Here is a list of the common problems found with the Garmin Nuvi 200. Click on a link to view the corresponding repair guide.
Nuvi will not hold charge
Over time, a battery will lose its ability to hold charge, resulting in a shorter battery life. Eventually the battery will not be able to hold charge at all. If the Nuvi still functions while it is plugged in, then the battery may need to be replaced.
Distorted/missing audio
Although it may be obvious, first check that the volume is turned up on your Nuvi. If this doesn't fix the problem, the Nuvi may be frozen. Try restarting it. If it's still broken, then the speaker may need to be replaced.
Nuvi is unable to locate maps
If the Nuvi is responsive, but is unable to locate maps or if it remains "connecting to satellites," the Nuvi's firmware may be out of date. Firmware updates can be downloaded at the Garmin: Nuvi 200 product page, and can be installed by connecting the Nuvi to a computer via USB
Touchscreen does not respond/blank screen
If the screen on your Nuvi is illuminated but unresponsive, then it is most likely frozen. Try restarting the device.
If the screen is black, then the device may be out of battery, or the battery may be broken (see battery replacement guide). If the screen is cracked or broken, then the display will need replacing.
Logic board malfunction
If the Nuvi remains unresponsive or broken after basic troubleshooting, a more serious problem may be present. The Nuvi logic board may need replacing.
Restarting the Nuvi
Locate the reset button, located on the back of the device, in the lower left corner. Remove the sticker covering the button, and use a straightened paper clip or similar to depress the tab.
crwdns2944067:020crwdne2944067:0
i have a 260w model and I can't find the reset button
mb6000 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
my nuvi 260w won't restart. it keeps on saying loading maps but nothing happens
mb6000 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
The screen goes very dark while connected to the power cord but is normal when disconnected. Why?
karvy2 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Mine is similar but when disconnected from 12v power it goes to internal battery power which is not as bright, but it got us to where we were going. Just had to keep plugging it in every now and then. What is the fix??
Mark Howe -
nuvi shows map update notice. Press OK but nothing happens.
Geoff Haley - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
nuvi shows map update notice. Press the OK but nothing happens. Tried resetting but still the same?
Geoff Haley - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
i replaced the battery and a blank lighted screen appears but no text or maps, tried the reset button and same thing
Mike Sharp - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I downloaded maps, updated. I live in Canada. I went to the states and used garmin nuvi with usb cable in rental car. When I got home To Canada, I can't find any addresses and it won't let me punch in city names. Any suggestions?
carbuys63 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
My gps gets really hot when plugged in and goes to "Garmin" screen, then goes dim
ceejay - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
When I put on charge the screen disappears.
Colin Bowen - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Any help, anyone?
Colin Bowen - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I changed the battery and reassembled my Nuvi 200., taking care to replace the power button in it’s slot . On completion I noticed the unit was on and sliding the power key nothing changes. Touching the screen , a window comes up saying the screen is locked and the power key slides from side to side but nothing changes.
Brian Sherping - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Nuvi 260W wouldn’t go into calibration mode, wouldn’t hard reset. Key presses were way off. Not being able to go into calibration mode (pressing top left screen while starting) meant I was stuck. Found a solution: used a blow dryer to gently warm up the screen. At first I got some of the buttons working but once it cooled down, it “forgot” the old calibration. So I continued to warm up the screen (making it very hot to the touch - could barely hold it against my face, as a gauge) while pressing the top left corner during boot. And it finally entered the calibration screen. Must’ve taken some 100 presses but it finally gave me the OK. Now it’s good again. Not the first time this happens but now I know how to fix it in the future.
Slakass55 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
nuvi250w will not locate or load satellites
paul rediker - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
nuvi 205w refuses to locate satellites
paul rediker - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
always did locate satellites.
paul rediker - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
still will not locate satellites.
paul rediker - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
The power cord connector is loose will not stay on. How do you change out connector?
Chris Price - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
Thanks for this useful information.
Basics Protection - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0
I download maps update and i can't find any addresses and it won't let me punch city names
Simon Mohale - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0