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Unread 06-04-2009, 4:20 PM   #1
 
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Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

G'day all,

I own a Garmin Nuvi 200W and after some investigation I believe there is a broken connection, causing intermittent operation, at the main circuit board for power connector. I've used two different car power cords and get the same results. Running on internal battery works fine.

Is there a specific procedure to part the case halves?

Thanks

Bob
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Unread 06-04-2009, 5:29 PM   #2
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Hello, SeniorSpan! I couldn't find anything specifically regarding taking apart the nüvi 200W - at least nothing with specific instructions or illustrations. I did find this YouTube video regarding taking apart a nüvi 760:
How To Change The Battery On A Garmin Nuvi 760
I know it isn't directly applicable - but perhaps watching it will give you some indication on how to proceed with your GPS unit. Also, you already stated that the battery isn't the problem, but here's a replacement battery link I found (in case any 200W owners do need to replace their worn out batteries):
Garmin nuvi 200W replacement battery at BatteryShip.com
It would be a real boon to the community if you would be willing to take on creating your own tutorial while you're taking your nuvi 200W apart - complete with pictures if possible. That would allow other nuvi 200W owners to learn from your experience...at least what NOT to do!
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Unread 06-05-2009, 10:50 AM   #3
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

It's very easy, really. Carefully peel off the label with the serial number. There are two Torx T5 screws holding the case together. You don't have to peel it off all the way to exposed the screws.
After the screws are removed the case can be taken apart. It is best to use a special plastic tool used by cellphone technicians. They are sold on ebay sometimes as a kit with the needed Torx driver.
Alternatively you can separate the halves with a flat screw driver, but you will most likely damage the case.
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Unread 06-05-2009, 11:38 AM   #4
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

kbattpo, thanks for chiming in! I wasn't aware of the screws hidden under the serial number label on the 200W. The tool you're talking about is basically a flat-bladed screwdriver made of plastic. I use the plastic tool to take apart laptop cases, and it is handy. Mine came from Dell when I ordered a replacement LCD panel. A popsicle stick or other rigid non-metallic item can be used in a pinch. The idea is to have the tool be soft enough that you don't end up mashing the case edges as you gently pry it apart and get the little internal tabs to pop apart....
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Unread 06-05-2009, 8:04 PM   #5
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Thanks to all for the detailed information. Hopefully I can now rectify the erratic power cord connection port operation.

Cheers

Bob
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Unread 06-06-2009, 12:46 AM   #6
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Good luck, SeniorSpan, and let us know how it goes for you! Would you have any interest of snapping photos during your project, and posting a tutorial?
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Unread 06-06-2009, 12:52 AM   #7
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Quote:
Originally Posted by SeniorSpan View Post
G'day all,

I own a Garmin Nuvi 200W and after some investigation I believe there is a broken connection, causing intermittent operation, at the main circuit board for power connector. I've used two different car power cords and get the same results. Running on internal battery works fine.

Is there a specific procedure to part the case halves?

Thanks

Bob
Are you using Garmin's power cords or other USB ones? There has been issues with using non-Garmin chargers, both 12v and 110v. Some thing to do with the pin length in the connector. Might be some thing else to consider if you don't find any problem with it internally.
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Unread 06-06-2009, 1:09 PM   #8
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Hi, Andy! Are the pin lengths a little too short on some of the after-market chargers?
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Unread 06-06-2009, 9:59 PM   #9
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

I don't remember the details but too short may have been part of it. There was another thread on this (not necessarily with a Nuvi 200W).
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Unread 06-07-2009, 11:40 AM   #10
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

G'day all,

As the original Garmin 12V power cord seemed to be causing an intermittent operation I purchased a new 12V power cord. It just happened to be a universal type vs. Garmin and I had the same intermittent problem, hence my decision to "pop the case open".
Before I could clear my work bench I obtained another Garmin 12V power cord. With the new Garmin cord the Nuvi 200w seems to be working as designed so far.
I was happy to read Andy's post before I pulled the case apart; however, if I find I need to go inside the case I will be sure to document the process with pictures and post them here.

Thanks for all the inputs.

Cheers

Bob
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Unread 06-07-2009, 1:00 PM   #11
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

I'm glad that you didn't end up needing to do surgery on your beloved nuvi!

