Press the power button. When the humminbird screens comes up press the menu button. Three options will be available, normal, simulator and system status. Select normal and the GPS will work. You have about two seconds to press the menu button. If you’re too slow power off and start over. I think it should work in the cold as its being offered in a ice fishing package. I have mine mounted to my atv and plan to just use the GPS to find and Mark spots.