Garmin Customer Service

FYI: If you break something on a locator, black box or most likely anything. I broke a pin on a plug. They do not repair anything. They will replace it if it is a defective issue, but if you cause any damage you are SOL. I asked where to send my black box to pay to have it repaired, and was told my only option is to buy a new one. They offered a 30% discount which is better than nothing, but I am disappointed in this outcome. I was told Lowrance does the same thing. I know that Humminbird did repairs if needed in the past. I’m not sure if that is still the case, or if they all say too bad so sad give me another $$$$ and we will take care of that for you. Garmin also won’t sell any parts to fix them on your own. This is my first complaint with garmin, but it is a big complaint.

By the time they are out of warranty they are obsolete. No big surprise they wouldn’t repair it.

On the other hand, my experiences with Garmin warranty has been positive.

I’m sure if it failed it would be replaced no question, the problem is I broke it. It is not obsolete, in fact it is painfully new. I will end up buying another one.

Need to clarify in my mind so please be patient. I’m a former electronics tech so might have some incite. You broke a pin in a plug on a cable? Is this correct? Or a pin in a box?

I will give a breakdown of what happened. I am moving all of my electronics to a new boat. The box is a panopix live scope. Where I have the box mounted I couldn’t see the pins in the plug at the angle it was mounted. I saw it said network. Obviously not thinking I assumed a NMEA 2000 network cable. I pushed it in and started to screw it on but felt resistance. Backed it off and looked in at it with my phone camera and saw 9 pins with 4 that were bent. When I tried to bend them straight each one snapped right away. Figured I would have to send it in to be repaired, but was told that wasn’t an option. I asked if I could just buy the plug and I or someone would repair it, and was told they don’t have the parts for sale. Keep in mind I understand this is 100% my bonehead move, it is just frustrating my only option is to buy another one.

Henpecked wrote:

Need to clarify in my mind so please be patient. I’m a former electronics tech so might have some incite. You broke a pin in a plug on a cable? Is this correct? Or a pin in a box?

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I’d tell them to have a good day.

Got it now. Thanks. In my day as an Elect. Tech. these were easily replaced by removing the cover and inserting a tool to remove the pin. Then replace with a new pin and good to go. Now everything is molded in plastic and it likely makes repairing cost prohibitive compared to replacing the individual pins. If you can find an electronics tech somewhere they may be able to fix it. Radio Shack used to have some, but I don’t know where to look now days. I’m not here to defend them as this sucks, but the days of the TV repairman are gone. I know I could fix it for you, but it would take quite a bit of time to find the necessary parts.

Have you checked with fish-lectronics?

Yes they were the first place I called, but because they don’t sell replacement parts and it is too new to buy a broken one for spare parts there is nothing they can do.

While Im sorry to read this, feeling somewhat better that Im not the only one to make the same mistake……Old blind guy syndrome

I did a informal, un official inquiry on this……

If it’s a repairable item we could definitely replace it we typically don’t repair we will just typically send the customer a new part but in this case he broke it and we offered him the discount to try and help.

Thanks Dean, I appreciate seeing if you could do anything. I have a new one coming, but it is back ordered. I love it when I do stupid things. Not the first, won’t be the last. It’s only money. Thanks again

Oh, believe me you dont have a lock on self infliction my friend!!!!!

:]

If you feel adventurous you could pull it apart( which I would) and there may be a number on the connector. Doing a quick search found a couple that were close to what the picture shows cost $9.They are not going to produce a special connector for the unit it is just a matter of some detective work.

Well I’m glad the replacement unit is back ordered. I took it apart and was able to eliminate the plug and hardwire it directly, so that will save me $1100. There are nine wires in that plug, but they only use 5 wires. I will cancel that order tomorrow.

that gets you an ATTA BOY!!!!
I love it when someone ventures out from their comfort zone to find that it was easier than once thought !! thats how to learn !!

Sticking it back to the man! Nice job! Marcum will still fix everything but that’s ice fishing gear.