I have a Garmin NUVI 200W and the USB Port has pulled loose. Its still attached but it doesn't take a charge anymore. I think spending 125 dollars to send it back to Garmin is crazy if its something I can repair myself. I'd appreciate any suggestions.
The problem with repairing it yourself is that this is a surface mount connector. The solder pads are so small, it would be very difficult to solder with a standard soldering iron. Most likely you would apply too much solder and short out the connector. You really need to use a surface mount soldering/desoldering device and that can be fairly expensive. I have done this before but I have access to the right equipment.
Also, there is a possiblility that the printed circuit board tracks have been pulled up off the main board. If that has happened, there's a lot more work involved in fixing that. You might have to put in a different type of power jack and run wires from it to the main board.
If you're going to try to salvage the USB connector, I would remove it completely and install a new one. Over time, these connectors wear out, so you're better off removing the old one and putting a new one in. Again, this all depends upon whether the tracks on the board have been damaged or not.
Please let me know if I can be of further assistance to you.
Good Luck,
- Jim
You also have to know how to take apart the Nuvi.
I started repairing one myself, and am finding much of what sharcnet-usa wrote to be true. I seem to have restored power but now when the charging cable is in use it seems to think that it is hooked up to a computer. Does anyone know what needs to be sent to each pin so that it doesnt think that its talking to a computer?
×
1,027 views
Usually answered in minutes!
I have the same problem. I've had mine for almost 1 year and love it! I noticed the port was loose about a week ago. I tried holding the power cord in there and had to hold it on there hard for it to recognize it and if I held it a certain way then it was thinking it was connected to the computer when it wasn't. Now it won't stay on but maybe 5 seconds because it's not charged. :( I don't think I'll be sending mine to get it fixed either for $125 when I saw at WalMart it was only $130 brand new. I don't know what we paid for it, but if I knew this I wish I had went ahead and bought another for $100 when they were on sale. :S Oh well..
×