Garmin Customer Service Issues

I recently purchased a new Avtex Garmin for my motorhome, including a camera. When I tried to use it at a campsite without a power source, the device displayed low power. After connecting it to power, it only shows the Avtex front screen and doesn't enter operational mode. Even after charging it directly via USB, it still doesn't show any improvement. I'm disappointed as I was looking forward to using the satnav for my trip from France to Portugal and Spain, especially for locating campsites. Without it working, I'm forced to rely on traditional maps instead, which is not ideal after spending £[redacted] on this satnav system. I would appreciate a quick response to help resolve this issue.

Hello, I encountered an issue while trying to submit a "share ideas" form. I am suggesting a valuable enhancement for the vivosmart HR watch. I believe adding a second count to the watch face and a millisecond count to the timer/stopwatch would greatly benefit users like me who engage in weight training and timed activities that require intervals between sets. Having a watch that displays seconds can eliminate the need to repeatedly set a timer during rests. Additionally, the convenience of seeing the time while working out without switching screens is essential. I have explored various fitness tracker models but found it challenging to identify these specific features, especially without unnecessary smartwatch functionalities. I seek a waterproof fitness tracker with built-in GPS that offers a second count on the watch face and a millisecond count on the stopwatch/timer. This combination seems scarce in the market, and I am certain there is a demand for such a product. Your consideration and response to this request would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Garmin team, I wanted to share a story of how reliable your product is. A few years ago, my brother-in-law lost his Garmin Rino [redacted] while hunting deer in eastern Washington. Despite being buried in snow and enduring the hot summer, the next year, I went hunting in the same area and stumbled upon the lost device. Surprisingly, after charging it, we found it still worked, although the antenna and battery needed replacing. The device continues to function perfectly. This experience truly exemplifies the durability and quality of Garmin products. Thank you, Matt Warner

Hello, I have a Garmin [redacted] T GPS device and I am trying to add additional Topo areas from my MapSource TOPO Canada Version 2.00. Despite having the latest MapSource software on my Dell Inspiron 17 running Windows 10, I've been unable to transfer the maps onto my device or computer. I've spent a total of 6 hours with Tyronne and Phillip from your team, but haven't had any success. Now I've been referred to someone from the Outdoor Team for help. I’m willing to start fresh by deleting all Garmin-related files on my computer, but I'm unsure if that will solve the issue. I have various Garmin software and devices. Can someone please provide me with a clear solution via email? I'm 73 years old and appreciate detailed instructions that I can follow at my own pace. Thank you, Ken

I recently bought a Garmin Edge [redacted] bike computer from Gearbest. It was on sale for about $70, 30% off. When it arrived, everything was in Chinese - the box, manual, and menus. I can't figure out how to change it to English. Gearbest wasn't helpful, and won't take it back because I opened the box. I'm not sure if it's a real Garmin product. Can anyone guide me on changing the language to English? I'm feeling skeptical about this purchase. I own two other Garmin products that are great.

I have had the Garmin Forerunner 15 since eighth grade, now in eleventh, for running cross country and track. I've faced strap issues but due to schoolwork couldn't contact earlier. The band broke, so I used tape and then a hair tie. The notches split, making it hard to adjust and wear the watch comfortably. I resorted to using packing tape to hold it together. I'm a loyal Garmin user and even returned a Fit Bit for the Forerunner 15. I'd like the Garmin Forerunner [redacted] to continue running and biking, but it's a significant investment. I'm looking for a discount or some form of compensation for the issues faced with my current watch. I hope my feedback is valuable to help improve the brand and its products in the future. Thanks, H.W.

