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Please click [HERE] to view possible firmware bugs for your GPS product.

What is firmware?

Firmware is actually software (a program) that is stored within an electronic component like a microprocessor. The firmware is what gives you all of the menus and features of your GPS. It's basically the operating system for a device.

As a product is developed, marketed and sold, over time there are bound to be bugs discovered in the firmware that may prevent a device from working correctly or perhaps the manufacturer decided to add new features to the product.

The nice thing about making a change to the firmware is, that it doesn't require you to add any parts to the device. To change the firmware, you simply overwrite the old firmware. This process is often referred to as "flashing" or "reflashing".

It's always a good idea to keep your GPS up-to-date on it's firmware. If you don't, you may be losing out on some added features or run across a problem that may have been corrected in a later revision of the firmware.

Does my GPS have firmware?

Yes, it does. In fact, depending on what make and model you have, it could have up to (4) or more types of firmware.

1. Operating System Firmware - The basic operating system of your GPS. It resides in your GPS's microprocessor.
2. GPS S/W Firmware - The firmware that operates the GPS receiver/antenna assembly and resides in the receiver chip.
3. Bluetooth Firmware - the firmware that operates the bluetooth function and establishes a connection to your cell phone.
4. Traffic Receiver Firmware - The firmware that communicates with the internal or external traffic receiver.

How do I tell what firmware version(s) I have?

On your GPS, it's very simple. You should be able to find it in the settings menu.

How do I know if my firmware is up to date?

The easiest way to determine if your firmware is up-to-date is to visit the manufacturer's website and download their firmware update program. You'll need to connect a USB communications cable between your PC and GPS so that the program can poll your GPS and compare your GPS's firmware with what is currently available on manufacturer's website. You will have to have an Internet connection to do this.

This really sounds kind of complicated and over my head. Can you update my firmware for me?

Sure, we can update your firmware for you. Typically, when a GPS comes in for repair, we let the customer know if there are any firmware upgrades available and we give the customer the option to choose whether or not to upgrade the firmware.

How much do you charge to upgrade a GPS's firmware?

We don't charge for this service. It's part of the overall process of when we are performing a repair

What problems will not be resolved by updating my firmware?

Updating your firmware will NOT resolve the following problems:

1. A dead or defective battery that will no longer hold a charge.
2. A cracked LCD display and/or touchscreen.
3. Loss of audio (if it was working OK previously & no firmware updates were made).
4. Loss of satellite reception (if it was working OK previously & no firmware updates were made).
5. Update your map.
6. A dead unit that is unable to be reset.

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