On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out

borat · 02-09-2010, 10:17 PM

As I had mentioned in one of my previous posts, I was leaving on a vacation in Hawaii. Well, we spent a couple days in Oahu and left for the big island today. We landed at Kona and got our rental car. I put in the Nuvi 255W and plugged in the 12 volt adapter. I turned it on and all it does is show loading maps, the green line goes almost to the end then cycles through again and again and again and.... well I'm sure you get it. I plugged it into my laptop and tried to access the GPS. Same results and the computer cannot detect the GPS.

I was depending on this device to help us navigate the island. We've never been here before and have a fair amount of driving to do. I'm sure we'll get by using maps but needless to say, this is a very disappointing failure. I had hoped to save my tracks to load into my computer.

I know this is a long shot but if someone has any idea how to get around this, I'd really appreciate it.

If anyone has had this experience before, I'd like to hear from you too.

I'm glad I brought my laptop.

Thanks.

HumVee · 02-09-2010, 11:07 PM

borat, things sound bad, but here's some things you can try:

Remove the storage card, and then try to boot - to see if the problem is with corrupted data on your storage card. If it works, then you'll have to try to figure out what file is corrupted on your data card, or just reformat and reload it.
Try hard resetting the GPS unit. I think on the 255W, you press and hold the power button to the on setting for more than 8 seconds. You may lose your saved data - I'm not sure.

You say that the device won't go into storage mode when you try to connect it to your laptop via USB cable? Try again after the hard reset (if that worked). If you can get it into mass storage mode, download and apply the latest firmware and then try booting it up again. Does anyone else have advice or ideas? Good luck!

borat · 02-10-2010, 1:08 AM

I had tried to do a hard reset a few times. Got no response either with a storage card in it or out of it. I had recently updated the firmware to the latest available version. All was working well until this condition arose.

The good news is that when I unplugged the device from the laptop because it wasn't even being recognized by the computer, and plugged it into an AC battery charger, it came to life and seems to be working. I was given an option to "restore" the device so I did that. I have since turned it off and on a couple times and appears to be working.

The bad news is that I cannot figure out why the GPS receiver malfunctioned in the first place.

HumVee:

What do you suggest I do now? Should I leave it as it is or should I reload the firmware?

Since performing the "restore" function, I've lost all previous inputted data and tracks. Not happy with that but hey! I have a working receiver now.

HumVee · 02-10-2010, 2:34 AM

borat, my zumo 660 freaked out on me this evening, while I was trying to help another forum member with a route download issue. Each time I downloaded his route to my GPS, it would run for about 10 seconds on boot, then shut down! I haven't figured out what in the heck could be wrong with the GPX file to make this happen (except that there may just be too many waypoints) - but it's consistent, and freaking me out that it's so easy to brick a GPS device! I will likely end up reporting this to Garmin Support so they can help figure out exactly what is going on, so they can fix it in a future firmware update.

I ended up reinstalling the latest firmware patch for my z660 three times in thirty minutes - because I'm a persistent idiot, and wanted to confirm that it was the route download that was crashing my GPS (and trying to figure ways to modify the route so it wouldn't cause this condition). Each time I ran the patch, I restored my zumo to a stable condition, and could perform every normal activity I tried (until I tried downloading the damn route again). Eventually, I figured out that there's something going on with the "temp.gpx" file in the device's main storage (\Garmin\GPX folder), and if I deleted the file or renamed the extension it would restore stability to my device.

Anyway, what I learned this evening is that GPS devices are surprisingly easy to bring down (if you happen to hit upon the right set of circumstances) - AND that reinstalling the firmware is not a bad idea when it comes to trying to fix an issue. It may even help!

It also doesn't hurt to nuke the "temp.gpx" file, if you suspect it's the culprit. I will also be checking every route I download to my device before I head out on a trip that depends on those routes! I know it's not quite the same conditions that's causing your issue, since the 255W doesn't store routes - but reloading the firmware can't hurt, and if you have a "temp.gpx" file it wouldn't hurt to delete or rename that either.

borat · 02-10-2010, 11:26 PM

I haven't been able to re-install the firmware. The USB cable I brought along is only good for charging the receiver battery. I found that out when the computer couldn't find the the Nuvi. Not a chance of finding one around here in Waikoloa. However, if you have a spare four to six grand, you can buy a couple pieces of real nice blown glass.... Just what I need. I'll probably be able to pick up a cable when I get to Hilo. Otherwise, I'll pick one up when we get to Maui next week.

