Is it my responsibilty to update the maps and traffic by calling you, or is this a feature that automatically happens with the garmin 1390lmt i just bought?

Go online to Garmin.com and download the "Garmin Home" app.
Install in your computer, fire it up and connect your devise with the proper USB cable and your machine should automatically send you back to Garmin and ask you if you'd like to Register' you device now or later. Pick "Now".
This will allow you all updates and features you paid for.

Go to download Garmin Express from its website in your computer. Since it is LMT model, after registration, connect your device to your computer, and check update, all maps and traffic would be updated automatically for you. SIMPLE AND EASY.

Usually if you have lifetime traffic and map updates, the model comes with LMT which means Lifetime Map and Traffic updates. Or LM means Lifetime Map updates.

Connect the GPS unit to the computer and go to the GArmin website for the update program. Depending on your model you have to buy a new map or it upgrades automatically. Units marked LMT are lifetime maps and traffic up-datable free.

Hi Steve,

The Street Pilot line was one of the first automotive GPS devices from Garmin, and has got to be 8+ years old. Garmin contracts with Navteq for map software. At one point, Garmin needed to have Navteq compress their new maps so that they wouldn't need to increase the amount of memory in the GPS units and still be able to include all the way points, and new features such as junction view, traffic receivers, text to speech voices, etc. These new maps have an "NT" descriptor in the title. "NT "stands for "New Technology". Non-NT maps are no longer produced.

The new Garmin GPS hardware had to included the ability to decompress maps "on the fly" for display on the screen. As a result, the NT maps will not work in the older Garmin devices.

Your best bet is to either use the Street Pilot - knowing that the routes may no longer provide accurate information, or purchase a New, Refurbished or Used GPS. Garmin offers "Lifetime Maps" as an option for nearly all NT capable GPS units either as a subscription after GPS purchase, or "in the box" when buying a Garmin GPS. You'll get FREE map updates for that GPS up to 4 times per year. This assures you of always having the most recent maps available in your GPS. Look for a model that has "LM" in it (ie: nuvi 1490LM). If it has a "T" in the model name (ie: nuvi 1490T), it has Lifetime Traffic. If it is listed as "LMT" (nuvi 1490LMT) it has both Lifetime Maps and Lifetime Traffic.

I hope helps!

Hello,

The map update can be downloaded again and reinstalled onto the nuvi.

If the Garmin Nuvi is sold with "life-time updates" for maps & traffic - updates are available for download at MyGarmin.com once they are available.

A "life-time update" is coupled to the serial number of the Garmin unit. If the serial number does not match the box with "life-time updates" on it - it could be the Garmin Nuvi came from another box without "life-time updates".

Without "life-time updates" - maps are available for free within 60 days after purchase. A "purchase" is registered by the Garmin device if it detects a certain speed or when it's registered at MyGarmin.com - meaning the 60 day countdown starts. Without a "life-time update" for traffic - a traffic subscription must be bought for a country & timeframe. (ie a year).

This is a problem in the software of your GPS. Your best bet would be to try and update the firmware on it, and hopefully they have fixed this problem in the newer firmware.

Good Luck,

fiatlux8801

To register your new Garmin you will need a mini USB cable (get this on eBay) to connect it to the computer and then go to the web link below and create a Garmin user account to start the process of registration and download of any free maps or software updates you have coming for the unit. Just follow the very clear on screen instructions and be patient the updates can take up to 20 minutes.
Here is the address link to Garmin.
https://my.garmin.com/mygarmin/registrationGettingStarted.htm?productType=auto&categoryType=AUTO

I called Garmin about the same issue. If you will turn it on and are in one of the 50 metro areas covered it will automatically receive trraffic updates. That is exactly what I did and it worked and I got the same message you did. You do NOT have to sign up, get a code, or anything. Just turn it on in one of the areas and watch for the traffic symbol on the uper left hand side.