Early reports are starting to come in that a recent firmware update may be behind a sudden mass failing of Garmin nuvi 7x5 GPS units.
Starting June 22nd, some users have reported seeing a pop-up window that says an update is being installed. Then, the 7x5 GPS unit powers itself off, and can't be turned back on again. Ever. Ouch...
Update: Garmin reps have confirmed that a firmware error did indeed result in the "bricking" of many nuvi 7x5 GPS units. They say they're actively working the issue, and will post updates on their support site soon.
Continue reading "Is A Recent Firmware Update Causing Garmin nuvi 7x5 Units to Fail?" »
My 755t lost its ability to track satellites last night, and then died completely first thing this morning. Will not power up. Called Garmin, waited on hold for over an hour, and got an RMA.
KJF
Mine did the same thing this morning. While I was driving, it suddenly stopped tracking and a little while later turned completely off. Nothing I do will turn it back on! I've tried 3 different power sources and it's still completely dead. Sounds like I'll be on hold tomorrow!
Pam
Count me in. Updated the map and firmware about a week ago, and today the unit stopped tracking, then died and will not power back up. Amazing...
I bought a Garmin 865T and did the firmware update.
After that the screen freezes in a few seconds. I sand a email to Garmin who told me to do a master reset and the problem still persist.
I am running a 755T with firmware version 3.40 and thus far no problems. Does anyone know when the firmware update became available and if it is the unit firmware or the chipset firmware that is the issue? I've seen some mention of Chipset M firmware update as being the culprit.
after reading this posting, and using my 755 earlier today with no problems, i turned my unit on...and after about 15 seconds, i got a msg saying updating...update complete then the unit turned itself off, and now will not power up at all.
My 755T died last night. Tried various plugs, no luck. Same series of events as others encountered.
Waited on hold for Garmin over and hour and I finally gave up.
I'll try again for an RMA.
Mine says it's performing the update, update complete, and then it stops tracking satellites. I have to remove it from the cradle and power cycle it to get position information.
Same here. Problems started in the evening of 6/22/09 and continued throughout 6/23/09, until it died about 7:45 pm. I NEED the GPS and spent almost $400, plus another $130 for the dang lifetime map updates. My opinion of Garmin is hanging upon how they respond to this crisis!
I was driving around vegas and the same thing happened to me....dead..won't turn on - won't reset.
I am a fan of Garmin - just ordered the 310xt
the firmware update of the Garmin Edge 705 - v2.7 released about two months ago caused data corruption with the history files - that was just fixed with v2.8
The garmin 310xt was delayed for issues
they should spend the time to get their software qa up to to par like it was in the past
Jake from Garmin that runs Jakes Journal and the blog only talks about the good stuff - tried to contact about the 310 delays, and the 705 issues - very little info
they should use the blog and twitter to let the people know what is going on
My Nuvi 655T died two days ago. Garmin said that they will send me a replacement as soon as possible. It was up to date. I used to click on the screen to turn it off, but this time I used the on/off switch. Minutes later I found a problem in traffic so when I turned it on....nothing!
update
called garmin this am and was given a no hassle rma and will need to send my unit out and they will send a refurbished model back. i do think i should be getting a new model, however, i was told since my unit is more than 60 days old, refurbished is what i will get. again, no hassle with garmin
On Monday,6/22, my 755t started doing the "installing firmware update", and "losing/acquiring satellite" behaviors. Mine still re-boots, but frequently won't get satellites, or will only get them for a short time. But it still restarts, although it won't restart when re-plugging the car adapter or mounting in the cradle. Only the switch will still start it, and sometimes it takes multiple attempts.
Sunday, 6/21, I had done a check for updates, but the only thing I think got installed was some voice updates (I just did the 6 english ones I like to use.).
Where will Garmin be posting the updates?