Been trying to post some pics but even when I reduce the file size to required limits, it still won't allow me to post.

Thanks for the help HumVee.

HumVee · 02-11-2010, 12:36 AM

The cable you need is just a standard USB A to mini-B data cable. It's used by lots of devices, from computer peripherals to digital cameras. You might check your camera kit and see if you have one in there. Or you might check cell phone kiosks or stores to see if they have a sync cable you can purchase. Many brands of SmartPhones phones use the USB A to mini-B cable to connect to computers to sync data.

You're right that there are USB charging cables that have the data wires missing, and just provide the wires to provide 5 volts for charging accessories, and are very hard to tell apart from the data cables - so make sure anything you buy says data on it. In any case, it sounds like your nuvi is back up and running, regardless. Woot!

Enjoy your trip, borat, and try not to let setbacks diminish your experience. It sounds like your rolling with it and having a good trip. Know that I'm envious of you - I haven't been back to Hawaii since I was a little boy....

borat · 02-11-2010, 1:44 PM

Yeah. This is my first time in Hawaii. From what I've seen so far, Oahu (Waikiki in particular) seems to the the mecca for the surfing crowd as well as beach bums and what appeared to be high numbers of homeless people living in tents in the parks down by beach. The main drag is very busy. With the number of Asian visitors, it's hard to believe the Japanese didn't win the war. I've never been anywhere in North America where Japanese is spoken as a second language. There is certainly a very high number of tourists from Japan and Australia. You have to wonder why people from hot climates to to other hot climates for a vacation. I assume it's for the cultural experience.

Landing at Kona on the big island reminded me of the desolation of the pictures I've seen of East Island for some reason. Not that
Easter Island is all lava. Kona airport is situated in a field of black lava peppered with tufts of dried brown grass as far as the eye can see. The 18 mile ride from Kona to Waikoloa was on a nice highway carved through the lava field. The scale of the lava field is hard to really get your head around. It's huge. I'd estimate it must be close to 50 miles across. Even the resort area that we're in is carved out of the lava. All around the complex are open areas of lava that have been left untouched. Many have hieroglyphics several hundreds of years old carved in them. Walking trails are carefully laid out winding their way through them to allow visitors to view them.

This is also a much more laid back island. Not as busy as Oahu but tourists are here in numbers as well. The Waikoloa resort area is a diamond in the rough. This place is oozing with big money. Lots of high end shops and $46.00 filet mignons if you're not willing to look around for a better priced meal. We had a fantastic New York strip at a place call Macaroni's last night for half the price and it was about as good as any I've had anywhere, including home barbecue.

If you're interested, go to Google Earth and zoom in on Waikoloa the find the Hilton complex. I've been to a few places and I have to say that this is the first time I've seen a resort with it's own air conditioned commuter train as well as a canal system for moving people around their grounds. It's huge and beautiful. There are a series of lagoons on the property that are all refreshed by tidal action. Some have a variety of fish in them and a few are occupied by at least fifteen dolphins. It's truly a very impressive place.

They say it's been over 150 years since lava has flowed in this area. Not sure if I would have had the courage to dump hundreds of millions into a place that Pele could reclaim any day if she decided to do so. However, I'm thankful people did take the chance to build here. I highly recommend it.

Tomorrow, we're off to Hilo for a helo ride over Volcanoes National Park during the day then do a night tour of it on foot as well.

HumVee · 02-11-2010, 5:21 PM

Thanks for the travel blog! Interesting reading. I believe that Japan actually sits farther north than most of the USA, and is actually overall cooler. And with Hawaii being so close, that might explain why it's such a favored vacation destination.

borat · 02-11-2010, 8:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumVee

Thanks for the travel blog! Interesting reading. I believe that Japan actually sits farther north than most of the USA, and is actually overall cooler. And with Hawaii being so close, that might explain why it's such a favored vacation destination.

Yeah.

