Satnav problem - help!

[beanzontoast]

We got a TomTom XL Classic satnav for Christmas - as of the weekend, the thing won't turn on properly. It will turn on if it's connected to the computer with the USB lead or if I use the cigar lighter lead in the car, but it won't turn on at all when disconnected from either. Once it's running, if I then disconnect the USB lead / car lighter lead, it continues to work on it's internal battery, but as soon as I turn it off, it won't turn back on again.

Internal li-po battery should be charged - it's been connected to the computer for several hours.

Anyone come across this problem?

 

[Norm]

My older TomTom won't turn on if it is plugged in to anything when it is either turned on or turned off.

The only way to get it back is to do a full reboot.

If it's not plugged in to anything when turned on or off, then it starts up fine. I can charge it when it is turned on, or turned off, but if it is out of juice, I need to plug it in for a few minutes to put some charge in it, then unplug it to turn it on and use, then plug it to finish charging.

I don't use my TomTom much.

 

[beanzontoast]

I've tried doing a reset/reboot, Norm, but it's made no difference.

I don't have much experience with these devices... and at this rate I never will have!

 

[Norm]

I have an active hatred of TomTom since getting one. They are fine when they work but their customer service consists of "can we sell you a new unit at full price". IME.

Sorry, that doesn't help you much.

Was that the full reboot, beanz? With my unit, pushing in the reset button does a fast reset, but holding it for 10 seconds shuts the unit down and gives it the full reboot.

 

[beanzontoast]

I have an active hatred of TomTom since getting one. They are fine when they work but their customer service consists of "can we sell you a new unit at full price". IME.

Sorry, that doesn't help you much.

Was that the full reboot, beanz? With my unit, pushing in the reset button does a fast reset, but holding it for 10 seconds shuts the unit down and gives it the full reboot.

Yeah - it said 15 seconds in the manual, so I did just that.

 

[nigelb]

Hi

Mine was playing silly buggers, being v slow to find satelites, and jamming (holding the power on button for 15 secs, let go, it starts, repeat the power button for 15 secs, it goes off, now press power and it starts!).

Had sort of assumed it was failing, but I patched it online and all is suddenly fine again, works out where I am dead quick, really good.

This was the free firmware upgrade, didn't pay for maps or anything.

Get a usb lead, and go to the Tomtom website - well worth a shot.

(Mine's an XL 4.3" screen, plus sdram slot if that's relevent)

Nige

 

[beanzontoast]

Hi

Mine was playing silly buggers, being v slow to find satelites, and jamming (holding the power on button for 15 secs, let go, it starts, repeat the power button for 15 secs, it goes off, now press power and it starts!).

Had sort of assumed it was failing, but I patched it online and all is suddenly fine again, works out where I am dead quick, really good.

This was the free firmware upgrade, didn't pay for maps or anything.

Get a usb lead, and go to the Tomtom website - well worth a shot.

(Mine's an XL 4.3" screen, plus sdram slot if that's relevent)

Nige

There's an option to allow updates, which I've ticked when we first installed TomTom Home on the pc - it's done 2 or 3 updates since then (software I think, not maps). Will have a look and see if there's an option to flash a firmware update. Certainly satnav's not going to be as useful as I'd hoped if I can't use it to set up routes etc away from the car / computer.

 

[beanzontoast]

Update - problem is now fixed. After looking around on GPS forums as well, I found a few more suggestions. Not suggesting this will work for everyone, but it has for me...

I manually copied all the data files off the machine onto my pc (rather than making a backup - I'd already tried restoring from a backup and that didn't cure the problem). Then I deleted them all from the TomTom. Then I went to the TomTom site and downloaded their free flash tool that, AFAICT, wipes the unit's programme memory. (Not sure if this is actually a firmware update - to me it looked like more of a recovery/restore tool). Then I manually copied all the data files back to the Tom Tom.

The unit now works again when not connected to external power.

 

[Globalti]

I use one of these, the boot-up is instant, you can see the whole route including places of interest alongside your route, no thief wants it and it doesn't need batteries. Oh, and if you need it to speak directions you just hand it to your passenger:

 

[beanzontoast]

I use one of these, the boot-up is instant, you can see the whole route including places of interest alongside your route, no thief wants it and it doesn't need batteries. Oh, and if you need it to speak directions you just hand it to your passenger:

Ah - a traditionalist! Thing is, as the satnav was a gift, I am rather pleased to have sorted it out as it has spared us a trip to Comet or wherever to get it fixed. It's great fun now it's working again.

We still have a cupboard half full of maps that I won't be getting rid of in a hurry!