“The cigarette power plug does not fit in my Garmin 496, 396, or 296 unit.”
This is a not-so-uncommon problem found with the Garmin cigarette power adapters, especially the adapters that have the built-in speaker. The female portion of the plug, located on the GPS unit, has two different sized channels. There is a key on the top of the cigarette adapter plug and a different size key on the bottom that allow the plug to slide into these channels. The problem occurs when the height of the keys on the plug are greater than the channels on the unit.
Sometimes the plug will not fit what-so-ever, and other times excessive force will allow it slide in. Forcing it in will enable the unit to work properly, however, another problem is almost sure to occur when it’s time to disconnect the plug: The plug will pull apart leaving part of the plug still in the unit. Note: If this has happened to you, I recommend contacting Garmin before purchasing a replacement plug. Everyone I’ve spoken to with this problem said that Garmin replaced the plug at no charge.
The easiest way to fix this problem is by making the height of the keys on the plug smaller. This can be done either by using a file, razor blade or knife. Since the amount that needs to be removed is minimal, usually a file is sufficient. Make sure you file down both of the keys (top and bottom) until the plug slides snugly into the unit without using excessive force.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them or call us at 888-280-9272.
Google+
I have the 396 and the plug broke near the ridge line where it plugs into the unit when I tried to unplug it. I wrote to Garmin and they sent me a new cord, didn’t want the old one back. But in the meantime I epoxied the plug back together and it has been working fine for over a year. Keep the new cord as a spare. Alan
I have a 496 and the plug separated as you described leaving the plug still in the machine and the other wires exposed. I do not see a contact number for Garmin, can anyone point me in the right direction?
Jim
I found that the solution to the tight fitting plug is not the plastic keys but the five brass sockets on the plug. I expanded those with a map pin and the plug snapped in without difficulty. My first cigarette lighter speaker cable came apart at the plug due to the excess force required to wiggle it out of the GPS unit. A replacement cable that I received from Garmin would not slide in at all even when pressed with both thumbs. I tried filing off the plastic keys and lubricating the plug with WD-40 but it wouldn’t budge. Then I looked closely at the plugs on the AC power cable and the airplane cigarette lighter cable both of which fit properly. I noticed that the brass sockets on the new plug were closed and would not admit a straighten paper clip. I used a map pin to force open the brass sockets and the problem was solved. I can now slide a paper clip end into each socket and the plug seats properly in the GPS unit.
Just bought a 495 recently, and while it did charge when plugged in initially, now it does not charge the battery at all, even off 110v power. All it shows is charge complete meanwhile the battery only shows about 1/4 charge left. The guy at Garmin told me to download a new program from them on Friday, but it still won’t charge.
If anyone else has had this or knows a fix, please post, or email me.
Rob
Rob, try this:
Drain the battery completely and then charge it up overnight in the “OFF” condition.
If that doesn’t fix your problem, I would call Garmin and get a replacement battery.
I am having the same issues with charging the battery. It will not charge on ac power but seems to be charging on battery power in the airplane ? The ac unit works because it will run it but not charge it. All the latest software is loaded and reloaded ?
Brent, please check the following on your unit:
Go to Setup – System Tab – External Power On – Set to Charge Battery.
Chris
I had the same charging problem with my 396 (battery shown as low yet “Charge Complete” displayed). Garmin sent me a new battery and it works fine now with the battery charging as it should when it starts to get low.
If I put the old battery back in the charging problem returns (the battery shows about 1/4 charge remaining and the unit says “Charge Complete”) so it looks like the unit somehow “knows” when a bad battery is in there and just gives up on charging it.
Wierd…