When I made the comment about people in warm climates, I was referring mostly to the Australians. Chances are they go to Hawaii to cool off. Temperatures here are in the 80s but there's a pretty stout wind blowing steadily out of the east. Despite the winds, the surf is coming in from the west and it's tremendous in places. I was told that they were supposed to get 35 ft. waves on the north shore of Oahu (Sunset Beach and the Pipeline) yesterday and today. The beach we were on today (Hapuna) had 10 to 15 foot waves thundering in and they were impressive. Can only imagine waves two or three times bigger!

We took a short drive up to Waimea for lunch. Quite a contrast from down at shoreline where it's hot and dry. The town is around 2800 ft. in elevation and it was raining and a bit cooler there.

The Nuvi seems to be working as intended by the way. For some reason, it seems to have gotten over it's glitch and is doing a fine job.

Far better navigator than the old lady!

HumVee · 02-11-2010, 10:44 PM

Careful! The "old lady" might end up beating you over the head with that nuvi!

borat · 02-18-2010, 11:22 PM

Well, I did the Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour on the big island. First class outfit alright. However, things could have been better. Being cooped up with some stinking sombich in close quarters was the first disappointment. The inside of the machine reeked of body odour once all the passengers had boarded. If anyone had a queazy stomach, that would have certainly had the "comfort bag" to their face... Disgusting.

The tour was equivalent go going to Disney World with the power off. Due to the drought, the water falls were dried up and old madame Pele wasn't cooperating either. The flying was fun nonetheless. Lots of side to side banking to give everyone a chance to see the "sights". Pilot/guide was great. Very informative with an excellent sense of humour and most probably a dulled sense of smell.

Got to run for dinner...

borat · 02-25-2010, 1:56 PM

Well the Nuvi 255W has crapped out again. Doing the same thing. Cycling "loading maps" restart, "loading maps" restart...on and on and on.... Reset doesn't work either.

It's going back to Garmin. I've had it with this thing.

HumVee · 02-25-2010, 2:31 PM

That's understandable, borat! Maybe it has some bad flash memory. Hopefully, your replacement will treat you better! Your experience has made me update my vacation travel checklist to include both of my GPS units (in case the main one fails). I've always done that for bike trips, but didn't consider it for vacation plans with the family....

astainback · 02-25-2010, 2:47 PM

If I had to guess, I would say that it is the mem. card.
Does that unit take a full sized SD or a micro?
Take a look at the connectors and see if they are clean.
You can clean them with a pencil eraser. Be gentle though!
I would not put anything wet on them.
The connectors on the inside of the device could be dirty, but I doubt you can get to them.
Do you have a different card that you can use?
If you could get the error, pull the card and enter a new one, and it work, then put the original back in and get the error, I think you may have found the issue.

borat · 02-25-2010, 6:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astainback

If I had to guess, I would say that it is the mem. card.
Does that unit take a full sized SD or a micro?
Take a look at the connectors and see if they are clean.
You can clean them with a pencil eraser. Be gentle though!
I would not put anything wet on them.
The connectors on the inside of the device could be dirty, but I doubt you can get to them.
Do you have a different card that you can use?
If you could get the error, pull the card and enter a new one, and it work, then put the original back in and get the error, I think you may have found the issue.

Thanks for going through the procedures but there is no card in the unit. It does it without a card in it. Very frustrating. The next time I go on a vacation, I'll be taking the Map 76 with me too. Never had any problems with that one and it will track while in an airplane. I like the Nuvi but not too crazy about this one.

I was pretty lucky this time. When I got home, I managed to download my Hawaii tracks. Happy about that. I would be none too happy if I had lost them.

borat · 03-09-2010, 9:27 PM

I brought the defective Nuvi back to where we bought it (Staples) and they replaced it with a new one.

I've updated the firmware and also loaded the latest version of CNNA NT 2010.40 maps. Everything is looking good so far. I was a bit surprised that I couldn't use the CNNA NT 2010 that I had downloaded for the other unit. I had to download the entire 2.4 GB file all over again. The good news is that the install and update process went very smoothly with virtually no input after initiating the download other than agreeing to the license.

Will have to see how long this baby holds up. We got the extended warranty with this one.

