Thread: Date problem on my Garmin Nuvi 1200

Originally Posted by Thomone

.... I also did a GPS reset.

Try also by clearing the non-volatile memory. Back up anything you might want to restore beforehand. Clearing NV is done using the Diagnostics Page menu and is even more comprehensive than a hard-reset done via holding the lower RH corner of the screen. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

Eventually, I plan to discharge the battery completely in order to reset the GPS clock.

If clearing NV doesn't help then that's what you should do as draining the PCB power completely has long been known to correct the rollover problem. If you don't wish to wait while it fully discharges, you may alternatively open the nuvi and disconnect the battery for a few minutes.

I have an old nuvi 1200 somewhere (maybe it's an 1100 - same hardware and firmware). If i can find it i'll update it then test it to see if i can replicate your problem. However, AFAICR the 1xxx series wasn't affected by the rollover but i may be not remembering that correctly.

BTW, an older version of the TZ map isn't causing your incorrect time/date.... and regardless, it seems that you have the latest V39 loaded anyway.

I concur, draining it of power seems to be your last-resort action. Disconnecting the battery is the faster but riskier way to do that.

To access the device internals, first remove the front snap-on plastic bezel. That will expose the perimeter torx screws holding the case together. The bezel can become very brittle with age so great care must be exercised in its removal. If time isn't of the essence, then flattening the battery as you intend will work just as well. Good luck.

BTW, I located a North American-purchased nuvi 1200 with V6.30 fw. It had been unused for several years, so the battery was already fully depleted. Connected to a power source, it showed the wrong time but once it got a GPS fix the time self-corrected to the proper local time.

My old Etrex yellow from 2000 sometime takes a while to relocate itself, but that is only 1/2 hr, the one you have does it have a rechargeable battery, mine runs on 2AA battery and will last 22hrs running, and I use it as a backup for vehicle location IF I drop and damage my phone, as I wonder around the Australian outback on the west side. There has been many a prospector lost and perished over here, ⁣ and will be doing another trip Friday of next week.
Haven't seen a GPS that lasts more than a day or so, running 24/7.

Unlike handhelds such as eTrex devices, automotive devices like his nuvi are meant to be kept externally powered constantly when on in a vehicle... so by design will last for a very short period on battery-only power, like maybe only half an hour if actively navigating even with a heathy charged battery - but much, much longer in idle standby. Actually, it can be weeks. Even when the device is awakened but then shuts itself off spontaneously due to low power there will still be a residual charge in the battery, so to quicken the process it must be constantly powered on occasionally until the battery is at 0 volts to ensure all current is drained from the PCB. Disconnecting the battery is the surest way to achieve that with certainty but i hesitate to encourage users to do so due to the difficulties opening the case.

OK, most of these devices are installed via the Cig lighter socket and may not be hardwired/plugged in to a power on socket all the time, so how can you make sure it is powered on, just to get the battery flat "me back off and unplug" those that don't know how have the problem to do such things, hey.

Originally Posted by Magnetron

.......... so how can you make sure it is powered on, just to get the battery flat .......

That's the point i was making about disconnecting the battery to ensure there is no residual current left. Otherwise you must let it run until it turns itself off, force it back on, leave it until it turns off again .... rinse and repeat ... then let it sit again for an indeterminate time afterwards. But it's hit or miss unless you leave it sit for a very extended time to be sure current is fully drained from it.