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Original question: Nov 29, 2010, 1:28pm Insufficient Memory for Map Update? , dpolites, Vancouver, BC
Reply #1: Nov 29, 2010, 2:15pm You will be able to fit both countries on the unit unless you added other data to the internal memory that can be filling it up. I just recently did an update on one of the nuvi 1400's. Please call 1-800-800-1020 for help loading the map update if you continue to have issues.
Reply #2: Dec 6, 2010, 7:24am I have updated our instore demo unit with no problems due to memory. When the next update is available to us I will give it another try.
Reply #3: Dec 5, 2010, 8:59am NO YOU CAN'T. I have a 1450 and can't load both US and Canada either! Tech support admits that there is not enough memory unless you delete some of the built in language files. And then there is still NO guarantee! Something very wrong here.
George
Reply #4: Dec 6, 2010, 5:30pm Strange. I hadn't added a thing. Opened the box, and immediately went to to software and map update. On map update, it said I don't have sufficient memory and removed files to allow the Canada/US maps to be updated. Not sure if the demo unit the store has is a different piece of hardware with more memory, but the updates do not go without losing things.
I eventually was forced to buy a microSD card to give it more ram and had the map update go to the MicroSD instead. Even with that, not all the voice files will fit on the main unit.
Disappointed that a brand new unit didn't seem to live up to how it was advertised. Adding memory to the unit should not be a requirement in order to keep all the features the unit comes with.
If I was GPSCITY I would try a new unit and go through the update procedure to see what happens. I am not a techno moron, so am fairly confident in choices that I make during installs.
Reply #5: Dec 6, 2010, 8:13pm I purchased a nuMaps Lifetime card for my Nuvi 1490T as well as a 4 GB memory card (Dane-Elec). When I try to update the map, the updater claims I have insufficient memory. If I use Finder (on the Mac) and look at the Garmin device, I can't see the memory card. I don't see any indication on any of the various screens in the 1490T that it knows the memory has been installed.
I am certain that the memory card is physically installed correctly.
How do I tell the Garmin that it has more memory and how do I tell it that it should use that memory to install the map files that otherwise simply do not fit?
Reply #6: Dec 6, 2010, 9:20pm You shouldn't need to do anything to tell the unit you have installed a memory card. It should find it automatically. What I did with mine before even trying to insert it was to format it on a Windows PC as Fat32. Then inserted it and even on my Mac I see 2 memory cards (the unit and the memory card).
It may just be that the unit doesn't recognize the memory due to the formatting on it. Try to format on a Windows machine. I find Mac can be not as universal. By the way I am using a Kingston 8gb class 4 microSD in mine.
Reply #7: Dec 7, 2010, 8:33am @Lyle
As far as we know you can not load the map update onto a memory card like you are trying. The update software by my experience only recognizes the internal memory of the unit. If you are having trouble installing an update please call Garmin at 1-800-800-1020.
*** Each time I do the map update it fails at the end but the map was successfully transferred. If it is telling you not enough memory at the end of the update process please check the map version. Your unit still may of updated.
Reply #8: Dec 10, 2010, 12:42pm I just got mine Dec 8th and went ahead and tried to do map update. I also got the same error of not having enough memory space for US & Canada. I was doing this on my MacBook. Then decided to use my Windows 7 PC. I got the same message - Not enough memory space - but it also has a prompt asking me if I want to backup my pictures and music files before it can proceed. Since this is out of the box and I don't have any pictures or music, so I pressed OK. The map update continued for about 4hrs with no problem. So far I have not experienced any problem since the update.
Hope this helps
Reply #9: Dec 10, 2010, 10:56pm I also bought the 1490LMT GPS, which arrived today. I am trying to install the Map but the software kept telling me that I do not have enough memory and that I need 5GB. After I click "OK". The software installation window disappear. Tried it several times but couldn't get the map updated. Please provide advice
Reply #10: Dec 13, 2010, 11:54am The map updates have recently gotten too large for the GPS unit. You will need to select a smaller region to load onto the GPS. If you need other regions you can always reload.
Reply #11: Dec 19, 2010, 4:50pm Jesse, that's no answer at all. I travel in Canada AND the lower US States. Garmin made me choose between Canada and Northern states or US southern states. At that rate, I need 2 GPSs. That's unacceptable.
Reply #12: Dec 20, 2010, 4:18pm @Doug
That is the answer, there is no better one at this time. Please feel free to contact Garmin for their help also. 1-800-800-1020 They may be working on a fix.