I have the same problem in Austria (seems to be global, obviously). Yesterday my nüvi 765 T "died" after several senseless firmware updates, which caused a loss of contact to the satellites. I called the Austrian Garmin helpdesk this morning and they told me a hotfix should be there by weekend. However I wonder how I could install that with a "dead" device.
I have the same problem in Austria (seems to be global, obviously). Yesterday my nüvi 765 T "died" after several senseless firmware updates, which caused a loss of contact to the satellites. I called the Austrian Garmin helpdesk this morning and they told me a hotfix should be there by weekend. However I wonder how I could install that with a "dead" device.
according to garmin if the unit can still power up, there will be a posting on the website later today with a patch. however, dead is dead, and there is no coming back. so those models need to be shipped back and replacement will be sent out.
Have been on hold for over 2 hours now....still holding.....grrrr
Latest from Garmin
It has come to our attention that the Garmin nüvi 7x5 series has a firmware error that is causing some devices to perform an unprompted GPS software update and in some cases shut down. Garmin is aware of this issue and we are working diligently on a solution. We know our customers rely upon their GPS device and we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Developing quality products always has been and continues to be a priority at Garmin. For regular updates about this issue, please revisit this article at www.garmin.com/support
If your device is repeating the message "Updating GPS firmware" or "Firmware Update Complete", a software update will be available during the afternoon of June 24th (United States time) that will resolve the issue. Once this update update is available this article will be updated with instructions on how to perform the update to your device.
If you have a device that will not power on as a result of this issue please follow the steps below to request a Return Authorization to have your unit repaired:
Click here to open the form. (The form will open in a new window)
Select On the Road for the Market Name field
Select nüvi 700 series for the Product Group field
Select your nüvi model for the Product field
Input the Serial Number for your device. The serial number can be located on the bottom of the unit.
Select Repair Information for the Question Type field.
Enter nüvi 7x5 series power issue into the field labeled "Provide a short description of your problem or Question":
Enter any additional information concerning your problem into the field labeled "Provide any additional details......"
Enter your first name into the First name field.
Enter your last name into the Last name field
Enter your email address into the E-Mail address field
Enter your phone number into the Phone number field
Enter your Shipping Address into the Address field
Enter your City into the City field
Enter your State into the State field if applicable
Enter your postal or zip code into the Zip field
Select your country from the drop down list.
Click the button labeled "Submit email to a Product Support Specialist"
We will respond to all email requests as soon as possible providing you with return instructions.
My 785T showed "Updating GPS Firmware" and then "GPS Firmware Updated. OK?" Pressing "OK" cycled the message four times and then the screen went dark. Nothing I (or the Customer Service Rep)could do to get it functioning. I, too, was on hold for over an hour before getting a response and, eventually, an RMA. I mailed the unit to Olathe, Kansas per the Rep's instructions.
What a pain this is going to be. Oh, how I wish I had made a recent backup of the .GPI file -- I do have one dated 05 June 2009, however.
My 755T started the firmware update today. I shut it down before the process can be completed because I knew I didn't download any firmware lately. I turned it back on and went to get the map info under the Map icon and it started to update the firmware again. Once again I shut it down for good & I am afraid to turn it back on until there is a fix from Garmin. Garmin really screwed up this time.
You can count me as statistic, bricked my 785t.
The update to 3.60 is up. I just loaded it to my 755T. Fortunately mine had not bricked yet even though I had the Firmware Update message pop up twice.
3.60 seems to correct the looping issue caused by the MTK chipset firmware computing an incorrect date/time, thus causing the Garmin OS to attempt to update firmware based on the erroneous date. Yes, IMO it's nearly certain a flaw in the MTK chipset firmware (not supplied by Garmin) was at the root of the problem.
Some users may think their 7x5may (or 8x5) is "bricked" but that may not be the case. Hold your power button to the left for about 10 seconds or so to see if it will power up. If it does, connect to your computer, and go to WebUpdater to apply the 3.6 update. If this hard power/reset doesn't revive your nuvi, then your only option is an exchange. (Technically there may be a fix by removing the battery and then reattaching, but that is NOT my recommendation. Mentioned only because you may come across that advice)
I applied the update, and the unit ran fine for the 1.5 hour commute home this evening.