HumVee · 03-09-2010, 9:33 PM

borat, the download is linked to the serial number of the unit. That's to prevent you from purchasing a lifetime subscription for one Garmin GPS unit, and then sharing the subscription with all your friends, family & neighbors. Since your "one free update" still follows the same registration & download model as the paid one-time downloads and lifetime subscriptions, they are still locked to only one device. I wish that the Garmin agreement allowed you to update multiple Garmins that were registered to you, but I can see where they're coming from, too....

borat · 03-10-2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumVee

borat, the download is linked to the serial number of the unit. That's to prevent you from purchasing a lifetime subscription for one Garmin GPS unit, and then sharing the subscription with all your friends, family & neighbors. Since your "one free update" still follows the same registration & download model as the paid one-time downloads and lifetime subscriptions, they are still locked to only one device. I wish that the Garmin agreement allowed you to update multiple Garmins that were registered to you, but I can see where they're coming from, too....

You would think that they'd control that with the use of a key rather than requiring a 50 minute download from their site.

Either way, the install went well, maps are all up to date. Everything is good so far. I'll be taking it out for some testing soon.

HumVee · 03-10-2010, 10:39 AM

I hope this one proves more reliable for you!

02-09-2010, 10:17 PM	#1
borat Join Date: Nov 14 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 43	On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out As I had mentioned in one of my previous posts, I was leaving on a vacation in Hawaii. Well, we spent a couple days in Oahu and left for the big island today. We landed at Kona and got our rental car. I put in the Nuvi 255W and plugged in the 12 volt adapter. I turned it on and all it does is show loading maps, the green line goes almost to the end then cycles through again and again and again and.... well I'm sure you get it. I plugged it into my laptop and tried to access the GPS. Same results and the computer cannot detect the GPS. I was depending on this device to help us navigate the island. We've never been here before and have a fair amount of driving to do. I'm sure we'll get by using maps but needless to say, this is a very disappointing failure. I had hoped to save my tracks to load into my computer. I know this is a long shot but if someone has any idea how to get around this, I'd really appreciate it. If anyone has had this experience before, I'd like to hear from you too. I'm glad I brought my laptop. Thanks.

02-09-2010, 11:07 PM	#2
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out borat, things sound bad, but here's some things you can try: Remove the storage card, and then try to boot - to see if the problem is with corrupted data on your storage card. If it works, then you'll have to try to figure out what file is corrupted on your data card, or just reformat and reload it. Try hard resetting the GPS unit. I think on the 255W, you press and hold the power button to the on setting for more than 8 seconds. You may lose your saved data - I'm not sure. You say that the device won't go into storage mode when you try to connect it to your laptop via USB cable? Try again after the hard reset (if that worked). If you can get it into mass storage mode, download and apply the latest firmware and then try booting it up again. Does anyone else have advice or ideas? Good luck!

02-10-2010, 1:08 AM	#3
borat Join Date: Nov 14 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 43	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out I had tried to do a hard reset a few times. Got no response either with a storage card in it or out of it. I had recently updated the firmware to the latest available version. All was working well until this condition arose. The good news is that when I unplugged the device from the laptop because it wasn't even being recognized by the computer, and plugged it into an AC battery charger, it came to life and seems to be working. I was given an option to "restore" the device so I did that. I have since turned it off and on a couple times and appears to be working. The bad news is that I cannot figure out why the GPS receiver malfunctioned in the first place. HumVee: What do you suggest I do now? Should I leave it as it is or should I reload the firmware? Since performing the "restore" function, I've lost all previous inputted data and tracks. Not happy with that but hey! I have a working receiver now.

