This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

FR 255s won't start, keeps restarting

Trying to power on my 255s. I get the triangle logo, and other bootup screens until the "Loading FIT files" screen, then it turns itself off, then goes to the triangle logo screen,then gets to the FIT file screen, turns itself off again.....over and over. Its stuck in a loop. I have tried plugging it in the Garmin Express; pressing power button for 15 sec while plugged in (all that did was trigger a call for assistance which scared my family and friends at 1030pm), removed the device from my account (now I can't add it back). I have barely used this watch and I want to sell it but I cant in this condition. Please advise. 

  • It almost seems as if one of the buttons on the watch has been pressed.
    Try to crush them all and "feel" if they work well.
    It's an idea, but it's cheap to try

  • Garmin commented this on another thread and it worked for me:

    All, 

    We believe to have a temporary workaround for this disruption.  First, you will need to get your device into mass-storage mode.  You can use instructions contained in (My Forerunner Will Not Fully Turn On).

    1. Go to the Garmin Folder of your watch. 
    2. Go to the Apps Folder
    3. Delete the .PRG files
    4. Remove from Mass Storage

    If you are unable to get the device into mass storage, please attempt a non-vol clear (master reset) which should recover the device.

    1. Ensure the watch is powered off.
    2. You may need to hold LIGHT for up to 30 seconds to turn the watch off.
    3. Press and hold DOWN, START/STOP, and BACK/LAP.
    4. Press LIGHT to power the watch on while holding these three buttons.
    5. After the first beep release START/STOP.
    6. After the second beep release the remaining buttons

    Here is the thread they commented on: forums.garmin.com/.../1541131

  • Belated thanks for the replies/help. I actually managed to fix the problem by accident, by mashing all the buttons at once, which brought me to a test mode. I cycled through all the screens of the test mode and the watch suddenly started to update. After the update installed, the watch restarted itself and it was fine. I could not perform any of the suggested fixes because I could never get Garmin Express or my PC to recognize the watch because of the loop, was also unable to power off the watch.

    Sold the watch already and its on its way to its new home on the opposite coast of the US. Good riddance.