From Garmin

Why am I not able to acquire satellites with my GPSMAP 172/178 device?

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02/24/2011
There could be a few causes of the device not acquiring satellites. If the device has moved a large distance since the last time it has acquired satellites or has been turned off for longer than a few weeks or months, the device may not be able to acquire the satellites correctly.
The first troubleshooting step is to perform an AutoLocate procedure. This procedure will clear the device's memory of previous satellite information, and try to download new information.
Note: This will not clear any user data like waypoints, routes, and tracks.
To perform the AutoLocate procedure, please follow these steps:

1. Start with the device powered OFF
2. Press and hold the Page button and Power ON the device
3. Continue to hold both the Page and Power button until the I Agree button is highlighted in the lower right corner of the screen
4. Press the Enter button

The device should now switch to the GPS satellite screen. Leave the device in clear view of the sky for at least 10-20 minutes to acquire satellites. If the device acquires the satellites before 20 minutes, the device can be used or powered off.
If the AutoLocate procedure does not correct the issue, the next step is to update the internal operating software of the device to the latest version. Please refer to the FAQ titled "How do I update the internal operating software of my GPSMAP 172(c)/178(c)?" for more information.

 

From Garmin

Why am I not able to acquire satellites with my GPSMAP 172/178 device?

• Email this Answer
• Print this Answer

02/24/2011
There could be a few causes of the device not acquiring satellites. If the device has moved a large distance since the last time it has acquired satellites or has been turned off for longer than a few weeks or months, the device may not be able to acquire the satellites correctly.
The first troubleshooting step is to perform an AutoLocate procedure. This procedure will clear the device's memory of previous satellite information, and try to download new information.
Note: This will not clear any user data like waypoints, routes, and tracks.
To perform the AutoLocate procedure, please follow these steps:

1. Start with the device powered OFF
2. Press and hold the Page button and Power ON the device
3. Continue to hold both the Page and Power button until the I Agree button is highlighted in the lower right corner of the screen
4. Press the Enter button

The device should now switch to the GPS satellite screen. Leave the device in clear view of the sky for at least 10-20 minutes to acquire satellites. If the device acquires the satellites before 20 minutes, the device can be used or powered off.
If the AutoLocate procedure does not correct the issue, the next step is to update the internal operating software of the device to the latest version. Please refer to the FAQ titled "How do I update the internal operating software of my GPSMAP 172(c)/178(c)?" for more information.

Thanks for the replies. I found this before I went back out tonight and it worked.

 

Call garmin. I had the same problem and called. There is a way you can reset the unit however I forget how I did it, they can tell you. The gentleman from garmin also told me if that did not work you may need a software update, in that case they send you a chip and bill you I think $50. When your done you send it back and they refund the money on your card. If all you need is a reset I remember it being super easy, something like pressing two buttons at the same time or so.

 

Ken I heard you asking yesterday over the radio but could not get you....I have a old Garmin 210 I like it because of the large screen size and ease of use, it cost big bucks back in the day....I have a problem with satellites locking in also.. I do the above procedure and it works fine for a while but I have to do it every few weeks , on my unit everything /waypoints etc is lost. I have my spots backed up and written in a note book on board...I can not up date mine as Garmin said its to old, and some day the newer satellites will not lock in in the future, that's what I was told by Garmin...So as of now I am trying to get the most out of it ....I would save your waypoints etc in case you lose them when resetting the unit, and think about getting the update from Garmin anyway even if its working now.........Joe R. 20ft Classic SeaCraft, Susie II

 

Ken I heard you asking yesterday over the radio but could not get you....I have a old Garmin 210 I like it because of the large screen size and ease of use, it cost big bucks back in the day....I have a problem with satellites locking in also.. I do the above procedure and it works fine for a while but I have to do it every few weeks , on my unit everything /waypoints etc is lost. I have my spots backed up and written in a note book on board...I can not up date mine as Garmin said its to old, and some day the newer satellites will not lock in in the future, that's what I was told by Garmin...So as of now I am trying to get the most out of it ....I would save your waypoints etc in case you lose them when resetting the unit, and think about getting the update from Garmin anyway even if its working now.........Joe R. 20ft Classic SeaCraft, Susie II

Thanks Joe. Luckily I did not lose any waypoints or tracking history. I am thinking I haven't used the boat enough.....at least that is what I am telling the wife. I need to stop by the store and talk with you about something. What are your hours during the week?

 

Does your Garmin have the all-metal antenna connection?