Discussion: My Garmin Stopped working = O

I have a garmin Forerunner 305, i have had it for about a yr. When i went to use it today it wouldnt turn on. It doesnt charge and yer. I was wondering if anyone knows what i should do to fix it or is it dead???

this happens to me sometimes, it is probably locked up.

try:
http://www.heartratemonitor.co.uk/garmin_forerunne...
(I never remember this exactly and pressing random combinations seems to eventually work for me)

Thanks, that worked, phew i thought i might need a new one.

Do you know why it does that???

it's just a random bug, mine has done it twice in the last year or so...

There is probably a pattern, seems to happen to me the next time I use it after downloading multiple runs.

this happened mine but i left it for a while then connected it to a computer and it was fine

might be worth upgrading the garmin software. The 305 link is here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsUpdates...

If it starts happening more often, it is a hardware issue. garmin semi-admits the problem, but I got mine replaced by Garmin even outside of the warranty.

The issue is that the battery power connector between the two boards in the watch is not soldered or hard connected but is just a leaf spring. With use and time, that leaf spring weakens and the watch dies randomly. Usually when the watch is shaken, or twisted. Mine started randomly and in a year began powering off multiple times per run.

Mine has started powering off while I'm using it too, what did you specifically say to Garmin to get them to replace it?

I said that its a known hardware issue, if you go to any blog or seach for it. And it's a pattern that occurs with the 305 model, and its a design flaw, and it doesn't have anything to do with the way I use or missuse the GPS. It also happens on the bike model I think 405. Basically do lots of whining but be polite ;) Also say that they have been servicing the 305 out of warranty for free to many people already, so you won't be the first one.
If they don't agree to replace it for free the out of warranty charge should be around $60. With the shipping another 5 - 6 It's still worth it.

As for the watch I think they fix the problem and use the same watch internals, or give you athother refurbished one, but they put new case and straps, so for all practical purposes my GPS looks like new now.