Seems to be fine now. Whew!
This happened to me yesterday. Message saying GPS updating firmware 1% then a series of GPS Update Completed messages.
After I turned the unit off, it would not come back on.
Maybe this is some kind of summer solstice virus. :)
While they are fixing this issue, I hope they also fix the problem where 765T units do not automatically reconnect with the Bluetooth phone.
My 755T also bricked this morning, initially with the loss of satelites, then the repeated
(Sorry, hit the wrong button, completing my comment here).
My 755T also bricked this morning, initially with the loss of satellites, then the repeated firmware update messages, then finally, unable/unwilling to power on at all.
Following advice on several forums, I carefully removed the back, disconnected the battery for several seconds, then reconnected the battery, and without powering it up, connected to my USB port, which caused it to power up (yeah!). Webupdater installed the 3.6 s/w. The dashboard at myGarmin then installed an additional Firmware update, which, by the way, was not offered by webupdater.
It is "debricked", and back together now, and seems to work fine. I plan to test drive it tomorrow to be sure before any long trips. If, like me, you can't wait for an RMA, this may work for you.
DO YOU THING THE 800 AND BEYOND WILL HAVE THIS SOFTWARE PROBLEM. THESE ARTICALS HAVE STOPPED ME FROM BUYING A GARMIN
STEVE
Garmin 755T BLACKOUT 2009!!!!
Basically, me and my wife had to pick up a friend 2 towns over. I jump into my car and input directions to her friends house. All of a sudden my GPS 755T is telling me that it is trying to update the firmware. I press ok. it displayed 1% said done and it couldn't find the Satellites. I was like WTH and turned it off and back on. It stated Cannot find Satellites. I was like ok, let me keep it on the charger 12V Cigarrette lighter. I thought it would start working while we drive and my wife was trying to turn it on but the screen went black and now I'm pissed because I just brought this thing. The Firmware must have killed something. Now I know I'm not the only one.
How does Garmin allow a firmware VIRUS to leave it's headquaters without being propely tested????? Now I have to wait along with thousands of people all over the world for a replacement 755T...Thanks a lot Garmin!! It's back to Google Maps for me temporarily.
I saw these Posts in other follow up Article.
I agree Garmin needs to really step up
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I have one of the Totally Nuked 785T's.
Is it true that Garmin is handing out Refurbished Units without Advanced exchange at Owners cost to mail your unit to them with the whole process taking up to 2 weeks. If so that really sucks.
Even though I my unit is 4 months old, I have only used it a couple times and it is like new!!!!!!!!!!
For those of us who have fried units....Garmin should make good and send out prepaid shipping labels and include Life Time Maps for our inconvenience
Posted by: Toasted GPS on June 25, 2009 10:20 AM | Reply to This Comment
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Yes, I agree with Toasted.
Free Lifetime Maps.
Thousands of Units across the Globe Fail. This is not an isolated one of case. Garmin needs to make "good". I rely on my GPS everyday for work......and I trusted Garmin more than any other brand. And now i am going to be "lost" for up to 2 weeks.
Garmin is fully responsible for this failure...whether its because of their own update code or the chipset that they decided to no longer use Sirf( to save a few bucks)
The consumer is the loser here.
Garmin, Make Good and supply Lifetime Maps to anyone with Bricked Unit
Posted by: Free LifeTime Maps on June 25, 2009 10:28 AM | Reply to This Comment
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I have one of the Infected.......I mean affected units that is completely bricked.
Users have been reporting that Garmin has been instructing them to return their units at their own expense, and that it could take up to 2 weeks to receive replacement unit.
This is unacceptable.
