Fenix 5 heats up during charging

Hello everyone,

I've experienced several non-permanent issues during last battery charges. See below the list:

The device is not recognized by Windows when I connect the Fenix 5 to my laptop through USB, only battery charging is started. Few weeks ago this worked properly. Garmin Express was paired with the device and I was able to see the different files and folders inside Fenix 5 storage through Windows Explorer.

Sometimes, when I connect the charging cable to the PC or wall socket, the Fenix 5 starts to heats up. This can be checked by means of the temperature widget and also by putting your finger in the rear side of the clock (you can feel the heat). When this occurs the battery level percentage remains at the same value, it seems the clock is not charging.

Other times, when I connect the charging cable to the PC or wall socket the charging process is working fine.

Has anyone seen a similar behavior?

Sure I'll send the watch to Garmin, but I'm afraid because of as it's not a permanent issue might be they're not able to reproduce the behavior I've seen.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I doubt the cable could be the problem. The Fenix appears to auto-switch the connections cleverly, so the connector can be inserted either way. The problems a cheap cable may have is:
1. Ruggedness (wears out quick)
2. Cheap wire, can't handle current requirements (unlikely to be a problem with these, low current)
3. Bad signal integrity (connectivity problems).

#3 is the cause of a lot of people's problems when connecting USB devices. I had a PC with front USB jacks, and plain old ribbon cable was used to go from the motherboard to the front jacks. They barely worked, and caused two USB sticks to go unusable and corrupt. I had to cut up some decent USB cable and wire in replacements. Once I did that, it was a night and day improvement in performance. Your laptop may have a similar problem.

0 m.fisac over 6 years ago

I already contacted Garmin Spain. I have to send them the watch during next week...

0 m.fisac over 6 years ago

Just FYI, I've just been informed by Garmin Spain that they couldn't fix the watch. A new f?nix® 5 will be sent in the coming hours...

0 m.fisac over 6 years ago

I just received the new fenix 5 from Garmin Spain. Totally new, in the original sealed box and charging cable included. I hope not getting more problems with the new one...

I asked Garmin about the recommendations for charging the device and they just suggested to use a 5V/1A charger.

Might be current fast chargers (5V/2.5A) cannot be proper. Anyway, my understanding is that the watch must protect itself in case of overload, short-circuits, etc. in the supply if the charger is in the proper specs range.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to m.fisac

Lucky You .!! I hace been experiencing the same problem but different from you I have no warranty.

May be next live .

0 seilogramp over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

Regardless of warranty expiration, it might be worth contacting Garmin.