Garmin GPS 12 Memory Battery

[Wexfordian]

I've a Garmin GPS 12 handheld about 4 yrs old and it's flashing a warning that the memory battery is low. There's no mention of this battery in the owners manual, so I brought it back to the dealer and he's giving the impression that the unit is basically finished.
Anyone else had this problem? Any ideas?

 

[Wexfordian]

Just found the following advice in the Garmin website - don't think much of my dealer now!

Q. What do I do when my unit displays a "Low Memory Battery" message?

A. If you have a cigarette lighter adapter cable or a power data cable, plug the unit into a power source for 3 days (car, boat, etc.) to recharge the internal memory battery. If you do not have a cable, place a fresh set of AA batteries in the unit and leave the unit powered off for approximately 5 days to recharge the internal memory battery. Once the internal memory battery is recharged, the "Low Memory Battery" message should no longer be displayed.

If the message persists, it will be necessary to return the GPS unit to GARMIN so the internal memory battery can be replaced. If this is the case, please send us a Technical Support email . A Return Material Authorization (RMA) will be set up and returned to you via e-mail with shipping instructions. The RMA number will ensure accurate tracking and prompt return of the unit to you.

If you own an 8-channel GPS receiver unit, a marine GPS unit or chartplotter, or an aviation handheld, your unit has a non-rechargeable memory battery. You will also need to send your unit to GARMIN for replacement under our flat-rate repair program. In this case, please email GARMIN using the above link or call GARMIN Product Support at 1-800-800-1020 to arrange for an RMA number to be issued for the return of your unit.

As memory technology has advanced, many GARMIN GPS units (from 1999 on) no longer require a memory battery to support user data.

 

[DepSol]

I would speak to Garmin direct if I were you they are usually good at fixing stuff or sending a replacement.

Enjoy the wedding like you I wont be boating but I have no wedding to go to >:-(

 

[Guest]

In case it helps, Garmin Europe's Tech Help Line no is 01794 519944. Very helpful people they are too.

 

[byron]

I bet that if MBM/MBY ran a customer satisfaction survey Garmin would come out tops. When buying anything that goes wink, blink and goes beep I always check to see if Garmin make one first, price doesn't come into it, I would rather pay a bit more and have the satisfaction of knowing its a Garmin.

ô¿ô

 

[ChrisP]

I'm with you Byron

I've got garmin stuff all over the place and I've never had cause to complain.

I've usually found that the price of the kit is usually similar or drastically cheaper than other make.

ChrisP;o)

 

[Scubadoo]

Totally agree with you Byron, I have used Garmin GPSs and depth sounders for many years and never had a fault or complaint yet.

RM.

 

[BarryD]

My 12Map "ate" it's first set of batteries inabout four hours, whilst I was playing with the low memory battery kept coming on, since then it's been fine. Follow the leads suggested below and - but I'd let it run out totally and then give it a good power soak. You'll lose the entered waypoints, and routes etc.. but it's cheaper than a new one.

Barry D.

IMHO & FWIW, NWGOI.