Thread: Garmin 396 - Not acquiring satellites

On a couple occasions now, my 396 has had trouble acquiring satellite signals. The first time around, it would work off and on. Today, I could get no satellite signal at all. On both occasions, my Lowrance portable GPS picked up a satellite signal right away.

Garmin told me to re-set the GPS, which I did - and it works. I'm just wondering what the root cause of the problem is. I bought N293CT new in December, 2006.

Originally Posted by wlfpckrs

On a couple occasions now, my 396 has had trouble acquiring satellite signals. The first time around, it would work off and on. Today, I could get no satellite signal at all. On both occasions, my Lowrance portable GPS picked up a satellite signal right away.

Garmin told me to re-set the GPS, which I did - and it works. I'm just wondering what the root cause of the problem is. I bought N293CT new in December, 2006.

From what I understand, there is a battery soldered on the logic board of the 396 that is weak and the unit forgets its location. I'll try and post the details.

Doug

My old 196 would take ages to aquire on it's own aerial. Use the extra aerial with the sucker feet & it would lock in seconds. Never found the fault but guessed at the antenna. Food for thought eh?
Mal

Hi Wlfpckrs,

The same problem happened to me. I would do something and it seemed to work a flight or two. If it starts acting up again get a new antenna. Garmin sent me a newer style antenna.
I had to replace mine just like lots of people. Garmin didn't even question it they just sent the antenna. I have seen this at least a 5-6 times. Don't over analyze this. Just start with the simple and most often problem with the Garmin.

i have the same issue now with my 496,

changing antennas doesn't help,

i seldom have satellites in the 1st 20 minutes, even an hour.

I started out with the Garmin 196 and upgraded to the 296 and have had no problems with either. I acquire the satellites within a few minutes.

Hi Ed,

Have you tried a new antena from Garmin? I got one from them on warranty. It was quite a bit larger than the original one.

Try pulling you airplane out of the hanger to get that clear veiw of the sky!.... Just kidding....As Roger says, antenna issues are the most common. Garmin is Great about exchanging, repairing and replacing parts... Can't hurt to try!
Brian

Originally Posted by Roger Lee

Hi Ed,

Have you tried a new antena from Garmin? I got one from them on warranty. It was quite a bit larger than the original one.

not yet roger, i have tried my portable antenna, which used to work great. i think it is a battery and not the antenna. the first occurrence was when woodstock was trapped in the hangar buried in 2' of ice for a few weeks.

after 6 months of my 496 taking a long time to get a few satellites at 1/2 bar, suddenly,

yesterday i get 12 full bars and almost instantly.

i don't think it was / is the antenna since the portable antenna produced the dame beahviour.

i'm still guessing it was / is the battery since it went bad in the extreme cold and now is better in august temps with more regular flying?

anyone now the best way to talk to garmin tech support?