Reply #13: Dec 26, 2010, 1:59pm Dear GPS City:
Will the 1490 LMT accept a download of City Navigator Europe NT or will I have to dump the Canada and the US first? (I bought the DVD map for Europe, not the micro SD).
I had the same trouble with updating - had to dump pictures etc.
David
Reply #14: Dec 26, 2010, 2:35pm Dear GPS City
If I don't want to dump my Canada and the US from my nuvi 1490LMT, and then reload same again later, is the best solution to return my City Navigator Europe DVD (unopened of course) and purchase a Europe Micro SD instead?
Thanks,
David
Reply #15: Dec 29, 2010, 8:23am @David
The Europe maps should only go on a micro-SD card. Do not load them to the internal memory.
Reply #16: Dec 31, 2010, 8:16pm I'm interested in this model and I load a lot of POI's. Will this create an even larger problem?
Reply #17: Jan 4, 2011, 9:14am Hello David,
Normally POI files are very small and wont cause any additional issues. Once the map is updated and you no longer have all of north America in it you will have plenty of left over space. Just not enough for the whole map.
Cheers
Jesse
Reply #18: Jan 12, 2011, 11:45am Hello,
I had one NEXTAR X3-01 and the serial number is:ML0808353506, It was used since 2008, recently i want update the map but i do not know what is the right way,could you pls give me some help.
Thanks
Reply #19: Jan 12, 2011, 12:10pm Hello,
Updates for that unit can only be obtained through nextar, here is a link to their map update page https://nextar.naviextras.com/shop/portal/activation.
Hope this helps!
Reply #20: Feb 2, 2011, 6:17am out of the box, the unit said it didnt have enough space, and asked if i wanted to backup to my PC. I said yes, it backed up to my PC then did the update. On older Garmin Products I had, they didnt just update the maps, they completely replaced them. I am guessing it needs to copy the entire file before it deletes the old one. No Issues with this unit since, Great Device
Reply #21: May 19, 2011, 11:09am I went to update my 1490LMT today and I got the insufficient memory error. I called the Garmin help line and they walked me through deleting some files on my GPS. I only speak english so they had me delete the non-english files in the voice folder and the all the files except for American English help in the help folder. Also had me delete all the files in the Text Folder. After that the update worked fine.
Reply #22: May 25, 2011, 8:08pm Load the lower states map first. Go back run the map updater again and then load North America and it should work - it did for me. I am guessing splitting the update into two this way reduces the size of "buffer" memory needed in some way.
Reply #23: Jun 1, 2011, 2:07pm I went in and deleted all the language and text files excepting for english, spanish and french. Retried the map update for all US + Canada and it went okay
Reply #24: Jul 6, 2011, 2:02pm I had the same issue with a 1390T, though as suggested in the forum, called up Garmin at : 1(800)800-1020 and walking through with assistance deleted all the voice and help files for languages I didn't need and started the updater and could get the US & Canada maps which weren't fitting earlier. Also, if on a Mac, only deleting it from even the Trash would actually free up space.
Reply #25: Aug 21, 2011, 6:02pm Own the Garmin 1490T. I had no trouble with downloading updates till 8/2011. I tried to install the August update and stated insufficient memory error.just was able to install lower states. Installed a sd card in my Garmin but the Garmin only works off the installed memory that it came with.
I can see that the sd card is installed when I look at my computer. Installed voices on the installed sd card but unable to access the voices installed on the sd card with the gps.
Right now cd card is just being used for storage
Reply #26: Sep 12, 2011, 1:33pm My first update with the 1490LMT went OK. Recently, I saw a message that said newer map files were available. I got the insufficent memory message and could only load 1/2 the US. I'm a little disappointed. I will call Garmin to see if they can help me get throught this situation.
Reply #27: Nov 9, 2011, 1:24pm I have the 1450LMT, same product family as the 1490LMT, and ran into the same issue as well regarding insufficent memory/space when trying to download the newest 2012.30 map update. I phoned Garmin, displeasd, but they suggested I try re-downloading through the Garmin servers, and not through the Garmin updater that was loaded on my system. Basically there are two ways of downloading map updates, the first being their Garmin Lifetime Updater program that installs to your computer, and is an easier way for map updating, and what I used to download the 2012.20 map update. Or, the other way is to log into your MyGarmin account from the Garmin page and updating the map (select Option #2 when asked) via the Garmin servers that way.
