This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Garmin nuvi 255w TURN OFF in about 30 secs during map update

Former Member
Former Member
my relative is getting married in NY TOMORROW AND THIS DAMN THING WON'T BE UPDATED. NOW SINCE THIS DEVICE IS IN UPDATE I CAN'T EVEN USE THIS. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS?

why? why why why? why why why why? why do you have to be turned off if not active for certain amount of time DURING UPDATE? what am I going to use when I get to NY? I'm working tonight so won't be back until midnight and I'm leaving early around 8am via plane to NYC. why do you have to do this now?

I can't do anything with this. I can't access since it's still in the process of update so whenever I get to main menu it says map is not available. I can't update because this device get turned off DURING THE UPDATE. and again it happened. WHY?????????????????????????????????? what else get turned off during the update and force you to start again and get stuck in infinite loop?
  • If the nuvi itself is turning off, I would guess it is the power saving settings on you computer shutting down the USB port after a certain amount of inactivity. You might check the power saving preferences in your computer setup.
  • VaygrEmpire

    Sorry to hear that you are having these last minute issues. Express should keep the computer from going to sleep. If the device is shutting off I would suggest changing port/cable to see if that works.

    Albert
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 9 years ago
    I've been trying real hard to fix this thing

    but it doesn't matter what I do. Garmin device turns off in 30 seconds. Period. I've tried changing port, tried to change the port setting (which is already never sleep mode). I'm going to try to hit Best Buy or any other Garmin technical support around my home and see if THEY can figure out what's going on.

    Also, is there way to refund map update lifetime membership? If they can't fix it, I don't want to bother with Garmin product in the future AGAIN.
  • VaygrEmpire

    Have you tried using a different computer? It could be that the computer is not supplying enough power to keep the device turned on. Is it a desktop or a laptop? If a desktop, use a port on the back of the tower, the ones on the front are typically hubs that are extensions off the back and could be causing power or communication issues. I recommend calling Product Support by phone if neither of these suggestions work.

    Lisa
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 9 years ago
    Well, I just stopped by Micro Center to see if THEY can fix

    and nope same thing happened. (unless you are telling me Micro Center doesn't have enough power to keep up with GPS device)

    Right now I'm trying to do manual update as suggested by Micro Center but I'm having a few problems.

    1. Do you guys support old Garmin nuvi 255w any more?
    2. If you do, how come I find not a single same file with newly downloaded "City Navigator North America NT 2015.40.gmap" when I compare every single file with existing data in nuvi 255w?
    3. I found error folder inside my device. Would this be helpful for you guys?
    4. Micro Center suggested that the device might be defect unit if manual install fails as well. Now, I've been using this device for 5+ years so my only other option is to grab a new one and the reload my data on it.
    5. This is what I figured out so far. Whenever I connect my device to Garmin express it says my device is fully updated. But, I know it's not because 1. it gets turned off in middle of update; 2. if I turn it on after disconnecting from PC it said map is not fully updated (it actually says there's no map to read on which means same). Based on other places Garmin Express DOWNLOADED THE UPDATE AND "TRIED" to update my device so to the Garmin Express, my device is fully updated. But since my device get turned off in middle it's not correctly updated therefore your program inside nuvi 255w forces device to display message like "there's no map to read on."
    6. Trying another option called "MapInstall." I chose few (6) states and tried to put them in which was no success because device turned off again. This time I'm only trying the state where I live (2 pieces) and if this doesn't work as well, I am the unlucky one with defect product that disguised as working product for a few years. Hey, it worked for 2 pieces. IT WORKED FOR 2 PIECES OF THE MAP. 2 PIECES!





    I honestly would stick with other popular GPS application on my phone but my parents are visiting me for ONE MONTH and they need GPS to go somewhere.

    You know what? I'm so coming to you guys. I'm going to grab my GPS and drive all the way to KS (and no, I'm going to use my phone to drive to over there) and let you deal with this problem. OR refund on my map update.
  • VaygrEmpire,

    If you do not wish to contact support and instead wish to drive to the service center you can do this:
    What services are offered by the Kansas City Area Customer Service Center?

    However, when a device randomly shuts off it is typically an issue with power. I would highly suggest talking to our device people and letting them help you.

    Albert