Faulty satnav?

Kaybee775

I've had my satnav for just over 2 years and it was working fine until the power kept cutting out and it started reverting to the battery every now and again. I thought it might be a problem with the cable but when I tried charging it through my pc eventually the same thing started to happen, so I think there is a problem with the cable port on the unit. The unit itself seems to work fine when it has power. Is this just normal wear and tear and I'll have to get a new one, or is it a fault and can I return it? I bought it from Amazon and probably have the receipt somewhere.

Tobster86

If it's over two years and outside of warranty it's IMHO legitimate wear and tear.

I wouldn't expect this for normal, well-looked after use from a better brand satnav (e.g. TomTom), but that has no legal relevance.

What make of sat nav is it?

What I would do in your situation is try to figure out what the problem is, i.e. a loose connection or a dirty power terminal?
If it's a dirty power terminal, attempt to clean it with some tissue dipped in an alcohol based cleaner.

If it's a loose connection; you're options are:
-Try to have that rectified by anyone you know (or yourself) who is handy with a soldering iron.
-If it's a said 'better brand', try to reclaim some value back by selling it on ebay as spares or repairs with fault description.
-Bin it.

C_Mababejive

My tomtom early model mk 1 used to do this due to the plug in cable port being worn. I stripped it and soldered the power cable directly to the pcb. Job done

motorguy

C_Mababejive wrote: »

My tomtom early model mk 1 used to do this due to the plug in cable port being worn. I stripped it and soldered the power cable directly to the pcb. Job done

+1

I'd have thought thats where the problem lies too, and no, there is no chance this is going to be considered as anything other than wear and tear.

Kaybee775

Thank you so much for the info - I will have a go at those suggestions and see if I can repair it. (It's a Garmin). :-)

forgotmyname

Garmin maps are better than tom tom anyday. I still have my i3

Although the maps maybe a bit out of date now

londonTiger

i have some snacks in my dashboard box as well as my satnav. i idnt realise but that compartment gets quite hot. the chocolate bars get messed up in there. I dont think its too good on the satnav either, i think exposure to high temps ages the battery faster

C_Mababejive

#5...the pcb is likely surface mount technology. When i opened my tomtom mk1 i have to say it was extremely well engineered and it will probably last a very long time. The wek link was the power connector. With a steady hand,a keen eye and a fine soldering iron,you can probably solder the lead directly to the pcb,add a cable strain and an external snap power connector. Come to think of it,maybe i should set up a business doing same !