Help, can only use my Garmin Nuvi when it's plugged in to the car I know it has a re-chargeable battery. It says it's re-charging the battery when I turn it off but leave it plugged in with the car charger. However, if it's not plugged in to the charger, I can't get the thing to turn on! What am i doing wrong? Thanks! Help, can only use my Garmin Nuvi when it's plugged in to the car I know it has a re-chargeable battery. It says it's re-charging the battery when I turn it off but leave it plugged in... » Read More Help, can only use my Garmin Nuvi when it's plugged in to the car I know it has a re-chargeable battery. It says it's re-charging the battery when I turn it off but leave it plugged in with the car charger. However, if it's not plugged in to the charger, I can't get the thing to turn on! What am i doing wrong? Thanks! « Show Less
459888
Wow, this is bad news indeed. There might be a way out of this. Try a hard reset (the directions should be in the quick start manual, as the reset may be different between Nuvi's). If you can't find it, try holding the bottom right corner of the screen when powering in on to see if that works. Of course, if the hard reset fails to solve your problem, exchange your unit.
459889
Garmin should indeed replace the cable. I've read several complaints similar to yours. If, for whatever reason, the new cable doesn't solve the problem, then most probably the fault lies within the unit.
459890
Doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong. I'd talk to Garmin, or I'd exchange the unit.
459891
So, they sent me a replacement cable and I charged and charged for two days. The gps still won't work unless it's attached to the charger in the car. So, now they tell me, "please charge the unit for 5 hours on the computer. After that it should work." We'll see.
459892
Thanks, DS. Garmin's reply to me was that i must be using a non-Garmin charger. I'm using the charger that came in the box! This thing is brand new. I just let them know that and I'll post back with their reply.
509856
Are you turning it off after use? You need to hold the power button down until the little light turns red. I was having to charge it every time I used it until I realized it needed to be turned off. I thought it would just shut off like the ipod does after a bit of time. Now that I turn it off, I can used it for many runs before needing to charge it.
1350427
GeroCzan - The micro USB port can be used to charge the GPS but only when not in use. Were you able to use a car charger to charge the GPS while using it for navigation? I tried but the display changes to a picture showing the GPS connected to a computer. GPS becomes unusable if connected to micro USB. Would be great to know how you did it! I don't care as much for the traffic information if I can use a car charger with micro USB port.
1477349
The Garmin Nuvi GPSs have a built in protection circuit to prevent overcharging. The OEM charger chip I believe identifies that it is a charger. Non Garmin power cables sometimes allow the GPS to think that it is connected to a PC or other device and prevent the battery from charging.
522448
I can't find an answer to the question about using the USB cable to recharge the device. However, the specs for the cable say that it will not supply "external power". Nevertheless, when I use the cable with a cigarette lighter adapter which has two USB jacks, my Garmin 60CSx indicates that it is connected to a power source. Hmmm.
770842
I have the exact same problem - Have been searching for a while - but no luck with a solution. I also tried to get a new charger for the car and was told they are not available. When I first began to use the unit, the battery worked fine, then I stored it for quite some time and thought that was the issue. But after having it plugged in constantly, all that happens is the charging light will blink periodically, but the unit WILL NOT function without the power cord regardless of how long it's been charged :(
1931323
Maybe you might open and re- close battery door. It doesn't always close well. I have never seem that message. If that doesn't work, call Garmin. They are very helpful.
1888450
pat here. thanks for info. another ? i don't know anything about the gps's, so do you plug the unit up to the computer with the car charger cable or what do you use. thanks pbdoobie@atmc.net
1621999
I have the same Garmin Nuvi1300 and it worked 3 times now it says cant calculate route when ever I try to navigate anywhere. I am shocked that this is a product of Garmin!
2162431
P. 7 of Users Manual says you can use alkaline, NiMH, and lithium, preferable the latter two. You must set the device to the type of battery in the System/Setup/Battery type. The manual does not say that the USB connection will recharge rechargeable batteries. I suspect not, but short of calling Garmin Tech Support, it wouldn't hurt to leave the device plugged in overnight to see if the batteries have been re-charged. I have done so with alkaline batteries, but didn't expect them to re-charge. Give it a try with NiMH's after setting the battery type to NiMH and see for yourself. Personally, I prefer to use good alkalines. They last 2 or 3 outings in my kayak and I just replace them. P. 7 of Users Manual says you can use alkaline, NiMH, and lithium, preferable the latter two. You must set the device to the type of battery in the System/Setup/Battery type. The manual does not say that the USB connection will recharge rechargeable batteries. I suspect not, but short of calling Garmin Tech Support, it wouldn't hurt to leave the device plugged in overnight to see if the batteries have been re-charged. I have done so with alkaline batteries, but didn't expect them to re-charge. Give it a try with NiMH's after setting the battery type to NiMH and see for yourself. Personally,... » Read More P. 7 of Users Manual says you can use alkaline, NiMH, and lithium, preferable the latter two. You must set the device to the type of battery in the System/Setup/Battery type. The manual does not say that the USB connection will recharge rechargeable batteries. I suspect not, but short of calling Garmin Tech Support, it wouldn't hurt to leave the device plugged in overnight to see if the batteries have been re-charged. I have done so with alkaline batteries, but didn't expect them to re-charge. Give it a try with NiMH's after setting the battery type to NiMH and see for yourself. Personally, I prefer to use good alkalines. They last 2 or 3 outings in my kayak and I just replace them. « Show Less
356989
No the radio does not charge the battery. You can use the USB cable and attache to a computer, or an MP3 charger, etc. I use the charger that came with my Garmin GPS, in the house or in the car. As long as the cables attache correctly U R OK .
602509
Yes I've used it for a couple of years. It continues to work well...I'd definitely recommend it and fits well so there's no problem with it unplugging as you move the nuvi around, charges quickly and priced right.
998799
No you have to turn it on and off each time or it will die. You can plug in and use it but for some reason mine doesnt charge as fast as the battery on it is depleted. I think it could just be my charger though
506287
The cord that connects from the cigarette lighter plug, to the Nuvi, charges the Nuvi whenever you have it plugged in. This Nuvi is great, and you should buy it.
208715
I've heard that constant drains on the battery can be hard on it, which I find somewhat contradictory (clock, radio saves, etc) but still feel there may be some merit to. I've only used my always-on 12v supply in my car twice, when my phone was important but completely dead.If the camera doesn't have a Charge light, your phone charger should (or at the very least, your phone should show whether it's charging on the screen or not). I'd use that to see if it's switched, requiring the On position (or, perhaps on some models, Accessory), or constant.
1468536
It does not have to remain plugged in. It has approximately 4 hours of run time when fully charged. Garmin is the only brand to buy. It is our second Garmin. It can be taken out of the vehicle to plan a route.
155399
The cord needs only to be plugged in for charging purposes or to use the traffic notification feature. Otherwise unplug from cord carry it around using the gps internal battery as power source. Hope this helps.