Garmin Power Cord Getting Loose

[VectorLTX2012]

Hi All,

I've done some searching, but can't find a solution and was hoping others could help me.

I have a Garmin etrex HCx that I've used on my sled. I've noticed that lately the 12v power cord works itself loose and then I get the message saying external power is lost. I was wondering if others have had this problem and what you did to correct it. I tried to squeeze my mini-USB plug slightly to get a better grip on the female plug on the unit, but that didn't work. I even have it working loose when using it in the car.

I hope someone can help.

Thanks

 

[bottlerocket]

Wrap plug with electrical tape just enough to snug it up. Maybe 1 1/2 times if i remember right. Make sure you dont cover the ground tabs...

 

[VectorLTX2012]

bottlerock,

Thanks for the information. Are you discussing wrapping the gps plug or the 12v plug? I tried to wrap the gps plug, but the fit is too snug to get one layer on only one side of the gps plug.

Thanks

 

[Sled Dog]

He means the 12 volt plug wrap some electrical tape on it to snug it up but make sure you dont cover the metal negative spring contacts.

 

[VectorLTX2012]

The 12v end is working fine. I'm having a problem with the gps end in not making connect and losing power. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[yamahas]

Is it possible the cord is broken on the inside? Will it work if you sometimes hold it in a certain way?

I have come across this with power cords that bounce around a lot like on a sled, possibly the cold makes them more brittle.

 

[VectorLTX2012]

Thanks yamahas,

I was just playing with it in the garage hooked up to the truck power outlet. I seems to work fine there. I was wiggling the cord and both ends. I will have to try this again with my car (which was giving me trouble) when it comes back.

I should be getting my new sled next week and will have to try it there as well.

Can't wait for the new sled to arrive!

Thanks Again

 

[gutterboy2ca]

its the crappy power acc plug on sled, they are no where close to as tight as a cig lighter in a vehicle, the cig lighter has a little lip inside to hold the lighter in, or in this case a gps plug.You look in your sled plug, theres nothing, just a crappy so called friction fit.
I went to walmart, bought a $5 12 acc plug in the auto section.Wired it directly into the one in my sled, except under the cowling,then taped the 2 halves together and stuck the GPS cable out the big hole by handlebars.Now my acc plug is free if i need to charge my cell phone, and GPS never comes un done...

 

[marq]

His problem has nothing to do with the cigarette lighter end.

There are little tabs in the USB connection that are spring loaded or at least bent up to provide resistance to keep the plug in place and prevent the problem that you are having. They are most likely just wore out. I would replace the cable. Check www.gpscity.com for some options. You can get a direct replacement, or you could get a bare wire cable that you can tie into your sled/vehicle and free up the accessory port.

 

[dremmick]

More that likely your mini USB port on your gps is bad. I just had my buddy resolver the USB port back onto the circuit board