Garmin crappin' out on me

[MattCollister]

So, my Garmin 305 seems to be kaput. It's charged, but keeps shutting off on its own. Sort of annoying.

Garmin charges a $79 flat fee to repair out-of-warranty 305s (I'd also have to pay to ship it to them), and would give the repairs a 90-day warranty.

I can get a new 305 for about $150 (at Amazon), or shell out $269 for a 405.

Anyone have experience with Garmin repairs? What do you think?

[kenb321]

I am pi**ed at my 305 for the same reason. Did not bother with the repair because of the 90 day warranty thing. Upgraded to the 405(luckily I had enough Amex pts to "buy" the thing)

BTW- there is a reset if you hold the mode and lap buttons together for 10-20 seconds

[ryanchittester]

I was talking with Ken B. about this yesterday. My 305 just started shutting off in the middle of runs a few weeks ago. It's only 2-1/2 years old. Haven't decided what to do yet either.

I'd be interested in knowing how long the "repairs" last....since a new one doesn't even last 3 years?

[jamesi]

My 205 crapped out a while back. I chose to send it in. They actually don't repair anything, they just replace the unit with a refurbished one no matter what the problem is. The refurbished 205 that I received looked newer than the one I sent in and operated problem free for about 9 months before I sold it to upgrade to a 305.

[watchman]

Matt

try this

get yours fixed for $79 then sell it on e-bay for $150.00

then buy a 405 it will only cost you less than $200

mike

[MattCollister]

James, how long did it take?

[jamesi]

It was fast, about a week. I can't remember all the details, but I think if you put a deposit on a credit card they'll send your replacement out that day. Once they receive the defective 305 they will credit the deposit back to you. You may have to call though instead of taking care of it online. Good luck.

[MattCollister]

Great-thanks.

[ebanks2]

My 305 crapped the bed last summer. It basically just stopped working and would not turn on. I called support and they agreed it was toast. They game me an RMA number, I sent it in. I got the new replacement one for $79. It have been perfect ever since. I thought it was a good deal....as my 305 was probably 3-4 years old. I was happy they didn't tell me to pound salt.

[mgorris]

Very interesting thread as I just sent Garmin an e-mail last night regarding this very same issue with my 305. The unit is ~3 years old so I will be interested to see the response I get back.
I know in the past when I have had problems I performed either a soft or hard re-set and that seemed to help. Also a software re-install corrected some past problems though it seems as the "turns off on it's own" issue is a recurring problem?

[MattCollister]

Well, this is the response they sent.

Dear Matt Collister,
> Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I will be happy to help you with this.
>
> Please, verify you are running the newest unit software. To do this, please download and run the Garmin Web Updater from the link below.
> www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/howtoinstall.jsp
> You may also try to master reset your device, please use the following button sequence:
>
> *Master resetting the device will erase all history in the device and reset the device to factory default. Please back up any important information before performing the reset.
>
>
>
> Power the device off
> Hold the mode and power button
> Continue hold mode and power until the "Do You Really Want To Erase All User Data" message appears
> Use the up and down arrow to highlight Yes
> Once highlighting Yes, press the enter button to master reset* the device
> If the above does not work, your unit may need to come in for service. To set this up, I will need to get your serial number. It would be on the back of the unit and start with a 101 or 13V. (Should be the large number on the sticker). If it has rubbed off, you can get the Unit ID number on the device. This is not the same number but would work for what I need. It can be found by going to Settings > General > About Forerunner. Once I have this number, I can generate the order and provide you with an RMA # and shipping instructions.
>
> With Best Regards,
> Zac B
> Product Support Specialist
> Outdoor/Fitness Team
> Garmin International
> 913-397-8200
> 800-800-1020
> 913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Zac B, Associate #5723
> www.garmin.com
>
>
>
>
> Original Message Follows: ------------------------
> Escalation from KANA On Demand Self Service
> Subject: Forerunner shuts off unexpectedly
> Message: I noticed about a week ago that it had shut off during a bike ride. Since then, the longest I've seen it go without shutting off is 5 minutes. I've recharged the battery twice. Yesterday it wouldn't stay on long enough to even zero in on the satellites. Not sure of the serial number---that's the only number I saw on the back. Purchased in late summer 2007.

[MattCollister]

A little follow up on this. I did end up sending it back for a reconditioned 305. The replacement unit seems good as new, I've worn it for a couple of weeks now.

I agree with just calling them. It was taking them 2-3 days to respond to my e-mails, which is dumb for the back-and-forth of troubleshooting. I ended up calling and had the RA number in about 5 minutes.

[jamesi]

nice

[jen]

Hmm..I am wondering if this has happened to others with the 405. I just looked and first used it April 29, 2009 so that means I haven't even had it 2 years. The battery is dying way too fast. I will take it off the charger to use and it will die within an hour or two of a workout. Other times it is ok. Basically I'll take it to work to keep charging till I leave. I had e-mailed them and got the same response you did Matt as far as making sure it's updated and doing a master reset. Initally this seemed to help but this past weekend during my long run it died half-way in (UGH so mad!) and I had just taken it off the charger saying "100%" that morning. After researching online it seems this is pretty common and there isn't much to do other than replace the whole unit. I'm wondering if going with the 310XT is a better choice. I do need to choose garmin brand though as on my bikes (road and tri) I have sensors on them and used the 405 with them as my computer. I'm wondering if these sensors would work with the 310XT. I would hope so (?)