I removed the Garmin updater from my computer and am currently downloading via the Garmin site, currently on step 3 of 3 as I type this, so hopefully this method works. The tech support agent did explain how to remove voice, text, etc for languages thatI don't use, so since I only speak English, and the unit only covers USA and Canada, I will probably remove all of the voice files with the exception of the English ones.
Reply #28: Nov 14, 2011, 7:21pm I've just done this on a 1490 for the new map 2012.30. You can barely squeeze it all on by deleting archived tracks (yes tracks are auto-archived) and voices you do not need... It is tight.
Alternatively, if you choose East or West regions, you do get "most" the USA and all of Canada.
Reply #29: Nov 20, 2011, 4:31pm I have a 1490t which would not update due to space using the lifetime updater. It updated fine using the Garmin servers. I did clean up all of the non-english flotsam and archives to make space but it worked fine. It appears that the lifetime updater needs to see the available space before it overwrites the maps that are already on the GPS. The on-line servers takes the overwrite into account duing its calculation process. This may be something that Garmin should look at to make the lifetime updater useful. Just a suggestion
Reply #30: Nov 21, 2011, 8:30am Hello,
About two days ago my Garmin 1490LMT got 'lost.' The screen displayed a basic map with major streets, but no detail and the car icon was way off the actual location. I'm wondering if there is a 'base map' permanently loaded on the device and the detailed map somehow got wiped or corrupted. When I go to the 'Get Map Info' screen, there is no map listed.
So, I went to the Garmin Site to download a map. Got the 'insufficient memory' message the first time and only downloaded the 48 state map.
After it downloaded I checked map info again. Still no map listed.
Went to download another map. This time it allowed me to replace the original map,'US and Canada' (or North America) Downloading is proceeding. Let's see what happens.
This is quite a pain and the Garmin site is quite confusing in various aspects.
JR
Reply #31: Nov 21, 2011, 10:51am Please keep posting updates to this situation. I tried everything Garmin suggested by email, but have not spoken to them directly. Even when I manually removed the map and tried to install the 2012.30, it would not load. I re-installed the 2012.20 and will try removing all the voices, etc. except English when I get a chance. Thanks.
Reply #32: Nov 21, 2011, 11:05am Please phone Garmin at 1-800-800-1020. Via email you normally don't get the right solution because it is hard to understand what is going on unless they can ask you qualifying questions. It is possible to get all the maps on the unit via SD. When downloading to the computer make sure you tell the Lifetime map updater software to save to the PC/Mac also and not just the unit. We hope all works out for you.
Reply #33: Nov 21, 2011, 4:47pm I also had the "not enough space" problem when trying to update my North America/Canada maps on my just-purchased 1450LMT. I went to their support website (they won't allow my to post the link) with my 1450 plugged into my laptop and found that there was a software update available. I applied the update and the maps installed OK.
Notes:
1. You have to download a plugin that communicates with your GPS, which must be plugged into your computer. The operator lead-through on their site makes this easy.
2. After the software was installed and I powered the GPS back up, I had to touch the "View Map" to see a message box telling me that the software has been updated successfully. It also said there were some other updates and I chose to install them, whatever they were. They must have been very minor because they happened very quickly.
Reply #34: Nov 25, 2011, 11:13am I've had this problem with a 1450LMT, in fact it would not even let me install the whole US map, much less US and Canada. The only fix was to go into the software folders and delete many of the text, voice, and help files in other languages I don't need.
Frankly it's pretty crappy that Garmin is currently selling units with lifetime map updates that already have too little capacity to hold the current maps.
Evidently this is going to be their new hook, sure you get free lifetime map updates, but we're going to put so little internal memory in our units that you're going to have to buy a new one every couple years anyway if you want to actually USE the new maps.
Reply #35: Nov 29, 2011, 11:14pm Whoops! From this forum, it's pretty obvious that I bought the wrong Garmin for my wife's x-mas present. I also can't load the US and Canda maps that I paid for with this 1450 LMT. Also, I wanted to load more maps, of Europe, but have no idea how much memory these maps require. So, how do I know how much more to spend on the microSD card?