Hello Garmin, I have used a Garmin Astro [redacted] with a DC40 for years and it has been reliable. Unfortunately, my DC40 is now broken and cannot be repaired as there are no spare parts available. I cannot purchase a new Alpha and T5 collar because my group hunts with older collars (DC30, DC40) and compatibility is crucial. A new handheld device that works with older collars (DC20, DC30, DC40, DC50, T5) would be a great solution. Many in my situation feel they may have to switch from Garmin, which is disappointing as I value your products. I hope you consider developing a device that supports the older collar models. Thank you. Best regards, Patrik S. +[redacted] [redacted] 70 95 84

When trying to install Garmin Express version 6.9.1.0, I encounter an error message stating - An error occurred while attempting to create directory: c:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\StartMenu\Programs\Garmin. Despite manually creating the directory on my computer, the installation fails. Even when running Garmin Express as an administrator, the same error persists. Restarting the computer and disabling the firewall and file scan did not help in the installation. I also tried creating a new user account and configuring it in Control Panel, but the installation still fails. My operating system is Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 on a Dell Inspiron [redacted] with 8 GB Ram and [redacted] GB of free space. I need to install the program to register my Nuvi 255w and update the maps. I am unsure of the necessary steps to successfully install Garmin Express. Your assistance via email is appreciated. Thank you, G. David Y.

I am interested in purchasing the Approach X40. I am from Canton, Ohio, and there are no local vendors selling this product. Before ordering from your website, I have a few questions I hope you can answer. Aside from golf features, what are the differences between the Vivosmart HR+ and the Approach X40? They appear to be very similar. Also, when was the Approach X40 released? A clerk at Dick's Sporting Goods mentioned they are not selling it because it is being phased out for a new model. I was under the impression that this model was relatively new. I would appreciate any help with my inquiries as I am looking to buy soon and don't want to invest in a product that is being discontinued or replaced.

After updating the software on my PC and connecting it to my Android, all the data on my Garmin Edge510 device disappeared, and it started making a loud beeping sound, a common issue that seems to be a bug with Garmin devices. I contacted Garmin HQ in Johannesburg, and they requested me to send it in for repairs as they don't offer phone support for this problem. I couriered the device to them and received an initial repair quote of R4999, which seemed excessively high. After questioning, they admitted to an error in the quote and mentioned a new estimate of around R2000 since my device is out of warranty. I am still waiting for this updated quote as well as a detailed report on the repair cost. This experience has left me frustrated as it seems like an unfair and overpriced solution. I am exploring my options with the consumer board. I hope to address this issue promptly and ensure this is not standard practice for Garmin. Sincerely, Zita Rabek.

Hello, I had recently bought a Garmin Smart Drive 51. Due to weather delays, I received it almost a week after ordering. When I tried to use it, I found that it was in a different language, and I was unable to change it to English. I spent quite some time trying to navigate it on my own and later contacted support, who was patient and helpful. However, the experience was frustrating, making me wonder if it was a refurbished unit. I would appreciate some form of discount or compensation for this inconvenience. Thank you for addressing this issue. It was a birthday gift to myself, and I have had other Garmin GPS devices without such problems before. The serial number is [redacted]73.

Hello, I recently bought a Garmin Smart Drive. Due to weather delays, I received it almost a week after ordering it. When I tried to use it, I found it was in a different language, which made it challenging to navigate. I spent hours trying to change the language myself and with customer support. The support person was helpful and patient, but we both wondered if it was a refurbished unit. It was disappointing to face these difficulties when setting it up. I would appreciate a discount as it seems like it might have been a refurbished unit. Thank you for your assistance. It was supposed to be a birthday gift to myself. Details: S/N number is *********.

Hello, I recently bought a Garmin Smart Drive, which unfortunately arrived late due to weather issues. Upon attempting to use it, I encountered difficulties changing the language to English. Despite spending hours, I needed assistance from customer support. The support was helpful, but the experience was disappointing, especially since this was a self-birthday gift. I've had several Garmin GPS units without such problems. The unit seems refurbished, leading me to seek a discount as acknowledgement for the inconvenience. The S/N number is *********. Thank you for addressing this frustrating situation.

I frequently begin a car trip, and my Garmin 3590LM keeps prompting me to update my maps, even though I recently completed an update. When I try to connect it to my computer for updates, I am informed it is already updated. Despite this, it recently sent me a notification with a list of files labeled CN North America NT [redacted].10. This recurring issue is very frustrating, with messages appearing almost monthly or even weekly. Moreover, I have experienced inaccuracies in Garmin's maps, particularly in South Surrey, BC, Canada. The maps often fail to reflect highway modifications that occurred years ago, leading to inefficient routes. Even after 16 years of travel, the device is unable to provide the most direct route from Vancouver to White Rock. This problem extends to other common routes in the area. I believe Garmin could benefit from implementing a system to incorporate local knowledge for more up-to-date and accurate mapping data.