Last edited by HumVee; 06-16-2009 at 7:16 PM. Reason: Changed "did" to "didn't" - which is what I meant to say!
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Unread 06-16-2009, 4:58 PM   #12
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Hello everyone,
I think I may have performed another stupid wiring mistake. In my haste to wire my new NUVI 200w into my motorcycle I didn't take into account the desired voltage drop in the supplied power cord and I wired it strait to 12v dc instead of the desired 5v. Have I totally fried the unit? Is there an internal fuse that safeguards against idiots like me? Any and all advise is welcomed.
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Unread 06-16-2009, 7:21 PM   #13
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Doh! Bummer, bonesboards! I think you're going to have to get the case apart and check.... Even if there was no internal fuse, perhaps you'll be able to see the damage, and work out a way to repair it (if it's simply a slagged solder point or a cracked line...or even a fried resistor). If the damage isn't apparent, or it's too extensive - you'll have to look at purchasing a new unit, or send it in to Garmin with an innocent expression on your face...why no, I have no idea what happened to it!
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Unread 06-18-2009, 1:17 PM   #14
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

bonesboards,

AFAIK there is no fuse inside. At least I've never seen one inside any 2xx/3xx/6xx/7xx Nuvi that I had taken apart. If your Nuvi fails to start now I'd say you most likely have fried an IC on the board. It takes much less current to burn the gate on a FET than to burn through a solid Cu track on a PCB even if that track is hair thin.

A few days ago I wrote on this very subject in another forum: GpsPasSion Forums - Garmin Nuvi 255w hardwiring & volgate
(I am hoping that I am not crossing the line by cross-posting this link). I wish that tread had caught your eye before you started hardwiring the Nuvi into the car.
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Unread 06-18-2009, 2:39 PM   #15
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

kbattpo, thanks for your post! It was informative reading. In regards to the "cross-posting" question, I've come to the conlusion that what the forum admins mean by this is that they don't want to see the same question posted in several different sub-forums here (Introductions, Garmin, Magellan, etc.), so I think you're safe! At least, Andy has never shot me down on this belief!
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Unread 06-19-2009, 2:32 PM   #16
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Quote:
Originally Posted by HumVee View Post
is that they don't want to see the same question posted in several different sub-forums here (Introductions, Garmin, Magellan, etc.), so I think you're safe! At least, Andy has never shot me down on this belief!
Yep, that's what we mean by cross posting.
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Unread 06-21-2009, 10:02 PM   #17
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

HumVee,

the pleasure has been all mine.

As for the cross-posting I'd rather play it on the safe side of the field as not to step on anyone's toes. IME some forums (admittedly non-technical in nature) have frowned upon their members posting links to competing forums hence my questions.
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Unread 12-14-2009, 11:30 AM   #18
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

Disclaimer:

My camera was not available for this install and I am writing this from memory.


Hello All,

I recently replaced a battery in a 200W.(Thanks kbattpo). I peeled up each end of the serial # label and found the torx screws. After loosing those I was able to use the plastic pry tool and carefully pry the case off. You may have the on/off slide switch fall out during this process.

On the circuit board, remove the two visible Phillips screws on the left and one hidden under the silver sticker. Peel back the corner of this sticker(upper left hand corner) carefully so as to be able to use it again when you put back the screw.

Disconnect battery from circuit board. Carefully use a flat head screw driver to pry up the battery. (Battery is glued on).

I used 3m double sided automotive tape for it's adhesion properties in a range of temperatures to seat the new battery.

Once the battery is replaced, begin reassembly of the unit. Be sure to put back the sliver sticker over the one Phillips screw. Do not forget to put the slide switch in.

Make sure all ribbon connectors are attached. I had the far right ribbon cable come out, and my touch screen would not work. I found that that ribbon cable was clamp down to the circuit board with clasp connector (black). Gently pry up the (black) connector and it should open like a door hinge. Put cable on so the connector can make a connection and close connector. Crisis averted!

Put the case together.

Test unit.

