Garmin etrex vista screen disappearing and coming back. batteries fine, seems a commonish prob but HOW TO FIX?. Regards nav man

Hello :

It seems that the batteries are dead . You need to replace them . When battery is dead it can't be recharged anymore .
If that didn't fix the problem , then I recommend you to clean the batteries base where the batteries set with a q-tip and alcohol containing liquid .

PLEASE RATE !

REGARDS .

two day old unit is under warranty for replacement take it back to the store and get it replaced and be firm!

Call Garmin customer service, they are wonderful. My rubber thing around the outside became loose,and they sent me a new unit, even though it was almost 2 years old.

The unit needs to have the screen facing up. The unit will not read if it is vertical. Garmin cust serv finally helped me with that one. Once you turn on the unit, it could take up to 20 minutes (usually about 3) to grab satelites.

The problem is that your software version needs updating. A recently added satellite creates a glitch in the older software. Go to the Garmin website, load WebUpdater if you haven't already done so, and the updated version (3.8) will automatically install to your Garmin unit. I had the same symptoms, they have now disappeared and my Etrex Vista is back to normal.

People! The problem is that your software version needs updating. A recently added satellite creates a glitch in the older software. Go to the Garmin website, load WebUpdater if you haven't already done so, and the updated version (3.8) will automatically install to your Garmin unit. I had the same symptoms, they have now disappeared and my Etrex Vista is back to normal.

Have you updated your Garmin unit software recently?

I have been having the same issue. I have both the Topo and City Nav software. I seems more consistent when using the City Nav data. Changed microSD cards brand and still the same issue. I was told to also update to 2.60, but it did not help

Thanks to a hint from a user on another web forum, I have found a fix, at least for now.

Specifically, a normal "master rest" on the eTrex Vista is accomplished by holding down the "Page" button and "Enter" (i.e. the click stick) while powering up. You are prompted that a full reset will occur, and after confirming, the machine is reset. However, in my case, this achieved a full reset, but did not fix the date problem.

However, the undocumented "super master reset" on the eTrex Vista is achieved by simultaneously holding down the "Page, "Enter" and "Find" buttons while powering up. You have to hold all buttons in for about 5 to 7 seconds, and you DON'T get the warning message, but when the machine finally restarts, it is fully reset. After acquiring a satellite fix (took several minutes) - lo and behold - my time AND date both seem to be correct!

Oddly, neither Garmin tech support nor the local reseller seemed to know about this method of REALLY resetting the machine - I will pass on the information to them, for future reference.

The link which documents the "super master reset" procedure is here: http://www.gpsinformation.org/dale/secret.htm#reset

Hope this might also help other eTrex Vista owners who are experiencing the same date problem.

11-08-07
I had the same problem with an etrex Vista. I spoke with Garmin, they said that a recently launched WAAS satellite is interferring with some models (he mentioned it is the models with a black and white screen). Garmin tech support said that they're working on a software patch but for the meantime switch WAAS off.

Call Garmin tech support with any questions or to find out about the software patch, 1-800-800-1020