I love Garmin products. I’ve owned the Edge 305
Recently my Edge 305 started to power itself down while riding. I thought maybe that was a software problem. I reset the unit, re-flashed the latest software, etc. This did not help. I would be riding along and then all of the sudden the device shuts off. When that occurs, I can turn it back on right away. This is obviously not an acceptable solution and can even be dangerous to do while zipping down the hill. The last thing I want to do is worry about my device shutting off and messing up my ride details.
I finally Googled the problem and found that I was not alone. Many Garmin owners have been experiencing the same problem.
This clearly points to a design flaw in the device. It looks like after some time, the contact between the main PCB and the battery can be subject to fatigue and cause micro interruption due to vibration, sufficient for the device to shut off. The problem is that you get a lot of vibration on a bicycle.
I was able to confirm that by simply dropping my unit flat on its back from 1-2 inches on a paper pad. 1 out of 10 times it would shut itself down. Since my device is out of warranty, I cracked it open and following the advice of other users, bent the contact back up. After glueing it back together, the problem seems to have gone away.
Is Garmin aware of this problem? I’ve contacted their support and I’m awaiting for some sort of acknowledgement. There are several ways this problem can be solved. A better mechanical connector, adding a capacitor on the power line, etc.
I’m considering buying an Edge 705
UPDATE 6/25: Not much of a response from Garmin
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.
I will send your e-mail onto the appropriate department as a suggestion. If you should have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
I’ve asked them to clarify whether or not the Edge 705 followed the same design and hence would be subject to the same problem. Waiting on an answer.
Also, my first attempt to use rubber glue to put my Edge back together as recommended by others failed miserably. I never had luck using this type of glue anyways, I’m more of an epoxy kind of guy. After drowning the back side with it and keeping the two halves together with clamps I’m happing to report that the unit is now performing like new.
12 Comments
My Garmin had the same issue, had it about three months,1,100 miles. Fortunately still under warranty, sent it to Garmin today for repair, but have to wait 10 to 13 days to get it back (what will I do to track my miles since I got rid of the trusty Cateye). Don’t get me wrong love the unit but can certainly do without the inconvenience, not to mention postage charges. Maybe they have a fix that will prevent it from re-ocurring.
@Ralph,
The fix I described seems to be working fine. Since I opened mine, adjusted the prongs and glue it back shut, it’s been performing flawlessly. Good luck with yours.
I’m on my fifth one, because of the shutting off issue. I’m looking for a how-to guide for cracking the unit open with minimal damage. Got any photos of the process?
der, sorry - missed link to disassembly destructions first time. got it, thanks.
@Chris
Good luck. Mine has been rock solid since, including surviving flying off the bike twice. IMO, epoxy is the way to go.
Mine has the same problem. Unbelievable that something so expensive could have such a critical design flaw. I got mine in March 2008 and it lasted until the end of June before the problem showed up. It has gotten worse since then to the point it is no longer usable. I’m returning it.
I got an edge 305 as a christmas present, and the first time i used it, it stopped recording data. Not sure why, but sent the unit back and they informed me that it was past the 90 day warrantee, although they eventually sent another unit which promptly did the same thing. Sent that one back, they had it for about a month, sent me another unit, which promptly did the same thing. I’m riding along, and it just stops recording data. it does not shut off, just stops recording. The speed, cadence, heart rate all keep going, but gps tracking stops. Anyone else with this problem? i like having this thing, but it’s pretty much 300 bucks down the drain if i want the unit to record my whole ride.
Hi
My Garmin 305 has lost is altitude, it is reading me at 2000m and will not move from that hight. Has anyone had the same problem and know how to fix it? This problem started a few days after I was caught in a large downpour which caused my Garmin 305 to fog up. The fogging has gone. I have tried to contact Garmin but no reponse so far
I was able to peal off the rubber but I do not know how to open it up. Can you tell me how? thank you.
@quintin
Once you get the rubber to peal off, you have to try to pry open the two plastic halves. Running a knife around should help trying to score the plastic a bit and then gently open it around with a screw driver. Kinda scary, but it will open eventually. Good luck.
I have a Garmin 305 Edge.
It seems to work well, but I’m sure that I’m not using it very effectively.
Is there an after market book out there that someone can recommend that will serve as better “user’s manual” than the one that can from Garmin??
Thx,
Where do I find the link for cracking up the Edge 305 and fixing it?
Tnx
Nick