Garmin should be issuing Prepaid Shipping Labels at the least. And for this TERRIBLE inconvenience should be offering Life Time Maps to anyone with a completely bricked unit.
I count on my GPS everyday for work..and I trusted Garmin more than any other GPS manufacturer.
As a long Time customers previously owning Nuvi 600, 660, 760, 780 units and Now the 785T, I feel completely let down with experience.
Posted by: Nuked on June 25, 2009 10:53 AM | Reply to This Comment
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I suggest since we pay for this service that we issue a class action suit for breach of contract.
My 5 weeks aged unit 765T died this morning as described in several actual comments.
.... so back to classical (paper) maps during our family Holiday....
I really regret my waste of money....
Method to disassemble:
1. Remove the two small torx screws on the back of the unit (this is where you need your toolbox of everything!)
2. Run finger round edge, pulling the back off as you can. Try not to pull too hard (don't want to break it) and be aware that the battery and speaker are attached to the back (so don't yank it away when it finally comes off
3. Unplug battery
4. Leave for a second or two
5. Plug battery back in
6. Push back cover on
7. Replaces screws
8. ???
9. Update!
I can't see any warranty stickers, and the build quality is solid (nicely designed as well). So if you don't wanna wait 2 weeks for a warranty replacement (they're gonna do EXACTLY the same thing after shipping it to them), just try the method above. Try not to damage the case, but it *SHOULD* resurrect your device.
Thank you for the instructions! It worked for me. My 755 did not turn on, but after disconnecting the battery and reconnecting, I was able to power up and update the firmware. Thanks again!
I have a 785T. I have never had any problems with it, but when I received the e-mail from Garmin saying how urgent it was to update the firmware, I went ahead and did so. When the update was complete, I disconnected the 785T from the PC and restarted it, only to see a very quick message saying "Missing Software," and then the screen went blank. Powering off and back on did nothing--still a blank screen. Then I tried the master reset (holding the power switch to the left for at least 8 seconds) and the unit came to life and has been fine so far ever since. Not only does it seem to be fine now, but the update also added a weather radar option to my MSN Direct and a new option called ecoRouting (which I haven't had the chance to explore yet).
Looks like you're the only one out of all these articles with a working unit. Good for you.
Also, I would like to thank everyone for all of the advice. I was planning on getting a 755T, but not any more. I found a good price online for $311.00; man did I want that one. Looks like I'll be getting the 1490T for all the features that I want. I don't want to be holding on the phone for a hour trying to send my GPS back for a refurbished one. Garmin, step up your game, your my favorite out of all the rest.
As many others have also stated... after also being a long time customer of Garmin products I feel completely let down as well after having a bricked 765T. Not just in the fact that they let this update go through months ago without proper testing, but especially since Garmin is making the consumers pay for shipping the unit back for repair when it was their own fault! I too hope Garmin makes good with the customers who have experiances bricked units. If not, I'd sure be in for a class action suit.
I was going to try opening the unit and disconnecting/reconnecting the battery but found that my 90+ item security screwdriver bit pack did not include Torx bits small enough and I did not want to scratch up the case by opening up the case with the wrong tool. I just mailed it to Garmin for repair.
I just hope it does not take a month or more to get it back.
This is a major headache for all concerned. I would back a movement to get Garmin to provide lifetime map updates for victims of this fiasco.
Is anybody else upset that the 765T does not automatically reconnect to the Bluetooth phone like the 760 does? If so, please send in a request to include this feature in the next update of the firmware.
My 785t which was about two months old bricked. I bought it for my wife to use on a business trip and it stopped working on day one of her trip.
I called Garmin a few days ago saying to ask how they were going to make it right. They said they were going to fix it. I told them they were obligated to do that, but what I wanted to know was what were they going to do to make me happy and to make up for the fact that I was not able to use it for the purpose in which I bought it for, my wifes business trip.
