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Forerunner 735XT not picking GPS signal

Former Member over 7 years ago

I have been experiencing several issues with my forerunner 735xt:

* One of the first issues was when I wanted to pair my phone with the watch. I had to reset the watch everytime I had to pair.
* Additionally I've had issues with finding the GPS signal.
* With no GPS, the time is off
* During the runs (no GPS signal picked up), the watch stopped almost every mile.

I have done a factory reset, talked to garmin. This all started happening after an update in late October.

Any idea what might be going on?

Note: I only use this watch to run, so is has minimal use.

0 chunkywizard over 7 years ago

What is your phone?

how long have you left it to find a GPS signal, were you outside all the time?

what versions of software do you have listed under settings: system: about?

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

Hello, I have an IPhone 6S. I´ve tried to search for the signal for over 10 minutes in an open space. The signal never picks up. I have ran for over an hour and the signal never picks up (all in oppen space). I have the 9.1 software version.

0 chunkywizard over 7 years ago

What is the version number against the other bits, like GPS and Bluetooth/ANT (you need to page down in about to see this)

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

The same happened to me a few weeks ago, where suddenly it took a very long time or did not pick up a GPS signal at all even in open spaces. The factory reset did not help, but then I downloaded the new (beta) software (replacing 8.30 with 9.03) and it resolved the problem. No problem with 9.10 now either. Try updating, or downgrading and then upgrading as it may be that your software got corrupted. Also make sure you have GPS version 3.10 (2nd page in <system <about).

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

What is the version number against the other bits, like GPS and Bluetooth/ANT (you need to page down in about to see this)

My Software version 9.1 (285aa1f)
GPS 0.00
display 2.00
Bluetooth/ANT: 2.40
WHR: 2.20 (10.02.74)
Connect IQ: 2.4.1

does this help?

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

The same happened to me a few weeks ago, where suddenly it took a very long time or did not pick up a GPS signal at all even in open spaces. The factory reset did not help, but then I downloaded the new (beta) software (replacing 8.30 with 9.03) and it resolved the problem. No problem with 9.10 now either. Try updating, or downgrading and then upgrading as it may be that your software got corrupted. Also make sure you have GPS version 3.10 (2nd page in <system <about).

How do you downgrade the software? I have no GPS version (0.00) and the Bluetooth is not connecting. Do I have hope?

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

To downgrade back to 9.30, follow the above steps listed under the update announcement but place the GUPDATE-830.GCD file (should still be on your computer from last update) in the \GARMIN folder on the watch. Rename the file to GUPDATE.GCD before disconnecting your device. You might be able to just do the same with the 9.10 update to trick it to reinstall. However from your description the lack of the GPS software is more likely your problem (for the GPS problem at least). That updates when you sync (use cable instead of Bluetooth) inn Garmin Epress (as long as your settings (under <tools < auto-update apps) is turned on). You could start with syncing and see if it reinstalls the GPS software. It is frustrating that such an expensive device needs all this effort.

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

Oh, and in one of the other posts under the 735xt forum someone just reported that factory reset after an update was insufficient, and that the ‘Clear Data’ function(emptying trash before disconnecting if using a Mac) fixed their (albeit different) problem. Worth a try.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

To downgrade back to 9.30, follow the above steps listed under the update announcement but place the GUPDATE-830.GCD file (should still be on your computer from last update) in the \GARMIN folder on the watch. Rename the file to GUPDATE.GCD before disconnecting your device. You might be able to just do the same with the 9.10 update to trick it to reinstall. However from your description the lack of the GPS software is more likely your problem (for the GPS problem at least). That updates when you sync (use cable instead of Bluetooth) inn Garmin Epress (as long as your settings (under <tools < auto-update apps) is turned on). You could start with syncing and see if it reinstalls the GPS software. It is frustrating that such an expensive device needs all this effort.

Did the downgrade and upgrade, and GPS software still appears 0.00

It really is frustating to have such an expensive device and no solution!

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

MCKloth, Since the suggestions in this thread have not resolved the issue, we would recommend that you reach out to our Product Support team for further assistance. You can contact Product Support directly through phone, chat, or email.

You can also zip up the Garmin folder and send it in so that we can take a look. To zip up the Garmin folder, use this FAQ link.