Nuvi 50LM no longer updates or even 'connect' to the PC

7880338 1 month ago

I have a Nuvi 50LM still in regular use. I recently tried to update the firmare and the maps. I believe the firmware updated OK, but the maps update failed after only a few minutes. Reconnection to the PC now seems to be almost impossible to achieve. The Nuvi 50LM has a 32Gb microSD card installed which has performed perfectly well for a number of years.

I have already replaced the battery and left it charging for a length of time and tried with a number of different USB cables, directly into the PC and via a (powered) USB hub. The PC is running windows 11.

I last updated the Nuvi 50LM via a windows 10 PC wirh no problems, but that was probably at least 2 years ago.

I have searched for information but little is available. I have even tried installing older versions of GarminExpress (up to 2023) but still with no success.

One thing I have not tried is a full reset which I'm a bit loathed to do but I have got a recent backup which worked during one of the rare times when a connection was achieved.

I get the distinct impression that updating older Garmin Satnavs is being actively inhibited.

Is there any point in pursuaing this any further or is a Nuvi 50LM now effectively 'scrap'? Remember that starting a map update effectively deletes existing maps and as it didn't complete there are now no maps installed.

Thanks in anticipation.

0 9176580 1 month ago

My son updated his in July and all is good.

0 7880338 1 month ago in reply to 9176580

Thanks, glad to know it does still work! I gave it a final try on Thursday and this time it worked for me. I had sorted through all my collection of suitable USB cables and collected up all the USBA to USB Mini ones and one in particular allowed the PC and satnav to communicate with each other and it finally updated the EU & UK map. I ended up a very happy bunny!

0 JohnfromPA 1 month ago in reply to 7880338

If you are using a laptop, make sure you aren’t using any type of hub. In addition make sure what is called Selective Suspend is disabled or the laptop is powered up. Selective suspend turns off some USB ports when operating off battery in an effort to conserve battery power.

0 7880338 1 month ago in reply to JohnfromPA

Good point. The symptoms were that it would run for a short while and then just stop. I was using a laptop and did wonder if it was turning off the power to the USB port, which was of course powering the satnav.