I told them there was a lot they could do to make it up to the thousands of customers that were affected, that would cost them nothing, like free map updates for life. I didn't get that, but they agreed to sell me free lifetime updates for $40.00. Not the perfect solution, but better than nothing.
I called customer service today and was on hold for almost an hour. I told them I had to pay for my own shipping since I arranged to return it via the web site rather than calling. There is no consistency to their return policies as far as getting return shipping paid for.
I asked for the $40 lifetime maps as compensation and they claimed that they never heard of that. All they could do is offer me lifetime maps at half price. After complaining about that, they said they would give me free shipping on the maps, something that would cost $8. Eight dollars is way out of line for something that is basically a credit card. It would probably be 61 cents to mail it via USPS.
I reluctantly took the deal for $60 plus tax. I just hope the unit lasts long enough to make it worthwhile.
Their is no $40 lifetime option. I got it because I asked to be transferred to a supervisor and did a lot of complaining.
Their is a lot of things Garmin could be doing to make the customers happy, but they won't because they are extremely arrogant. They act as though they are doing me a favor by fixing it under warranty. Bull, they have an obligation to fix it, warranty or not. Then they think I am supposed to be happy because they are paying the shipping. Bull!! No deal!!
I bought my GPS for business trips and family vacation this summer. I take it out of the box, set it up and activate the GPS and the MSN Direct. Use it for a few days to make sure it is working, get it out on a business trip and it is dead. I send it back with no cross ship option available. While I wait, I miss business trip number two and family vacation. By the time I get it back, my MSN Direct trial offer will be expired.
And I am supposed to be excited because the offer to fix it under warranty and to pay shipping? Bull!!
I spend a lot of money for a GPS unit that I do not get to use for the purpose in which it was intended. You can be sure Garmin is going to get an earful from me.
Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. But I am still not happy with Garmin. In my opinion, everyone should get the option of either free map upgrades or free MSN Direct for life. Or just give me my money back.
I talked to a supervisor too. I complained and told her that other people got the lifetime maps for $40 but she refused to give me the extra 20 dollars off. I just hope the unit lasts long enough for me to get my money's worth out of the map subscription.
When I got back with the regular tech support person, I asked her the status of a firmware update that I requested that will let the 765T automatically reconnect to a bluetooth phone the way the 760 does. She put me on hold and called the automotive department, came back and reported that it is scheduled for a future firmware release. I hope it comes soon since it takes 12 or more taps on the screen to connect the phone manually.
I talked to a supervisor too. I complained and told her that other people got the lifetime maps for $40 but she refused to give me the extra 20 dollars off. I just hope the unit lasts long enough for me to get my money's worth out of the map subscription.
When I got back with the regular tech support person, I asked her the status of a firmware update that I requested that will let the 765T automatically reconnect to a bluetooth phone the way the 760 does. She put me on hold and called the automotive department, came back and reported that it is scheduled for a future firmware release. I hope it comes soon since it takes 12 or more taps on the screen to connect the phone manually.
Hi, I'm from Belgium and bought my Nuvi 765T in december 2008 and had problems from day 1: while driving for a long trip the device suddenly shuts down with no reason = very DANGEROUS in trafic !! In most cases I even had to press the power button for 10 seconds before it would restart. An update was promissed, but I had to wait many months (!) before Garmin got this fixed with an update! After the update it worked perfect (except for the many mistakes in the software of the speedcameras in France: in many cases it thinks the speed limit is 90 km instead of 110/130 = very annoying), but since yesterday it doesn't want to work at all ! After the text "loading maps" appears on the screen it shuts down and automaticly restarts all over again (endless loop). I have tried all methods: new update, new installation, pressing the power button for +10 seconds, deleting the gpx-files (my vendor told me to do that), but nothing helps. The many hours I have lost caused by this bad software, and the dangerous situations I got into because of the sudden shut down while driving should be compensated. If Garmin get's a product on the market that doesn't work because they didn't test it good enough they should compensate the damages. At this upper-end price you can expect a good working device. This shows that Garmin doesn't care about it's clients. They don't have to think that my next GPS will be a Garmin when they do nothing to compensate these many problems.