I recently purchased a Garmin Drivesmart 61, which includes a Garmin Subscription to Cyclops - Australia & New Zealand. However, when trying to install it through Garmin Express, I keep encountering an error message saying "there was an error installing content." I have already tried deleting the local .gpi file in the POI folder as per the support instructions, but the issue persists. I am wondering if the first year's subscription should come pre-installed, similar to my experience with a Garmin GPS from 8 years ago where lifetime maps and the first year of Cyclops were included. My product serial number is 4ZM013252, purchased on 18Nov2018, and I have also acquired a GTM36 traffic receiver since then. Can you please provide guidance on how to successfully install Cyclops on my device?

During three consecutive runs on December 12, 13, and 14, my Forerunner 35 display froze, leaving me unable to turn it off or reset it. Upon holding the power button when I got home, it eventually turned off after 2 minutes. However, my settings were mixed up, and Bluetooth was disabled. Despite reentering my settings, the same issue recurred in the following days, causing the loss of all run data. When using my iPhone, it displayed 0.00 miles, likely due to the sync delay. As my employer reimburses me based on the miles I run as part of a health program, I rely on accurate data from my watch or app. The malfunctions in these three runs have cost me $1 per mile for 6 miles on each of the three days. I purchased this watch with serial number 4SH249921 from Amazon in January [redacted], and it is currently running SW 3.40. I urgently require a replacement watch.

Hello, I have had issues with my Garmin Nuvi 42LM Sat Nav while trying to navigate from Mary Arches car park in Exeter City Centre to IKEA in Exeter. The device repeatedly directed me to the wrong location, causing confusion for both myself and others in the car. Despite contacting customer service for assistance and being promised a communication link, I never received it. I hope that your mapping staff can investigate and resolve this issue, as it has affected my usual positive experience with your Sat Nav. Sincerely, Rob M.

I've contacted you about this previously, but I wanted to touch base with you again. I'm disappointed with Garmin because when I'm on an Interstate Highway, it doesn't always show the distance until I exit. For example, when I take I-85 in Montgomery, AL, heading to SC via Atlanta, I want the GPS to display the distance until I transition to I-[redacted]. Instead, it shows the distance to Kia Blvd, guiding me to keep left and not exit, which is unnecessary. I understand the explanation you provided about multi-lane roads, but I have a suggestion. The GPS should show the distance from getting on a road until exiting it, while maintaining the current display for exits and instructions like "keep left." This change should benefit all users by providing more relevant distance information without causing confusion. I often mute the sound as I know my way but rely on the GPS for distances and speed, especially in unfamiliar places. On a previous trip from Maryland to Sanford, NC, my Garmin failed me at the intersection of highways 29 and [redacted] near Lynchburg, VA. It lost the route when I crossed [redacted] and did not guide me properly when I circled back. The GPS should prompt a U-turn to resume the original route instead of leading me astray onto unmarked back roads. Unable to zoom out for a broader view of upcoming mileage, I had to resort to using my cell phone map for navigation. It's concerning that my phone was more reliable than the Garmin in this situation, even though the screen is smaller. I wanted to share this feedback with you for future improvements.

I recently set up a Garmin Dash Cam 45 and I am unsure if it is correctly positioned due to the unclear instructions provided. My camera is currently installed on the left side of the screen, but I am uncertain whether it should be positioned on the right, middle, or left side. While driving, I can see that the Dash Cam is operational, but I struggle to read the on-screen text and understand the audio notifications. I would appreciate improved guidance on how to install and ensure the Dash Cam is properly functioning while in use. Thank you, D. Scott

I recently set up a Dash Cam 45 in my vehicle, but I am unsure if I installed it correctly as there were no written instructions provided. I positioned the Dash Cam on the left side of the windshield where it records while driving, but I am unable to read the small text relating to audio sounds. I want to ensure everything is in order with the Dash Cam in case of an accident. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you, D. Scott.