GPS Problem

[LHarper]

When I turn on my Garmin gps I get satellite coverage until I turn the ignition to on. Five seconds later I lose satellite coverage. Usually stays off until I turn the ignition off. Engine does not need to be running, just ignition to on position. Garmin has replaced the gps three times and each one responds the same. I have moved the gps to different locations in the cab but get the same results when I turn the ignition on. Truck came with factory gps but I find it very difficult to operate. Next step is to pull fuses until I find what is doing it. Anyone experience such a problem? My guess is something in the trucks security system. Works great in other cars, just not my truck. Thanks in advance. Truck is a 2005, 3500 CDT. Lon

 

[TWalley]

Lon,



This made me curious, so I did a quick search. I will post the link below. I have never had the problem. The information I found gives several possible explanations. I am surprised Garmin didn't work harder with you on your problem. They usually have great support. Yeah, they replaced it three times, but there has to be a reason for losing coverage. I don't see it being a power problem. If you call them again, you might make sure they look into why it might not be working instead of just replacing it. Good luck!



Comments for Garmin nuvi 200 GPS Units Not Working In Some Volvo, Toyota, and Nissan Vehicles? (GPSmagazine.com)

 

[LHarper]

Thank you TWalley. Looks like I am not alone with this problem. I have not changed or added anything to my truck since this problem began. I will look for another truck like mine to see if the Garmin works in it. My bet is it will work fine. There is a reason for this to happen, I just have to find it. Again, thank you for your interest and help. Lon

 

[Prairie Dog]

Will it do this if you just turn it to "accessory"?
I'm wondering if some noise or RF interference is coming from the 90V injector firing system.

 

[BGlidewell]

I've used many GPS systems and not encountered this. Stand-alone GPS is going the way of the dinosaur now... may be why support is weakening.

 

[LHarper]

Thanks for the reply Praire Dog. I did try it on accessories and it does the same. This morning I went to the GPS store and we tried two of their units and same problem was present. Even tried putting an external antenna on the truck and their unit lost contact too as soon as I turned the ignition on. Tried my Garmin on another Dodge CTD this morning and the unit worked well in his truck. Guess it's back to map time. Thanks again for the help. Lon

 

[Road Dog]

It sounds like electrical noise is interfering with the GPS receiver. Loose grounds will do that. The other thought is the factory GPS. Does it work when both units are in the truck? Both units will use a superheterodyne receiver which transmits a small radio signal. It's possible the two signals are interfering with each other since they would be tuned to the same frequency.

 

[JMarketos]

Hi, Lon. Similar to what another responder wrote above, sounds strongly like something in the truck is creating electrical interference that's causing problems with the Garmin GPS. ie. Something in the truck may be producing RF signal that is compressing the GPS receiver. (If that is the case, then even using an external antenna might not fix it, because the source of the interference is still very nearby).

Do you have any aftermarket accessories at all installed ? CB radio ? Gauges ? BD overdrive box or shutoff turbo saver, others???

I agree with you- sequential pulling of fuses and test results is one possibility to narrow down.

 

[LHarper]

Thank you Road Dog and J Marketos. I have not added anything to my truck. I too think something electrical is doing the blocking. What is strange is that it worked well for two and half years. I will check the grounding. I have chased many electrical problems that lead to ground issues. Maybe this is another. Called Garmin again this morning and talked to a different person then yesterday. He had no ideas either. Working on a well problem today so tomorrow I will check on the grounding. I will also pull the plug on my radio/navigation to see if they are interfering with each other. Thanks again for all the help. This has always been my favorite site to visit. Lon

 

[LHarper]

Pulled fuse number 51, cluster radio/underhood lamp,gps satellite works great. My radio has factory navigation. At least I have the problem in a corner! Just not sure which corner! My guess, the problem is coming from the radio.

 

[Prairie Dog]

This just gets more and more bazar! Maybe remove it and wrap tin-foil around it to make a shield.

 

[LHarper]

Thanks again Praire Dog. Last night I placed tin foil on the dash and around the Garmin and it did not help. Talked to a friend at Dodge this afternoon and he thinks the problem is in the dash cluster. Think he might be correct. During the past two weeks my seat belt chime comes on while I drive to the paper box. I have had it off since I purchased the truck in 2005. Today I did the procedure to stop the chime and it will not respond. Not sure it the two are even related. I might be on the first stage of cluster gauge issues. Time will tell. Been a great truck. Thanks again for your input. Lon

 

[Prairie Dog]

Aren't the cluster problems caused by bad solder joints? Maybe just go over it and resolder any questionable joints.

 

[LHarper]

Praire Dog, if I understood my contact at Dodge correctly, the cluster item is rather complex and expensive. It controls all gauges, key fob, security and radio. Contact is looking into it further but he did leave me the impression this was an area that can get very expensive to replace. I'm just hoping that this is not the start of something else. Some concern why the seat belt alarm is doing what it is doing. Again, time will tell. Leaving on a trip Sunday so guess I will see what happens! First issues I have had with this truck in 58,000miles. Best truck I have owned. Thanks again for your interest and ideas. Lon

 

[Road Dog]

A next step would be to open the dash and unplug the radio/nav unit (leaving the guage cluster functional. The cluster has a small computer and will generate some RF but probably not at a frequency that would interfere with the GPS. But you never know.

 

[LHarper]

Thank you Road Dog. Might give that a try. Lon