Garmin DriveAssist Questions & Answers

My Garmin Drive Assist 51 LMT-S also did this. I battled with it for a couple of years. I contacted Garmin a few times. One response was to clear the video from the memory card monthly, and this helped to reduce the problem but not really solve it. Eventually Garmin Australia replaced the unit free of charge with a refurbished model (when it was 3years old) and it has worked fine for the past 10 months. I suggest you contact Garmin and ask for help. Be persistent until you gat a satisfactory result.

Hi Leigh I am not sure what that error means, as I never had any issues updating my one. That said, unfortunately this particular sat/nav GPS Garmin model has been unreliable product for me. I'm on my third one, replaced under warranty. All, including this one, has issues with it's battery failing , causing it to shut off. When it actually works, it is quite excellent and I am mostly happy with it's features.

To Garmin Australia;s credit, they replaced the second one, even though it was a couple months outside the warranty period. I suggest you contact there customer support on 1800 235 822

Hope that helps you

Regards

Mark B

You've most probably answered your own question. This particular sat/nav GPS Garmin model has been unreliable product for me. I'm on my third one, replaced under warranty. All, including this one, has had issues with it's battery failing , causing it to shut off. When it actually works, it is quite excellent and I am mostly happy with it's features.

To Garmin Australia;s credit, they replaced the second one, even though it was a couple months outside the warranty period. I suggest you contact there customer support on 1800 235 822

Hope that helps you

Regards

Mark B

Oh, and I have set the screen shutoff time when on battery power to Never.

Hi Eric, I had the same problem as you are experiencing but on my unit; it started within a few weeks after I purchased it brand new. My problem was that I live well over 100 kms from the shop I bought it at, and could not get back there. The problem kept recurring over and over; every few weeks. I contacted Johnny Appleseed in Melbourne where I purchased this piece of garbage, and all they could tell me was to bring the unit in. My problem was that I had a Heart Attack whilst this piece of trash was still under warranty and underwent a Triple By Pass. I was out of action for 8 months. I contacted the seller to say that I was incapacitated and they told me to bring it in when I was mobile again. Mine had run out of warranty by a poofteenth. I had computer techs near where I lived look at the 51 LMT and they all advised me that the software in the Garmin was corrupted. I took it back to Johnny Appleseed in Melbourne, where they too found it impossible to down load and update the software. The Brisbane Head Office of Johnny Appleseed advised me that if the Unit could not be fixed, Garmin would refund the cost of the unit or replace it without charge. Garmin however had other ideas. Garmin advised that they would NOT refund or replace the Unit, but said that they would sell me another unit. Bollocks to that. I had purchased and used 2 previous Garmin units, and this 51 LMT was by far; the worst I have ever encountered. I since purchased Google Maps software for my iPhone 11 for $4.95, and it works a treat. I will never again buy any garmin product. Garmin is garbage! PS. My problem had nothing to do with the battery on my unit.

I believe you need to purchasing a Garmin specific USB cable to be able to charge the GPS. You will need it because the battery only last about 30 minutes

Purchasing a Garmin specific cable may not resolve the problem. My mate recently bought a new Skoda Octavia. It is fitted with a heap of USB ports, USB C type. But his Drive Assist unit will not work on any of them, well the Sat Nav part of the device will work but the Dash Cam will not work. Skoda have limited the current you can draw on the USB ports. and there is no cigarette lighter socket. It looks like he has to buy a "hardwired" kit

Disappointingly there is no voice command available to operate the dash cam or camera. So to answer your question, no you cant'.

There is no setting for this (that I could find), it will sometimes decide to navigate by landmarks and sometimes street names. I think it depends on how prominent it things the landmark is.

what update does it mention? Check on pc for map and software updates. If this fails you can reset to factory defaults and if you still have issues contact Garmin.

Thanx Brian, will try that

I’ve been disappointed with it myself. Sure, the camera is handy (although I’ve not needed to use it yet) but my biggest concern is the poor quality of directions and what I see as safety concern when navigating because the unit doesn’t operate as it’s meant to.ie takes me down dirt roads when in rural areas (Queensland) when I have “avoid dirt roads” in the settings. I think their maps are probably not as good as other companies. Haven’t enjoyed the directions when it comes to tunnels either; think it could be better.