I bought the battery and tools on ebay.
1250mAh Li-Polymer Battery w/Tools for Garmin Nuvi 200 - eBay (item 220521698393 end time Jan-03-10 17:44:53 PST)

Last edited by thesid; 12-14-2009 at 11:47 AM. Reason: ...
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Unread 03-14-2010, 11:16 PM   #19
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

I wonder how much trouble I'm in?:
Before finding these posts, I found the screws on my Garmin Nuvi200 and 'worked' on them with my jeweler's screwdriver set (and bad eyesight!). Not able to turn the screws, I finally read more. I picked up a #5 Torx tool at Menards (our upper midwest version of "Lowes") - it is available as a single unit (not in a set) in the "Masterforce" brand for about $3.75.
The screws act stripped out (my better-eyesighted son said "I think you need a bigger Torx" - sounds like I stripped it).
Any ideas out there? If this were a bigger component, I'd try to cut a slot in the head of the screw with a Dremel tool or something. I don't care a bit about cosmetics. How about I drill out the head of this screw - proceed to take the case apart, then use a pliers to remove the screws, and try to find *some* screw to re-fasten the case.
--Anyone give a size estimate and where the heck to buy a Phillips or any version of this screw?---

Just to mention - the reason for all of this is also my own fault: I'd been storing the unit in the under-seat drawer of my Grand-Caravan, and now the power-plug (USB small connector plug) is very loose in the case and only rarely makes connection, the internal battery is almost exhausted for lack of charge.
I'm hoping to get inside and repair this connector - what are my chances? It may be a physical problem (glueing to case fixes it?) but if it's electrically disconecting from the PCB, I'm in a world of hurt, I realize.

Thanks folks - great forum you have here.
--Now you know why I chose the userID "CircuitBrkr"!
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Unread 03-15-2010, 6:40 PM   #20
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

circuitbrkr, if you've managed to strip the posts that the torx screws go into, then they shouldn't be much impedement to you gently prying apart the to halves of the shell. I tried to find a YouTube video of someone replacing the LCD or battery on a Garmin nüvi 200, but was unsuccessful. You can look at the links for the n760 I posted above in post #2 to give you some ideas. If you want to proceed on your own (after all, what to do you have to lose), just be sure to use a plastic or wooden pry tool (like a popsicle stick that has been cut ground down to a chisel shape) to work the two halves apart. A flat blade screwdriver is too hard, and will seriously mar the plastic edges. If you're uncomfortable with doing the repair, I hear that Garmin will do it for you for a flat $100 fee....
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Unread 03-16-2010, 1:15 AM   #21
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

I'm busy for a few days - but then I'll work on this again. If I get anywhere, I'll take pictures. I still have enough of a head on the screws that it would be hard to pull the case 'over' them. I'll have to drill them out carefully and hope I can put some new screws in their place later. Thanks for the popsicle stick recommendation - I've messed up the case enough as it is, would be nice to keep it at least close-able (If I'm able to get the power connector to connect reliably again). Hmmm, I wonder what Garmin would say about fixing this for $100 after user-interference. I got the unit for free for signing up for a credit card, and really don't have the $100 to get it going via the factory.
Users take note: don't store the unit with the power cord plugged in - just too much chance of damaging the internal connector (he says with 20/20 hindsight).
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Unread 03-27-2010, 12:17 AM   #22
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

I finally got back to this: I declared the screws a lost cause and drilled out the heads. The case came apart easily after that. 3 screws and the circuit board was off, showing the extreme trouble I'm in. The 4 connectors for the USP connector are spaced so closely that I don't see a way to hand solder this. I'm contacting Garmin - opening the case was probably a bad move. Now you can see, at least, that the Nuvi 200 is like all the others for battery replacement - very do-able. So some good was served by all this(?)
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garmin-nuvi-200w-case-removal-garmin-nuvi-200-001.jpg  garmin-nuvi-200w-case-removal-garmin-nuvi-200-002.jpg  garmin-nuvi-200w-case-removal-garmin-nuvi-200-003.jpg  garmin-nuvi-200w-case-removal-garmin-nuvi-200-004.jpg  garmin-nuvi-200w-case-removal-garmin-nuvi-200-005.jpg  

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Unread 06-01-2010, 3:34 PM   #23
 
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Re: Garmin Nuvi 200W case removal

I am having the same problem with our Nuvi 200 here at work. Finding this thread made this job easier and I see that all I need to do is re-solder the ground straps on the mini-USB connector. And to confirm the case screw sizes, they are torx T-5.5 (T-5 is too small and T-6 is too large).
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