Garmin gps won't charge while driving

Have you inspected the USB port? Common failure on these units are loose/broken USB ports. A broken port will prevent the battery from charging.

SHARCNET USA Out of Warranty GPS Digital Camera Repair

You should only see the computer icon when plugging the 350 into a USB port on the PC. If you see it when plugging in a car charger/adapter, then there may be a problem with the mini-USB port on the 350 or the charger is an after-market charger that is not electrically compatible with a Garmin charger. Please see this link for more info:
http://www.sharc.net/gps_charger_repair.htm

use small size USB cable, connect with PC

Hello,

If you have a USB port with a high enough power input then you can charge the unit off a USB, but not all USB ports will have enough power to charge your unit.

Hope this helps!

No, the mini-USB jack has broken away from the board and needs resoldered. Please see this link for more info:

http://www.sharc.net/gps_charger_repair.htm


- Jim

Are you using a USB cable & charger to operate the GPS?

If so, you should stop and use the supplied cradle / power cord to power the GPS instead. The USB cable is used to transfer data to and from the GPS and on other models (maybe your 350, too) to slow charge the GPS battery when completely discharged. Powering with the USB cable will power up the GPS, but does not allow navigation, mapping, etc.

I solved the problem by charging internal battery using the 120V. charger that came with the unit. I was not aware, that the cord in car was not charging my Nuvi and that it was running OK. until the battery was low and quit. I have to check this cord. Peter W.

The mini-USB jack needs to be either resoldered or replaced. When the jack is loose, you will not be able to charge the internal battery. The jack becomes loose from overuse. The jack needs more mechanical support to the pronted circuit board. I have fixed this problem many times.

- Jim

No, it may take a little longer if you are charging through the USB port. I normally have mine plugged in while driving, it charges and is in use too. To use GPS with USB. First turn the GPS on (without USB plugged in). Press Battery symbol on screen for about 10 seconds, a test screen will come on. Plug in the USB (bottom of screen shows USB connected). Tap EXIT to return to maps. You can now use it while USB is charging Make sure you turn GPS off before removing the USB cable

HI,
I have the problem solved I at first had this problem after about 5 minutes of messing with my GARMIN NUVI and having many electronic gadget I thought about diffrent buttons to hit at the same time heres how you charge your NUVI with a computer and a usb cable

1st: make sure your NUVI is OFF then plug in the usb cable from the computer to the NUVI, after you hear your computer ding from new device connected, and the NUVI displays the computer icon move to step 2

step 2: if you have xp go to START and MY COMPUTER. with vista its START then COMPUTER button on the right side

step 3: with MY COMPUTER window open hold the NUVI power switch to the ON position and RIGHT CLICK the NUVI device logo (blue triangle) and select EJECT .. ( DON;T HIT SAFiLY REMOVE)

step 4: when you see GARMIN display on the screen you can letgo of the power button on the NUVI ****** if you unplugthe usb it will display message stating EXTERNAL POWER LOST SWITCHING TO BATTERY POWER***** while it is plugged to the computer the battery meter will disaper