Lastest Fenix5 firmware update is a disaster - How can I revert FW?

Former Member over 5 years ago

Since the last auto firmware update a couple of days ago, my 6 months old Fenix5 is utterly useless. Maybe it's the progressively rusting pin 2 on the charging connector but after some fiddling I can get it charged up to 100%. Th few Data Fields and and I rely on and my watch face have all disappeared from the watch but are still showing on the IOS App. I grabbed my charged up Fenix to go for a ride and it was unresponsive and appeared to be halfway through a big update. I couldn't wait any longer so I couldn't even use the Fenix for what I bought it for.

I did manage to get it to communicate once after the firmware update but I cannot get the comms to work any more. This is after reboots of App and Fenix.

At this point until I return it to my understanding vendor, I just want to revert it to the last FW and turn updates off forever.

How can I revert to - how can I revert FW previous version?

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Garmin - Chris over 5 years ago +1 verified

Former Member

I am sorry you are having multiple issues with your watch. Your pin corrosion issue needs to be resolved right away. Please contact our Outdoor Product Support for your country to have your…

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0 Former Member over 5 years ago

I found out something very interesting. My battery was draining at a great rate which I only noticed when the watch started to vibrate. I also saw that I was getting a speed/cadence sensor low battery alert on the Fenix. This was odd for 2 reasons:

1. Even though I do have a speed/cadence sensor paired with the Fenix, it was way beyond bluetooth range.

2. I wasn't logging a Ride.

It turned out however, that after the Firmware update, the Fenix had gone into a sort of bike logging mode in the background. I certainly didn't start this mode because I couldn't even use the Fenix which it was in the long syncing mode with the IOS App presumably doing the FW update.

Now that I have cancelled this "ride", the Fenix appears to be working as it should, syncs and data fields and watch face are restored.

0 fastbikerboy over 5 years ago

Older firmware is available from here -> http://www.gawisp.com/perry/fenix_D2_tactix/?C=M;O=A

Don't be put off by the title, you just need to find the one you need, and there's loads there.

See https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-5-plus-series/149936/hard-reset-firmware-reinstall-data-location-and-backup for details on downgrading etc

I have done downgrades successfully in the past but do so so at your own risk. etc. etc. i.e. don't blame me if it bricks your watch (although it shouldn't)

HTH

+1 Garmin - Chris over 5 years ago

Former Member

I am sorry you are having multiple issues with your watch. Your pin corrosion issue needs to be resolved right away. Please contact our Outdoor Product Support for your country to have your watch warranty exchanged. All you need to advise is the charging pin is corroded. Fully update your replacement Fenix 5 and you should be in much better shape given the other issues you are currently having too that you should not.

0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Garmin - Chris

Hi Chris,

This is a shock to hear from someone from Garmin. I should say this is my 4th replacement Fenix5. I am not very hopeful about another replacement being any different.

Can you confirm is the charging pins on the 5 have been replaced with ones that don't corrode?

0 Garmin - Chris over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

I am sorry to hear it is your 4th one in 6 months. Please contact our Product Support to have it replaced. Thank you.

0 JM_Zogg over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

I also had problems with the charging pins. After two replacements, I am now the owner of the third watches. Since more than 6 months, I got no problems with the new device. I think, Garmin has changed something in the design of the pins!