| GStandard |
I am trying to determine if I am having issues with my MO power source, or my new c550 NAV.
I have the system mounted on the dash. Out of the box, it worked like a charm. First time I kill the ignition, I get a message on the NAV asking me if I want to run off of battery (the nav has a built in battery, and obviously I am getting this message as the lighter socket (left of glove box) is switched with ignition).
I then go out the next day and turn on the car, and no joy on the NAV. NAV power cable, which has a built in LED, is lit, but no power to NAV. I figure, OK, will take it in, connect to computer and update software. Connect it to computer, it fires up and I update it. All this time I assume the battery on NAV is getting a charge.
Take it outside, works like a charm. I use it on a drive out of town, no problems. Park the car for the night, come out in the moring and it is dead again, will not come to life. Stop for gas, turn off the car. Get back in the car, turn it on and the NAV now fires up. Park it at home overnight, come out the next day and it is 'dead' again.
To me, this seems like the NAV's internal battery would prefer a constant charge, as when it dies completely it does not want to start at all. Once I drive for a bit and it receives a change, on next ignition cycle it seems to run. So my question is this, is the problem with the lack of non-switched power in the MO, or is the NAV faulty? Anyone else with a c550 with similar problems/recommendations?
Thanks! |
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| Corin |
It seems to me that what you're experiencing is a battery drain even when the unit is turned off. If the battery is completely dead, it will not turn on until it gets "trickle-charged" a bit, which would be why it works the next time in your case.
I don't have the 550, but I have the c320. I find that the battery lasts quite long (4-5 hours). I hardly EVER plug it in while I'm in the car. I turn it on/off manually and just run it off of battery power.
I would try that. Take it inside and let it charge overnight, so that you KNOW it has a full battery. Then, each time you get in the car, turn it on WITHOUT plugging it into the socket. Just make sure you turn it off when you get where you're going.
If you still experience the problem, then you have a bad unit. |
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| GStandard |
| I only seem to have a car charger and a USB cable. |
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| MO Dale |
Yep, USB is how it charges. You can connect it to a computer, and most come with an ac adapter with a USB connector.
You should check out the GPS Passion forums for lots more great info. Many people have reported the Garmins needing a trickle charge, as Corin said, from a computer to get them going when the battery is discharged. For whatever reason the connection in the car doesn't work for it under that circumstance.
Once you let it charge overnight, it should be easier to determine the problem. I have the Nuvi 350, and haven't had any issues using it in the MO, but usually do the charging in the house. Again, as Corin said, the batteries in the Garmins seem to last quite a long time.
Good luck! |
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| Corin |
quote:
Originally posted by GStandard
I only seem to have a car charger and a USB cable.
Yes, I charge it through USB. I did NOT get an AC adapter with mine, so my only options are USB or the DC car power plug.
One thing that irritates me with mine is that the CD power plug is built into the windshield mount. I find this annoying, as I like to set my garmin on the dash and NOT mount it to the windshield, and in that case I can't charge it while using it. Likewise, if you wanted to mount your Garmin on the windshield, but didn't want to plug it in, you're still stuck with the cord hanging down. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by Corin
Likewise, if you wanted to mount your Garmin on the windshield, but didn't want to plug it in, you're still stuck with the cord hanging down.
My C320 batteries last 8 hours. Original windshield mount has cable like you described, but I have a second one I take with me during travel and this one has a plug! So the cable does not hang from the mount....
My option for charging are computer usb cable (never use), main charger and car cigarette charge. I use the later almost exclusively... |
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