I returned a navman because I could not see the screen. This is so much better and bigger screen all in one. I didn't want too much cluttering the windscreen. The camera lens is adjustable so I place the unit to the left of the middle of the screen. I use it mainly for the camera and have found the map ok when I've needed it but I don't usually drive in scarcely populated areas. Good price also compared to buying 2 units. Simple one button press to go from maps to camera also. Don't think you'd regret buying this, best I've seen but I did want a combo unit.

I have two garmen.my first was a small original and it apparently looks the same size as the onewe are discussing. I then bought "the new one at the time " it has a bigger screen." Much better to see. With both it does not give me an alternate route when I find a shorter or better route. I thought it was possible. DAH. My conclusion I will keep larger screen and buy an updated paper map. What map navigation system does it use. Satellite. I have thought it has to be updated more often as the country is in constant builds and knock downs. Floods etc. Road changes As to window clutter doesnot bother me. I remember driving with two windows Then came the one screen. I suppose comes down to please some, some of the time than all, all of the time. All I want is the item to do what it is advertised to do and do what it can do, well. Cheers all.

It's hard to find longer "cigarette lighter" to "usb mini" cable. But you can buy a longer "usb mini" to "usb mini" cable and extend it. Try on office works or else in ebay.

Thank you.

try Jaycar slso

Try to reset the GPS to factory default then check whether any software updates available. If this doesn't work then contact Garmin support for help.

Okay, how do I reset?

Check the user manual. You can restart it by putting a small needle through small hole behind the gps unit and reset the software through garmin connect

It would be nice if anyone would respond that actually knows what they're talking about. Garmin driveassist 51 LMT-S. There is no "pinhole". No owner manual, can only access through functioning Garmin as far as I know.

New development, my Garmin now will not turn on at all. I went to website, support always says the same thing. It's like a recording, apparently holding the on/off switch is supposed to fix everything.

Mate. Someone tried to help you, so don't be rude to them. What do you mean no manual? Its on their website. external link  Page 25 says "Resetting the device You can reset your device if it stops functioning. Hold the power key for 12 seconds"

Did you hold for that long?

Yes, sorry very frustrated. I've tried everything I can find that is to fix it.

That's working thanks

Probably best to email the tech support team at Garmin, they are very helpful and will answer any technical queries you have about their products.

I just looked at this link external link  and it seems it will not. in the link above it says if model ends LTM-D or LMTHD it can be used I have tried my old cable from my 3790T adn it doesn't work. So I am using the app on my phone

Did you hook it up to your car again?, Sometimes if it won't start while connected to your computer connecting to 12 volts will work,if not it's probably time to shoot Garmin an email or give them a call. I found the techs there very helpful, they will talk you through any procedures you need to do and if the unit still won't work they will log the problem and advise you to return it for repairs. I had all sorts of problems with my second unit but they replaced it with the updated model (51) and it seems to be working fine so far.

I had tried that straight away but it didn't work. I have just tried again and it is now working, Thanks for the help. Now I am frightened to try

and upgrade maps, guess when I feel I really need to I will give it another go. Cheers

Had that happening to me and always fixed it by pressing and holding the power button for 30 seconds (or longer) until the screen shuts down or reboots again. Give that a go. Happened to me a few times and yes scary the first time, but the above method always worked for me.

Go to "Settings" -> "Camera" where you can adjust the settings. For speed warning, also in the "Settings" area, but you should also update your unit from time to time (via USB to the computer), as the road limits do change due to council changes as well as road updates.

Thanks, I will try these hints.

In the Driver Assistance menu you can toggle on/off the lane departure etc. warnings, you can also find the on/off for the over speed warning. I found that other than on major roads (hi-ways) outside about a 60klm radius from Adelaide there is no speed limit icon displayed so also no indication when exceeding the speed limit, I don't know if this is causing the lack of over speed warning with your unit but I feel this is a major failing with this particular GPS as I have other units which show the speed limit pretty much everywhere.