It's not only the iPhone

[88V8]

The battery in my Garmin Nuvi 2699 satnav has died after just three years.

Can't find a battery online in the UK and, despite an extensive toolkit I can't get the case screws undone anyway.

I see a few repairers online, these chaps for example
https://satnavrepairservice.com/repair- ... ir/13.html

Any recommendations?

V8

[redsturgeon]

The battery in my Garmin Nuvi 2699 satnav has died after just three years.

Can't find a battery online in the UK and, despite an extensive toolkit I can't get the case screws undone anyway.

I see a few repairers online, these chaps for example
https://satnavrepairservice.com/repair- ... ir/13.html

Any recommendations?

V8

I assume you've watched this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNJ8bRT5T2c

John

[NomoneyNohoney]

Well, yes and no...

First, I'd be surprised if you can't get into a garmin : I use a set of screwdriver bits like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JM-8125-54-B ... SwcUBYLQZ~
So far, I've never failed to get into any item, and I suspect even a less comprehensive set would have a suitable bit.

Next, batteries.
I have refurbished a few Garmin Nuvi 200 satnavs, and in each case, wierd behaviour has been down to a duff battery - change them out and they work properly again.
Why am I mentioning this? Because like you, I couldn't find cheap batteries in the UK, but I have ordered a couple of times the following items:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Battery-for ... SwZ11aVh7T
$12.99 for two batteries, plus $2.99 international shipping - absolute bargain!
Again, why am I mentioning this? Because the battery for a Garmin 2699 seems to be the same original spec.

All the foregoing is dependent on whether you really want to fit a new battery. I'd suggest though, there is another way to go.

When you use it in the car, you power it from a cord plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, yes? So, just get an outboard power pack, similar to those used to supplement mobile phone batteries, for when you're using it portable. Something like this:
https://www.mymemory.co.uk/garmin-nuvi- ... power.html
The ones I've linked look expensive, but may set you off searching in a new direction - hope I've given you food for thought.

+

PS. For anyone else with Garmin satnavs, my link to the American supplier provides a replacement battery. If your satnav will accept an SD card, (or micro SD card in a holder,) then download up to the minute UK or European maps from here: http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/
For example, it's so easy: In the case of Garmin 200s, make a directory called Garmin on the SD card,(8 GB recommended) and put your downloaded map in there, renamed to gmapsupp.img Then, when you start the satnav, it will find two maps - one, the old outdated one in its internal storage, and the other on the map in the SD slot. The one in the SD slot has precedence over the internal one, so handy for - for example - having European maps on the SD card, and UK maps in internal memory, or maybe just totally up to date 2018 UK maps on the SD card.
If anyone fancies updating the maps on their old Garmin and runs into trouble, drop me a PM and I'll try and help.

Hope that sparks some ideas...

[88V8]

Many thanks, some very useful information there. I like the SD card idea, losing one's history when updating is a pain.

I was surprised I couldn't get the fixings undone, are they pozi or 1mm hex? Perhaps if I could see better I might have more success

Last time I used it, just last week, I switched it off whilst connected in the car, and then it wouldn't fire up again even with the charger lit. Left us somewhat stranded looking for our B&B in the dark/rain, so not best pleased.

Returning home, I plugged it into the mains charger overnight and it immediately worked, but even after an overnight charge it dies when unplugged.. However, it will now operate in the car.

That US supplier whose video so tantilisingly shows the ease of battery fitment, won't ship overseas.

The company in Ealing has quoted £30 and a 2/3 day turnaround for a new battery. So one way or another it will live on. I still think three years for a rechargeable battery is pretty poor.

V8

[redsturgeon]

I was surprised I couldn't get the fixings undone, are they pozi or 1mm hex? Perhaps if I could see better I might have more success


V8

Neither, I think they are torx, T5

John

[NomoneyNohoney]

88V8 - you have mail...