02-10-2010, 2:34 AM	#4
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out borat, my zumo 660 freaked out on me this evening, while I was trying to help another forum member with a route download issue. Each time I downloaded his route to my GPS, it would run for about 10 seconds on boot, then shut down! I haven't figured out what in the heck could be wrong with the GPX file to make this happen (except that there may just be too many waypoints) - but it's consistent, and freaking me out that it's so easy to brick a GPS device! I will likely end up reporting this to Garmin Support so they can help figure out exactly what is going on, so they can fix it in a future firmware update. I ended up reinstalling the latest firmware patch for my z660 three times in thirty minutes - because I'm a persistent idiot, and wanted to confirm that it was the route download that was crashing my GPS (and trying to figure ways to modify the route so it wouldn't cause this condition). Each time I ran the patch, I restored my zumo to a stable condition, and could perform every normal activity I tried (until I tried downloading the damn route again). Eventually, I figured out that there's something going on with the "temp.gpx" file in the device's main storage (\Garmin\GPX folder), and if I deleted the file or renamed the extension it would restore stability to my device. Anyway, what I learned this evening is that GPS devices are surprisingly easy to bring down (if you happen to hit upon the right set of circumstances) - AND that reinstalling the firmware is not a bad idea when it comes to trying to fix an issue. It may even help! It also doesn't hurt to nuke the "temp.gpx" file, if you suspect it's the culprit. I will also be checking every route I download to my device before I head out on a trip that depends on those routes! I know it's not quite the same conditions that's causing your issue, since the 255W doesn't store routes - but reloading the firmware can't hurt, and if you have a "temp.gpx" file it wouldn't hurt to delete or rename that either.

02-10-2010, 11:26 PM	#5
borat Join Date: Nov 14 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 43	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out I haven't been able to re-install the firmware. The USB cable I brought along is only good for charging the receiver battery. I found that out when the computer couldn't find the the Nuvi. Not a chance of finding one around here in Waikoloa. However, if you have a spare four to six grand, you can buy a couple pieces of real nice blown glass.... Just what I need. I'll probably be able to pick up a cable when I get to Hilo. Otherwise, I'll pick one up when we get to Maui next week. Been trying to post some pics but even when I reduce the file size to required limits, it still won't allow me to post. Thanks for the help HumVee.

02-11-2010, 12:36 AM	#6
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out The cable you need is just a standard USB A to mini-B data cable. It's used by lots of devices, from computer peripherals to digital cameras. You might check your camera kit and see if you have one in there. Or you might check cell phone kiosks or stores to see if they have a sync cable you can purchase. Many brands of SmartPhones phones use the USB A to mini-B cable to connect to computers to sync data. You're right that there are USB charging cables that have the data wires missing, and just provide the wires to provide 5 volts for charging accessories, and are very hard to tell apart from the data cables - so make sure anything you buy says data on it. In any case, it sounds like your nuvi is back up and running, regardless. Woot! Enjoy your trip, borat, and try not to let setbacks diminish your experience. It sounds like your rolling with it and having a good trip. Know that I'm envious of you - I haven't been back to Hawaii since I was a little boy....

02-11-2010, 1:44 PM	#7
borat Join Date: Nov 14 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 43	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out Yeah. This is my first time in Hawaii. From what I've seen so far, Oahu (Waikiki in particular) seems to the the mecca for the surfing crowd as well as beach bums and what appeared to be high numbers of homeless people living in tents in the parks down by beach. The main drag is very busy. With the number of Asian visitors, it's hard to believe the Japanese didn't win the war. I've never been anywhere in North America where Japanese is spoken as a second language. There is certainly a very high number of tourists from Japan and Australia. You have to wonder why people from hot climates to to other hot climates for a vacation. I assume it's for the cultural experience. Landing at Kona on the big island reminded me of the desolation of the pictures I've seen of East Island for some reason. Not that Easter Island is all lava. Kona airport is situated in a field of black lava peppered with tufts of dried brown grass as far as the eye can see. The 18 mile ride from Kona to Waikoloa was on a nice highway carved through the lava field. The scale of the lava field is hard to really get your head around. It's huge. I'd estimate it must be close to 50 miles across. Even the resort area that we're in is carved out of the lava. All around the complex are open areas of lava that have been left untouched. Many have hieroglyphics several hundreds of years old carved in them. Walking trails are carefully laid out winding their way through them to allow visitors to view them. This is also a much more laid back island. Not as busy as Oahu but tourists are here in numbers as well. The Waikoloa resort area is a diamond in the rough. This place is oozing with big money. Lots of high end shops and $46.00 filet mignons if you're not willing to look around for a better priced meal. We had a fantastic New York strip at a place call Macaroni's last night for half the price and it was about as good as any I've had anywhere, including home barbecue. If you're interested, go to Google Earth and zoom in on Waikoloa the find the Hilton complex. I've been to a few places and I have to say that this is the first time I've seen a resort with it's own air conditioned commuter train as well as a canal system for moving people around their grounds. It's huge and beautiful. There are a series of lagoons on the property that are all refreshed by tidal action. Some have a variety of fish in them and a few are occupied by at least fifteen dolphins. It's truly a very impressive place. They say it's been over 150 years since lava has flowed in this area. Not sure if I would have had the courage to dump hundreds of millions into a place that Pele could reclaim any day if she decided to do so. However, I'm thankful people did take the chance to build here. I highly recommend it. Tomorrow, we're off to Hilo for a helo ride over Volcanoes National Park during the day then do a night tour of it on foot as well.

