Garmin GPS--low memory battery

[bmcald]

Maybe this is a case of planned obsolesence, or maybe just the ongoing march of progress, but I have just learned I must send my Garmin 48 back to the factory to have the memory battery replaced. The Garmin web site says that most units made since 1998 will not need memory battery replacements. I bought mine in 2000, but still need the factory replaced battery.

Anyone know a work-around for sending it to the factory? The problem is that I sent Garmin an e-mail, as instructed by their web site, describing the problem and giving other info so they would reply with a code number and shipping information. Its been more than 2 weeks, and no reply. I tried calling their support number, and was advised I would get faster service if I sent an e-mail! After waiting on hold for more than half an hour for a live person, I gave up.

Should I just start budgeting for a newer model GPS?

[hamiam]

If you replace the battery yourself who will void any factory warranty. You need to balance that vs. the cost of letting them do it.

[Jeff_H]

I am really surprised. Garmin responded extremely quickly to one of my earlier enquiries on a (at that point) 4 year old unit.

Jeff

[WHOOSH]

Bruce, I have exactly the same circumstances (Model 48, internal ''low battery'' message, need to return it) but my experience has been very different. Perhaps this will help.

First - and I couldn''t find this info until it was offered by email from Garmin - you want to load your 48 with new AA batteries and let the unit sit for a week or so, then turn it on to see if the battery message has disappeared. There is a small circuit that allows the internal battery to recharge from hi-voltage AA''s but this circuit apparently has not served Garmin well. Like me, you may have already found this ''recharge'' has not happened.

Second, for the circuit reason above, the repair you seek is free. You didn''t mention it in your thread and I think it''s fair to note that Garmin, for a design intended to insure a always-working internal batter but which failed, they''re standing behind their product.

I would recommend you insure your email is addressed to techsupp@garmin.com and address the subject line ATTN: C.S. Wheeler. S/he has been very prompt with all my queries on this as I was troubleshooting it, and the RMA # was sent within 4 hours of my reporting the recharge cycle had failed.

Good luck - to both of us - on this fix.

Jack

[jparker11]

Bruce & Jack,

Had the same problem with the 48. And I have been trying to use metal hydride rechargers. Kept topping off the batteries and trying to get the message to disappear with no luck over several weeks.

Finally, put in a fresh set of premium alkalines and it worked. Back to metal hydrides but change them often. So far, so good.

[bmcald]

What brand battery did you use? I used Duracell Ultra, let it sit for a week, still get the message.

Glad to hear other''s are having some good luck with this! Gives me hope...

[bmcald]

C.S. Wheeler came through again! Sent an e-mail last night, got the response this morning. Thanks for the info, Jack.