Reply #36: Nov 30, 2011, 6:43am Micro SD cards are around $9. also the Europe maps will come on micro SD also. Europe maps and other mapping normally dont go on internal memory
Reply #37: Nov 30, 2011, 3:44pm I'd try to find a newer unit in the same price range that has more internal memory, even if it costs a bit more the extra memory will be worth it. Which may be hard since Garmin conveniently (for them) does not show in their specs how much internal memory units have.
What's really sad (and no doubt on purpose by garmin) is that my old nuvi 780 unit (released Jan 2008) has slightly MORE internal memory (around 100 megabytes) than the 1450LMT unit released over two years later. That's pathetic and a total failure on Garmin's part for a device that relies on internal storage for maps.
Also keep in mind that if you use the Garmin preloaded MicroSD cards for maps you can't put anything else on those cards. So if you wanted to say load topo maps as well you'd have to swap cards on demand whenever you wanted to access those maps. I've never liked that idea because I've never felt garmin has a SD card design that is durable enough for frequent use.
The downside to buying their mapping software is that it limits you to one gps unit, so while you gain flexibility in what you download and can have multiple maps on a single SD card, if you change GPS units you have to re-buy the software. (This does not apply to the Topo software
Reply #38: Dec 1, 2011, 7:37am I would agree the newer models with more memory will be less work.
With the LMT models you can load all the City Navigator maps and Topo maps at the same time and have them on one micro SD card. Not need to buy the map preloaded on a card which you are correct will limit what you put on it. Be sure when downloading your update to tell the Lifetime map update software to save a copy to your hard drive. It is mentioned in this topic a few times. Then using mapinstall you can select both topo and city nav maps.
If you can not figure out how to load your City Nav maps and Topo maps at the same time feel free to call Garmin tech support at 1-800-800-1020
Thank you for the feedback.
Reply #39: Dec 8, 2011, 8:42am I'd like to thank GPS City and this forum for the help on information on fixing the "not enough space" issue with my new 1090LMT. I wound up initially only downloading Eastern US. I did take K5's comment & advice of Nov, 2011 and confirmed it with an e-mail to Garmin support and they in turn sent me the information on downloading from their servers rather than the lifetime updater. I succesfully downloaded the US and Canada map with 193.1 MB left for storage.
Here's a copy of Garmins e- mail response
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.Simply login to your
mygarmin account with username XXXXXXX (this would be your user name in My Garmin) and proceed to the My Maps
tab. Select the details and click on the download for the V2012.30 maps
and when prompted select the OPTION 2 for completing the task for the
map region you want.
Reply #40: Dec 20, 2011, 11:15am did you know that if you buy a 1490t or lmt & you try to do the updates via broad band, wireless, say verizon 4g, that you can't?
time to complete the 7g file will continually vary between 5 & 30 hours, which means you will not complete. thinking about buying topo us sd card but with not being able to initial update or any updates, reluctant to buy anything from garmin.
Reply #41: Dec 20, 2011, 11:43am Most cellular providers will limit/block large downloads to keep their network less congested and prevent you from going over you monthly data plan. The download rate will also vary depending who else is on the network at the same time in that area.
Topo maps can not be updated so you are fine with buying the Topo SD card.
Reply #42: Dec 22, 2011, 12:18pm Instructions below from Garmin - worked great getting the latest full map on my 1490.
There are some files you can delete in your nuvi. Connect your nuvi to the computer and follow the steps below.
-Open My Computer
-Right click on the Garmin Nuvi
-Select Open
Inside, you will have 4 folders. You will have a Help, Voice, Keyboard and Text folder. Open up each folder and delete all the extra foreign language files that aren't needed.
Then sign into your myGarmin account:
There should be a link to Download or Download Again on this page. When prompted to choose between Option 1 (Garmin Lifetime Updater) and Option2 (Garmin Map Update application), please select Option 2 (click the text for Garmin Map Update application). Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the map update.
Reply #43: Dec 31, 2011, 8:14am Looks like time for a class action law suit. It should not be this difficult. I am totally annoyed by the fact that something I spent alot of money on is this user unfriendly.
Reply #44: Jan 3, 2012, 8:02am @Erik - if you are having problems loading the map to a card please phone for support 1-800-800-1020
Reply #45: Jan 13, 2012, 12:55am Sad I got the same error and was lead to this page like others. Went with Garmin after a lot of research, but this cut corner by Garmin didn't nip me until a year after purchasing. Disappointing. I guess I'll have to hack and cut out files I don't need just to squeeze in the promised update.
