Garmin Quest GPS Receiver Logo
Posted on Oct 16, 2010

My Garmin Quest has stopped working. It is trying to acquire satellites and also 'drawing' appears on the screen. I have re-booted the unit and it still does not work. Any ideas?

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Andy Corbin

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  • Contributor 25 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 28, 2011
Andy Corbin
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Joined: Jan 23, 2010
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If the screen is otherwise "normal" and it is just not able to acquire satellites, I am guessing you have a problem with the antenna. One way to determine that is if you got an external "patch" antenna, plugged it in and it started working as it should, that is definitely an antenna issue. I have run into several of the "flip up" antennas recently that have exhibited this problem. What happens is, the connector from the antenna breaks loose from the solder joint inside the antenna. If you have a small soldering iron, you can CAREFULLY pry the antenna case apart to access the connector and it is a simple matter to solder it back in place. You will need a very small screwdriver to pry the two outer sections of the antenna case apart. Wedge the screwdriver blade in between the two sections of the antenna covering. Pry the larger part (the part that would face the sky with the antenna at 90 degrees), and with CARE you can get it apart. The small gold connector solders to some circuit traces on the antenna board. To get the antenna off the GPS, place the GPS face down with the hinge part of the antenna away from you. With a small jewelers screwdriver, remove the right two screws on the back of the GPS on the right end. There is a small plastic retaining piece that holds the antenna in place. CAREFULLY lift it up and off the GPS. Be VERY CAREFUL at this point because there is a small spring loaded plastic piece that fits against the retainer piece you just removed. It is very easy to lose the spring and plastic piece if you are not careful. Gently pull the antenna to your right, away from the GPS. The antenna should pop out. If the connector has completely disconnected from the antenna circuit board, you may need some small pliers to get it off the GPS side of the antenna connection. Once you have the antenna removed, separate the antenna case as I described and resolder the connector back on the board.

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