TomTom 510 Car Charger problem

TheBadger · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 2:48 pm Post subject: TomTom 510 Car Charger problem

I'm now on my 3rd TomTom 510 in a matter of weeks. My 1st unit unit had a problem getting a GPS fix even after investing in an external aerial. The next 2 units came with the same fault - every time I plugged in the car charger the unit randomly turns itself on and off.
Has anybody else encountered this problem? Also, I've now had it with TomTom so what should I go for next? The TomTom was my 1st foray into SatNav. I just want a reliable bit of kit that's going to get me from A to B in the UK.
Help!

bestyman · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 3:17 pm Post subject:

Hi,
Just a thought ,but could it be the car thats at fault? Seems odd they stop working as you plug them in.
Also when exchanging the gos do you also exchange the charger lead? Faulty charger leads were a problem on the very early tomtom gos.

Mark

alix776 · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 3:20 pm Post subject:

have you checked the polarity onthe cigarette lighter
_________________
currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

mikealder · Posted: Sun May 28, 2006 3:50 pm Post subject:

More likely to be the type of socket fitted to the vehicle, I have seen it before where there are holes in the sides of the socket, and the negative connection of the plug drops into the hole, result no connection and a loss of power., try rotating the plug in the socket slowly and see if the power drops, at least this will confirm the socket is at fault - Mike

TheBadger

Thanks for all the replies.
I don't think it's my car charger as my 1st 510, the one which couldn't get a GPS fix, charged fine in the car. I only had the car charger problem with the next 2 units. Both came with new car charger leads from different retailers. Also, the cigarette lighter charges my mobile phone fine.
I'm pulling my hair out with this one. Not sure whether to see if I'm going to be 4th time lucky or bin the TomTom aerial and switch to Garmin!?

TheBadger

I think I should add that when the car charger is connected the green power light on the 510 is on and remains on. But after a minute or so the unit switches itself off. It will then randomly switch itself on and off during a long enough journey (1hr +).

Dmrqwq · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 29, 2006 Posts: 6

I have found this problem myself- all seemed well with the unit when I first got it but now it randomly turns itself off at random intervals. Have checked the car charger and sent an email to TT asking for their advice! Never had any problems with my old 500.

not sure whether to take this one back and go back to what worked!

Come on TT - sort it out!

Dmrqwq · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 29, 2006 Posts: 6

The fault appears to be with the auto shut off facility when the cars ignition is turned off. I think the connections at the back of the unit are losing their connection meaning the units senses a momentary loss of power and assumes that the car has stopped - therefore shutting down. The other effect though sometimes is a unit which indicates on (green light) but the screen is blank.

Fortunately after a drive up the A1 yesterday the speeed camera alert still came on despite the black screen!

mikealder · Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 2:58 pm Post subject:

In this case could I sugest you reset the device, check the manual as to where the reset switch is located, its underneath next to the connector.

Also make sure the mount locking ring is fully home, you should hear/ feel two distinct clicks as it locks home.

I would also sugest you have a play getting the unit on and off the mount, but hold both devices (the mount in one hand the 510 in the other), it does take quite a firm push to get the connector to lock down into place. This technique worked for me when I first got my 910. Mike

alix776 · Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 3:01 pm Post subject:

badger why would you need an external ariel as the 510 units are sirf 3 and usually work with heat reflective windscreens
_________________
currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .

Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl

TheBadger · Posted: Mon May 29, 2006 3:13 pm Post subject:

Alix776, I was having trouble getting a GPS fix with my 1st 510 and I assumed (wrongly) that this was due to my windscreen. It was only after trying to get the thing to work with the aerial that realised that I had a flaky bit ot kit.
I'm going to try Mike's suggestions for the car charger issue with my 3rd 510 later today and if I get no joy the thing is going back to PC World tomorrow.
I'm thinking about switching to a StreetPilot c550 (more cash I know) as my confidence in TT's QC is pretty low right now.

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