Problem with the loading cable

I seem to be suffering this problem as well. Reached out to Garmin via online support chat today and here's the conversation....

KC: My Fenix 5x seems to intermittently disconnect during USB connection to my computer. Although the plug does not unplug from the back of the unit, I noticed that it does not seem to "click" into place securely (it rocks back and forth in the plug). I have two different charging cables that I've tried and the connection seems a little loose with both. Leading me to believe that its the socket on the back of the watch and not the cables. Any recommendations?

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Cory Garmin: With the Fenix 5 devices it is just a covering connection so yes it can be a bit wobbly to the touch. The only real recommendation for that as it's expected would be once you have it connected just leave the watch be and leave it face down so that there's no pressure on the cable to cause it to move or wiggle and cause that connection break you are describing

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KC: Thanks for your reply. I had read online that there was a known issue with some of the early 5x models and after repair or replacement the connection was much more "solid" and stable. I am often "on the go" and connect to my computer in the field, trail or on the road where its difficult to hold the watch perfectly still during synch. Any jiggling seems to cause occasional disconnection of the USB connection. Bluetooth is great for most syncs, but loading of maps and updates obviously require a stable USB connection to Garmin Express.

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Cory Garmin: Agree'd for those larger files, especially the maps and software updates the hardwire connection is the best. The cables can come loose with jostling though, I'd try maybe putting the watch down on the table first. Then connecting once it is face down and seeing if you have better luck that way. For on the go syncing though I would stick with the phone. That will be for like your day to day activities and step count and such. THen you would only need to do the physical connection for the larger map updates. Which at this point due to their size I doubt will ever be over the air updates"
--END of CHAT--

Huh..... So my complaint fell on deaf ears? Any suggestions?

11/20/17 Update - I e-mailed Garmin support over the weekend with my same concern and they have offered to exchange the unit. Go Garmin!

Huh..... So my complaint fell on deaf ears? Any suggestions?

I would give them a call and kick up a fuss, i ended up harassing them and the Garmin AU suddenly were "able to replicate the problem" Although I'm still waiting for my watch 3 weeks so far.... Will be interesting to see if it has a gold connector or not.

Hello. Can you tell me please which are the first serial numbers that started to have gold pins? Thank you.

Wobbly cables and inconsistent data connections are not normal. My pre-replacement watch had that. The replacement does not wobble, it does not lose connection. They are feeding you a line!

Unfortunately I joined your club :-(. Since this is the biggest thread on the forum (kind of tells everything) I need your help: I tried to read through the posts. Is it right that there is no clear solution? It might be the cable, it might be the watch, it might be windows 10. Or is there a common opinion what it is?

Meanwhile I contacted Garmin in my country and they told me to send it in. I thought, since I have to send it in, I might as well do a factory reset. Since then the connection works again. I suppose you guys already tried that?

I tried three replacement cables - resets etc. The problem was with the connector on my watch - this new one I use with my original cable and its different. The cable fits in snug - doesn't wobble - and the connection is rock solid - I can pick it up by the cable, move it about any which way and it holds. The last watch I only had to give it the squint eye and it dropped the connection.

What colour are the pins , gold or silver. I've just had mine replaced again and it still has the silver connectors , but it does seem more stable - here's hoping

Mine still appear silver - its a lower model number than those with gold pins are reporting. I was disappointed when I first open the box because I thought I had been sent more junk but it does hold a solid connection - can't get it to break - so it works for me! My other one pretty much did it from the start so I don't think its something that'll just get worse and break again - well I hope it doesn't!

Received replacement 5x today (provided a credit card to allow Garmin to ship new unit quickly, then credit me back once the defective unit received). New unit has SN 54G0831XX vs. my first unit which was 54G0019XX, so I would assume a much later production for the new unit, AND, it has the gold contacts. Rock solid USB connection and no "wiggling" of the connection on the back. Thanks Garmin.

The silver connectors will work until the cable wears off with use.
Once that happens, the connection will become unstable again... it's like the first release... at the beginning nobody had problems with the cables. Garmin Support just mailed me to get in touch with them and will call them in Milan in about half an hour. What am I supposed to tell them: thank you for sending me a new replacement unit with the old connectors DESPITE me telling you I wanted a device with the new ones?

Even if I wasn't training between 3 and 5 hours a day (6 and 20 yesterday), with the autoupload not really working (but I think I know why and I reported it last night), I still need to install the betas so I NEED the cable to be working (the cable is 100% stable only in regards with the battery recharge... it's the data connection that comes and goes).