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Garmin Nuvi 1490T will not update

I picked up an older Nuvi 1490T for cheap and the unit works, but it has 2013 maps on it. I have installed Garmin Express and the program detects the device with no issues. When I try to change the map region to the U.S., I keep getting "there was an error installing the update". I have tried uninstalling and reinstalling Express and it keeps giving me the same error over and over again. I've even tried allowing the program to install to my computer (the option that says it will install Basecamp, etc.) and I get the same "error installing update" and I have plenty of space. The GPS unit itself updated to the latest software version of 6.30 with no issues, it's just trying to get maps switched over and everything I try to do it gives me the same error. I have even gone so far as to reset the unit to factory settings to clear off old data and it still does not work. The unit has a 32gb SD card which is good and formatted, so it's not a space issue. The connecting cable is fine since my computer can communicate with it with no issues. I've tried disabling virus programs and everything else that I can find recommended online but nothing seems to work. Every once in a while it will begin updating, but then it stalls at around 30% and gives me the same "error installing update" again. I've had other Garmin units in the past and have never had this issue and I can't figure out why in the world it will not update.

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0 SUSSAMB over 2 years ago

If you've tried the FAQ on this topic, links often given in this forum so I assume you have from your comments, and that hasn't worked then you'll need to call Product Support

0 JohnfromPA over 2 years ago

Are you using the 1490T with a microSD memory card? Newer maps have gotten much larger and need that card. If you need a card, they are inexpensive, just don't get anything below 8 GB or over 32 GB.

0 SUSSAMB over 2 years ago in reply to JohnfromPA

He says he has a 32Gb card

0 JohnfromPA over 2 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

Whoops, so he does...sorry!

0 7098443 over 2 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

I talked to product support yesterday and their solution was for me to buy a new one since I had already tried everything to troubleshoot it. Don't think I'll be buying a Garmin stand alone GPS after this experience though.

0 SUSSAMB over 2 years ago in reply to 7098443

I'm surprised as along with newer devices I have a 1490 and it updates perfectly. You might see if using the cloning method works, see www.poi-factory.com/.../39231

0 7098443 over 2 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

I'm honestly a bit surprised as well since I have never had an issue with Garmin products in the past. I have a Garmin Instinct watch for hiking and I've never had issues with stand alone units in the past, but it's probably been over 10 years since I've tried using a stand alone unit. I'll look at the link you sent - thanks.

0 7098443 over 2 years ago in reply to SUSSAMB

I tried the cloning method and I get the exact same error - it simply won't update and I can't figure out what the issue is.

0 JohnfromPA over 2 years ago in reply to 7098443

Could this be a problem caused by the fact that the “lifetime” maps feature expires after approximately two years; e. G., the device needs to be updated on a regular basis?

0 7098443 over 2 years ago in reply to JohnfromPA

Dunno, maybe? I was only trying to get the lower 49 U.S. map installed since it has western region currently setup. Device has 2013 maps on it and I would think if all I was trying to do was change maps there wouldn't be some sort of engineered obsolescence thing kicking in preventing an older device from working. I definitely did not want to pay for additional maps if I can't even get the existing old ones to work.