came with the C340.

If anyone needs the old file, email me at KJ3LR@YAHOO.COM

Lou

update to 4.40 now on garmin site

[quote=Garmintech
There have been some people posting on here some ridiculous statements. To those who have said things that are not true, or who are talking out of their "south end", please be careful what you say. Your intentions may be harmless, and you may need to say things to feel better about yourself, but giving people bad information causes a lot of problems.

v4.4 update for the c340 is available at garmin.com (click on v4.3 and look at the bottom of the v4.3 page for the v4.4 link). I've downloaded v4.4 from v4.0, and it works. You will have to reset your unit's time zone and voice, and re-enter your Home and Favorites locations. You do not lose your custom POI's.

And yes, there does seem to be a little faster satellite acquisition.

Been busy with son in hospital. so was unable to try new v4.4.
Thanks,
Alan

I upgraded to v4.4 yesterday...Everything worked fine until I tried a near search inside with gps off...The unit shut itself off..I tried for about 10 minutes to try to duplicate the situation and I couldn't...I'll take it for a short trip today to check navigation...If I have any more shutdowns, it's back to v4.0..

I have not had any issues with v4.4 since downloading it. Used the GPS all weekend to commute to my son's baseball games and no freezing or abrupt cutoffs ocurred at all. All is well on my end.

Used it today, worked like a charm.

Only problem was that the time was off. It took me a while, then slapped my head "dah", after the upgrade, it reset the unit to Central Standard time. A quick trip to the time settings and all was well again, back to EST.