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eTrex Venture HC won't boot up

Former Member
Former Member
I have a strange issue going on. When I power up my Venture HC, the Garmin logo displays, then two loading messages, but when it starts the Looking for Satellites process, the screen fades and it powers down. This occurs with fresh batteries as well as when it is plugged into the USB cable on the computer.

What makes it even stranger is that my friend has the exact same model - perhaps a few months newer than mine - and it is now doing the same thing. His will actually get a little further, finding the satellites and bringing up the map, but then fades within a minute. Again - this is with fresh batteries.

I used my unit within the last couple weeks with no problems, but now this has started.

Has anyone run into anything like this? Any suggestions?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    Fixed!

    Got an email back from Garmin Support (I really appreciate their quick handling of things!):)
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    etrex venture shuts down shortly after booting up.

    I have the very same problem. Would someone post a way to resolve this issue. Thanks you!
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    First download and install WebUpdater:

    PC: http://www8.garmin.com/software/WebUpdaterforWindows_242.exe

    MAC: http://www8.garmin.com/software/WebUpdaterForMac_206.dmg

    After WebUpdater has been installed press Next for the WebUpdater to look for a device. With the device turned off, hold up on the click stick, connect it to the computer, press the power button, continue holding up, click on Find Device. When WebUpdater finds the device click next and keep clicking next to update the software. When the device says loader release the clickstick.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    Similar Problem

    I have a similar problem but mine won't power on at all anymore, just a quick flash of white light. This happened after using the WebUpdater for Mac; the install process froze and I had to reboot the computer and unplug the USB from the GPS. I tried the button sequence that JROSEDALES suggested but to no avail. Please help :confused:.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    I have a similar problem but mine won't power on at all anymore, just a quick flash of white light. This happened after using the WebUpdater for Mac; the install process froze and I had to reboot the computer and unplug the USB from the GPS. I tried the button sequence that JROSEDALES suggested but to no avail. Please help :confused:.


    I had the same thing happen to me on my etrex HC a few days ago. I called Garmin and they told me I would have to send it back and it would cost $79 to repair or replace it. I complained about the price and told them I didn't think it was right because their WebUpdater had caused the problem in the first place. They then said they would do it for 1/2 price so I sent it in. They said I should get it back within 14 days.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    Same here...

    Just ran the Garmin Web Updater on my Venture HC and bricked it! What is going on?
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    looks like i just wiped up my garmin as well

    wish I had read this first, just tried to connect my venture hc to the computer for the first time thought I needed the web updater and now just the white light flashes but it wont turn on, that is great:mad:




    I had the same thing happen to me on my etrex HC a few days ago. I called Garmin and they told me I would have to send it back and it would cost $79 to repair or replace it. I complained about the price and told them I didn't think it was right because their WebUpdater had caused the problem in the first place. They then said they would do it for 1/2 price so I sent it in. They said I should get it back within 14 days.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    GOT MINE WORKING!! here's what I did

    So I read the posts with 3.30 trying to bring it back from the dead and could not do it, I got to thinking and googgled
    eTrex Venture HC software version 3
    I found v3.10 saved it to c:\garmin\v31.0
    I went to that on my pc held up the click stick and held onto the power button for as I ran the updater it took a few minutes and in the end I got an error message but the unit beeped at me when I disconnected it and....... it is working again. I lost everything I had in it but it is working at least and I didnt have to send it back. Good luck everyone that has tried the webupdater 3.30 as I did

    PS Hey Garmin I think there is an issue with the 3.30 updater That was a fun couple two, three hours
    Thanks
    Colin:eek:
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    Updater killed my etrex

    I am having the same problem after the updater
    I have a similar problem but mine won't power on at all anymore, just a quick flash of white light. This happened after using the WebUpdater for Mac; the install process froze and I had to reboot the computer and unplug the USB from the GPS. I tried the button sequence that JROSEDALES suggested but to no avail. Please help :confused:.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 15 years ago
    I have a similar problem but mine won't power on at all anymore, just a quick flash of white light. This happened after using the WebUpdater for Mac; the install process froze and I had to reboot the computer and unplug the USB from the GPS. I tried the button sequence that JROSEDALES suggested but to no avail. Please help :confused:.


    I am also experiencing the quick flash of white light. I'm afraid this indicates that my device is bricked. Thoughts?

    Anyone come up with a solution for this that doesn't involve shipping the device to Garmin?