Well let me be the first to say that mandatory update email crashed my 885t. I purchased the unit two months ago for a trip to Chicago. On the way back to Texas the unit crashed. Fortunate for me I have made this drive many times and didn't need assistance once I left Chicago. When I got home I plugged the unit up to the PC and did an update and the unit was fine again. Knowing my way around where I live I packed the unit up until my next trip. That trip is this Thursday. Remembering that I got an email about a mandatory update I unpack the unit to do the update. Big mistake. It hasn't worked since. Seeing that I am driving cross country for a two week road trip and have hopes of getting the unit back for my return trip I paid $13 for insurance, conformation and shipping. My fingers are crossed because if it doesn't make it to my destination before I leave, I have to pay to have it shipped back to Texas. For those of you who want to sing the praises of how Garmin is handling this that is your prerogative. As for me, Garmin will never sell me anything with their name on it. There is no excuse for this level of incompetence.
Mr. Reynolds, I just purchased a 885T July 6, 2009. To my understanding there were no problems with this unit, other than it did have a firm ware update to fix some discrepencies. Are you saying that you updated the firmware & it still gave you problems. I want to know what I will be dealing with here, & if I need to get ready to send it back. Thank you, if you could please reply back.
Also Mr. Reynolds, my email adress is tdogte@cableone.net
Yes, I am saying that I didn't have a problem with my 885t (the second time) until I did the mandatory update. As soon as the update was completed my unit froze and I had to ship it back to Garmin yesterday. I searched the internet up and down looking for a fix because I am driving cross country in two days. From that search I have discovered that Garmin is aware that they have a mass problem that is not limited to the 7xx series.
I think Garmin has dropped the ball on this one, I have a 765 which "bricked" like all the others and I have had to jump through hoops to try and get a repair.
Garmin don't seem willing to acknowledge that they caused the problem with dodgy firmware and should be offering some form of compensation- free map updates at least.
I won't buy another Garmin product and hope to join a class action law suit.
A class action law suit might be what garmin will be facing if they don't get there shit together. Once my 885T arrives soon, I better not be a next victim.
A class action law suit might be what Garmin will be facing if they don't get it together. They need to quit telling customers that the problem is fixed because apparently it's not. When my 885T arrives soon, I better not be the next victim.
I was planning to purchase a Garmin Nüvi 765T.
But after reading this comments I will not purchase Garmin at all.
Will look for other brands instead.
Thanks all for your comments, so I don't do the same mistake as you did.
Philip,
You are making a big mistake in ruling Garmin out of consideration. I am completely happy with the manner in which Garmin took care of my unit. I was one of the first to be "bricked." At no point was Garmin anything other than what could only be described as "professional." They calmly and competently replaced my unit without question. Sure, I was without the unit for several weeks but, hey!, "Stuff happens." In any event, it would take a lot more than a little inconvenience to pry the Nuvi 785t out of my hands. (Or for that matter the Nuvi 685 backup unit.)
Ron
I completed the firmware update on my dads Nuvi 885T and now the radar coverage is limited to a small area identified with a box. Outside the box the area is shaded that no longer shows shading. I read some emails and some said to do a hard reset - i did this but still same problem. Anyone have any suggestions???
Yet another 755T bites the dust. Emailed to Garmin.
I WAS LOOKING INTO BUYING THE 765T UNIT AND NOW I DON'T KNOW. HUM? DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THEY FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THESE UNITS.???? I HAD A C550. I LOVED IT. IT HAD THE BLUETOOTH. MP3, TRAFFIC ALERT,,, AND MORE BUT I GOT ROBBED AND WELL THERE WENT MY UNITE ... IS THERE ANYONE THAT CAN ADVISED ME ON WISH ONE OF THE LATEST GPS IS THE BEST FOR THE $$$