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Garmin Fenix 7pro Altimeter Issues: Strange Altitude Readings Explained

Gagik
7 months ago

I’m experiencing an issue with the altimeter on my Garmin Fenix. It’s displaying an incorrect altitude of -2218 meters. With this reading, I would have to be somewhere deep in the ocean))) When I calibrate using GPS, the device appears to show the correct altitude briefly and confirms that calibration was successful. However, once I press OK, the reading reverts back to -2218 meters. I also tried a hard reset by holding the top left button and powering the watch off and on, but the problem persists. Could this be an issue with the latest software update? I’ve attached a photo for reference

  • 0 7 months ago

    Most likely, I have issues with the barometer.

  • 0 7 months ago

    I would suggest you seek assistance through their technical support as this sounds like a sensor defect.

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to Lyubomir

    Thank you very much; I also think the issue is with the barometer sensor. I tried resetting and flashing the firmware, but it didn’t help. These watches are not as waterproof as they claim, and I swim a lot in the pool. I believe this was fixed in the Fenix 8.

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to Gagik

    Try one of the raw data apps such as PSX-8 RawData which will show you the sensor data with more granularity.  It is also possible that the temperature sensor is not working as this impacts the altitude value.  You can also look for the the raw air pressure reading.  Just remember that the altitude is calculated rather than a direct sensor value.  A few models back i had a failed temperature sensor which was causing weird altitude values.  in the end it will still need you to contact support anyway!

  • 0 7 months ago in reply to razmichael

    Thanks,

    I checked the altimeter and barometer data in the program you suggested, and the values were incorrect.

    It seems the temperature sensor is working fine, but I think the barometric sensor has failed. I’ll contact Garmin support and hope they’ll replace it under warranty without any issues.

  • +1 7 months ago in reply to Gagik

    Hello 

    I am sorry to hear you are having this issue. For altimeter issue, there are a few steps we would recommend trying initially. 

    • Ensure the watch is on the latest SW version 18.16 using Garmin Express. 
    • For cleaning the sensor, you will want to submerge the watch in warm clean water for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the sensor port directly under the faucet. Then shake loose the excess water, and try the calibration again. 
    • If there is no change, we recommend completing a factory reset using these steps: 
    1. Ensure the watch is powered off.
      • You may need to hold LIGHTfor up to 30 seconds to turn the watch off.
    2. Press and hold BACK and START/STOP.
    3. Press LIGHT to power the watch on while holding these two buttons.
    4. After the first beep release START/STOP.
    5. After the second beep release the remaining button.

    If this continues, we recommend contacting Garmin Product Support as the device may need to be replaced.