My etrex legend develops a verticle black line during use and then shuts off. removing and replacing the batteries gets the gps restarted but then the problem repeats

The issue that you are having is directly related to changes that are being made in WAAS satellite signal. Garmin is aware of the issue and has a software update that will resolve the freezing problem that is being exhibited on your GPS. You may download this software update into your unit at the following
link:

http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp

In the mean time you can remedy the issue by temporarily disabling the WAAS reception from your system setup page.

Is the unit being bumped during use? If not, sounds like a call to Garmin tech support is in the works. My thought is that it's something defective inside your unit.

Try updating the unit's software via the Garmin website. There was a satellite launched last year which was causing this problem, and updating the unit's software fixes this. Don't forget to come back and tell us if this fix worked for you.

Accordingto Garmin, this problem can be fixed by disabling the WAAS feature in teh set up menu. There is an incompatibility between the old Garmin software and latest WAAS upgrades. Later software from Garmin is supposed to fix this problem.

Firmware needs to be upgraded on these units because the atellites are changing every so often so does the programming in these units, check to see if there is a firmware upgrade to fix these problems, the line in the middle of the screen is because it either hung during the process or the units lcd is going bad.

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/edwy_1a56970cf1ea4620

Have you updated your unit's software from the Garmin site? There was a new satellite launched in 2008 which has been causing problems, and the new update fixes this.

A new satellite was launched which is causing problems. Disable WAAS for a temporary fix. Update the unit's software for a permanent fix, the update addresses this problem.

Try updating the unit software. A new satellite was launched this year and has been causing problems. The updates from Garmin fix it. Disable the WAAS in the meantime and see if that solves the problem in the meantime.

Due to a new satellite launched this year, the WAAS is affected. Disable the WAAS, go to Garmin and download the latest software version FOR THIS UNIT. Install, enable WAAS and you should be good to go.

I had this problem today, updated the software, now the unit seems to be working perfectly. The unit "crashes" (single line down screen center) as soon as it get enough satelites to work with WAAS.

Go to Garmin site for software updates. Download and install the WebUpdater. Once or unit is hooked up to your computer and you have internet access, the software will download and update your GPS with the latest software fixes. I had software Version 3.7. For the Legend, Version 3.9 fixes the problems with WAAS.