I just bought a Garmin nuvi 350 after using it I was unable to turn it off. I had to use the reset button. To turn it on I use my usb. I need to open my GPS to fix the power switch in side. So I need to know how to get a part. Could someone help me. Is the face plate clip on. I don't see any screws. Thank's Chris
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This is a common problem with the Nuvi series. The on/off switch is a surface mount switch that is mounted vertically off of the main PC board.
The problem is, that there is no support behind the switch, so when you press down the button, the solder leads of the switch are stressed and eventually break off the main PC board. This is a design flaw and could have been easily prevented by wedging a small piece of plastic between the rear of the switch and the SD card housing to give the switch support.
Also, the solder pads for the mechanical connections of the switch could have been made bigger, allowing for more surface area and more solder application.
I have repaired many of these before and the repairs I make prevent this from happening again.
If you would like for me to reasonably repair your GPS, please email me at KS3R at sharc dot net.
- Jim
Posted on Jul 16, 2008
Note to all Garmin Nuvi 350 Users with a Defective On/Off Switch:
1. In order to repair this problem, you need to have surface mount desoldering/soldering skills as well as the appropriate soldering tools and case dissassembly tools. Without these things, you take the risk of further damaging your Nuvi, possibly making it impossible to repair.
2. Resoldering the switch is not going to resolve the issue long-term. In some cases, the switch can not be resoldered and additional rework must be performed.
3. In order to fix this problem once and for all, the switch needs to be mechanically secured better to the main PCB using pre-tinned buswire. In addition, a custom-fit piece of plastic needs to be glued behind the switch to give it additional support.
FAILURE TO DO THE ABOVE WILL RESULT IN THE ON/OFF SWITCH BREAKING AGAIN.... GUARANTEED!
For a reasonable price, I will repair youf Nuvi on/off switch and put in the modications so it doesn't happen again. Repair takes 1 day, units are sent back the next day. Please contact me at KS3R at sharc dot net if interested. I have references.
- Jim
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I think this must be a common problem. I had a Nuvi 350 replaced after RMA number for btained rom Garmin. It was still under warranty. They were very good with replacing the unit.
6 months later with replacment unit. Experiencing the same issue again. This
Posted on Jun 02, 2008
You need to hold the on/off button a couple of seconds before the unit will turn on. This is not an instant on/off button.
In order to take the unit apart you need to first remove the antenna. There are two torx 5 screws underneath the antenna holding the unit together.
If the unit is under warranty or if the unit is only a few days old send it to Garmin or bring it back to the store for an exchange.
Posted on Jan 14, 2008
Likely a mechanical failure of the power switch. I called Garmin, described the problem, got an RMA number, mailed in my 350, and received a refurbished unit in less than 1 week.
Posted on Jan 14, 2008
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Yea I have the same thing, Im contacting customer support to see if I can get it fixed. I think its just a bad connection.
Same problem with a 360. Power button appears to be inoperative. Unit works, charges and turns on when attched to car. Work around is to use car to turn on unit then remove from car mount while on. Answer "no" when asked for shutdown.
Only way to turn on is to use the car charger. Have contacted Garmen but no reply yet.
Had the same problem on vacation. All of a sudden, the power button stopped working, and I had to resort to the reset button. Am looking for solutions too!
I have been having the same problem for about 1 year with my Nuvi 350 - VERY ANNOYING!
Otherwise, I was very happy with this unit; I use it in the US all the time and have twice taken it to Europe. This was an expensive piece of equipment to break in such a fundamental way.
Until today, I was able to power on/off by plugging in the auto power cord or the computer USB connector, but I just downloaded a GPS update and that no longer seems to work.
AGGGGHH!
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