Garmin Repair

[AstroDiver]

Back over a month ago my Garmin Fish Finder 160 Blue's screen died. I could turn the unit on but there would be no display showing. I could press the power button again a see along the edges of the screen that the illumination light was on, high & low power.

I did some trouble shooting with advice from Garmin and got a Return number from them just in case. I had power of 12.6 volts at the cannon plug. I also had continuity to ground.

So, it was time to send the unit off to Garmin. I packed it up and sent it back along with a check for $89 that would cover any repairs.

I got the unit back yesterday with a Service Report.
Unit Discrepancy: "will not power up".
Repair summary: "Unit meets operational performance specifications. Could not transfer waypoint data from customer's unit. Exchanged unit from S/N 532***81 to S/N 532***90. Unit passes all tests and is operating within normal limits. Thank you for choosing GARMIN!"

They send me an exchange unit and returned my check on top of that!! I bought this unit back in the Spring of 2003 after I had bought my boat. It was way out of warranty and they made it good! I sure like Garmin.

I not sure what the "Could not transfer waypoint data..." had to do with my Fish Finder. It doesn't have GPS. It only took about 1 1/2 weeks to get the unit back. Once you get through, they are real helpful over the phone too.
I once had problems figuring out how to download the software to my GPS unit's card and they talked me through it over the phone.

[Jan from Humboldt]

I've been happy with Garmin too.

Send them a thank you Email as they don't hear the attaboys nearly enough.

[aronlevin]

I also have garmin and found them to be helpful when needed. I had a problem with a data card and they sent me a new one with no info or proof of purchase. I would buy garmin again.

[MolarBoater]

Also have had no problems with contacting a "live" person that can give instr with software. Excellent customer service in my experience too.

[foxbo]

I hope I have the same results as all of you did. I've got a 240 Blue that started having problems keeping in contacted with the bottom. Would show bottom then start flashing and show nothing. Had a marine electronics shop look at it and was told the internal processor was shot. Have contacted Garmin by e-mail and will also be giving them a call. Bought the unit in 04 so it is also out of warranty.

[BostonFisher]

I have a Garmin 480 so I'm glad to hear they provide such good customer support.

[foxbo]

Did the same thing for me. Said my old unit was working fine, but sent me a replacement new one. Ended up having to replace a fried transducer.