02-11-2010, 5:21 PM	#8
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out Thanks for the travel blog! Interesting reading. I believe that Japan actually sits farther north than most of the USA, and is actually overall cooler. And with Hawaii being so close, that might explain why it's such a favored vacation destination.

02-11-2010, 10:44 PM	#10
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out Careful! The "old lady" might end up beating you over the head with that nuvi!

02-18-2010, 11:22 PM	#11
borat Join Date: Nov 14 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 43	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out Well, I did the Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour on the big island. First class outfit alright. However, things could have been better. Being cooped up with some stinking sombich in close quarters was the first disappointment. The inside of the machine reeked of body odour once all the passengers had boarded. If anyone had a queazy stomach, that would have certainly had the "comfort bag" to their face... Disgusting. The tour was equivalent go going to Disney World with the power off. Due to the drought, the water falls were dried up and old madame Pele wasn't cooperating either. The flying was fun nonetheless. Lots of side to side banking to give everyone a chance to see the "sights". Pilot/guide was great. Very informative with an excellent sense of humour and most probably a dulled sense of smell. Got to run for dinner...

02-25-2010, 1:56 PM	#12
borat Join Date: Nov 14 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 43	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out Well the Nuvi 255W has crapped out again. Doing the same thing. Cycling "loading maps" restart, "loading maps" restart...on and on and on.... Reset doesn't work either. It's going back to Garmin. I've had it with this thing.

02-25-2010, 2:31 PM	#13
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out That's understandable, borat! Maybe it has some bad flash memory. Hopefully, your replacement will treat you better! Your experience has made me update my vacation travel checklist to include both of my GPS units (in case the main one fails). I've always done that for bike trips, but didn't consider it for vacation plans with the family....

02-25-2010, 2:47 PM	#14
astainback Join Date: Aug 04 2009 Location: NC Posts: 18	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out If I had to guess, I would say that it is the mem. card. Does that unit take a full sized SD or a micro? Take a look at the connectors and see if they are clean. You can clean them with a pencil eraser. Be gentle though! I would not put anything wet on them. The connectors on the inside of the device could be dirty, but I doubt you can get to them. Do you have a different card that you can use? If you could get the error, pull the card and enter a new one, and it work, then put the original back in and get the error, I think you may have found the issue.

03-09-2010, 9:27 PM	#16
borat Join Date: Nov 14 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 43	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out I brought the defective Nuvi back to where we bought it (Staples) and they replaced it with a new one. I've updated the firmware and also loaded the latest version of CNNA NT 2010.40 maps. Everything is looking good so far. I was a bit surprised that I couldn't use the CNNA NT 2010 that I had downloaded for the other unit. I had to download the entire 2.4 GB file all over again. The good news is that the install and update process went very smoothly with virtually no input after initiating the download other than agreeing to the license. Will have to see how long this baby holds up. We got the extended warranty with this one.

03-09-2010, 9:33 PM	#17
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out borat, the download is linked to the serial number of the unit. That's to prevent you from purchasing a lifetime subscription for one Garmin GPS unit, and then sharing the subscription with all your friends, family & neighbors. Since your "one free update" still follows the same registration & download model as the paid one-time downloads and lifetime subscriptions, they are still locked to only one device. I wish that the Garmin agreement allowed you to update multiple Garmins that were registered to you, but I can see where they're coming from, too....

03-10-2010, 10:39 AM	#19
HumVee Join Date: May 11 2009 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,254	Re: On the Big Island and Nuvi 255W Crapped Out I hope this one proves more reliable for you!