Reply #46: Jan 13, 2012, 11:07am The map can be completely updated by using a 2GB microSD memory card.
Instructions for a Mac can be found here:
Reply #47: Jan 13, 2012, 11:16am Anyone know how to stop receiving email updates whenever someone posts to this forum? I signed up over a year ago, and can't find any way to opt out of updates to this forum. I figured it would die off as the 1490 gets old. But people still having questions, so email notifications going out.
Please let me know if anyone knows a way out. Thanks.
Reply #48: Jan 30, 2012, 8:47pm I deleted all the extra language text and voices and was then able to load U.S. and Canada.
I'm still not sure why it wouldn't let me save it to the 2gig card I installed though.
Reply #49: Feb 25, 2012, 12:51pm I bought a Garmin 1490 LMT from Costco (does LMT stand for Limited Memory Type) because I don't have enough memory to take me to my country place in Ontario. I have only 39 MB and it take 79MB to get Ontario and Quebec. What is up with that?
Reply #50: Feb 26, 2012, 12:15am The LMT stands for Lifetime Traffic and Maps. And to increase your memory, we recommend using a separate 4GB memory card. Please see the actual product for more detail.
Reply #51: Mar 1, 2012, 5:35pm Says "there is not enough free space available on your GPS for the map region you have selected..." so i fomatted it and now it gives me an error when i try to load the maps
Reply #52: Mar 2, 2012, 6:34am Oh no. If you formatted you GPS internal memory then you may have broke the unit. You will want to call Garmin @ 1-800-800-1020 to see if they have a quick fix for you. You will most likely need a replacement GPS.
If you formatted a memory card then I would try loading the map to the memory card again to see if that works.
Reply #53: Mar 4, 2012, 7:45pm I purchased the 1450LMT with 2012.2 on it. When updating to 2012.3, as with most others, it would not fit. Per Garmin, I downloaded the lower 49 states to the unit, and Canada/Alaska to the SD card. The unit "sees" them both. Just updated the "lower 49 states" 2012.4 fine. Now all I need to do is update my SD card with Canada/Alaska with 2012.4 (I forgot how to do this, but have an email in with Garmin. Basically, looking at the GPS and SD Card in Windows Explorer under the GPX folder, the GPS will have the base map (gmapbmap.img) and the SD card the supplemental map (gmapsupp.img).
Reply #54: Mar 19, 2012, 5:30pm I just experienced the same problem. Not enough memory to install North America map updates. There was a way around this by only selecting Canada and border States from a drop-down list. However that isn't what Garmin advertizes when it claims "Lifetime North America Maps Updates" ... "FREE". I never had a problem with the 1450, there always was enough space.
Reply #55: Apr 4, 2012, 9:31am where do I find the map inof to see what maps are installed/ I had europe on an SD card but after the memory probelm updating, I am not sure if the update erased my Europe maps?
Reply #56: Apr 4, 2012, 10:29am where do I find the map info to see what maps are installed/ I had europe on an SD card but after the memory problem updating, I am not sure if the update erased my Europe maps?
Reply #57: Apr 4, 2012, 12:39pm
Reply #58: Apr 8, 2012, 1:39pm I decided to update my year old 1490 LMT and received the same message regarding the space issue. Now that I have read all the helpful posts, I have found a software update, then did my update for maps on Western Canada/USA through the Garmin server. So far everything worked. Didn't need to buy a SD card or remove files from the Garmin unit.
Reply #59: Apr 8, 2012, 5:25pm I have had the same problem with 1490LMT memory. I was able to load maps by removing all languages but US English and removed all voices except Jill - Australian. According to Windows explorer, the unit has 69.4MB free memory.
However, the unit periodically reboots spontaneously, which disconnects my Ecoroute HD device, and it won't connect again until I stop the car, shut off the engine and GPS then restart while standing still. In the System\diag\shutdowns folder (hidden by default), the RTL trap file shows Error Number: 6E5D8007 with
RTL Information Line:
no more NV memory left, r0=task ID
And register and call stack information.
The Garmin drive letter shows 1.76 GB capacity, 1.69GB used, 69.4MB free.
This is the third 1490LMT I've had that encounters this problem.
Reply #60: Apr 9, 2012, 5:18am You will need to load the maps on a memory card. Do not delete files on the internal memory.
Reply #61: May 25, 2012, 1:51pm I agree with Geoff. LMT stands for Limited Memory Type
Reply #62: May 26, 2012, 3:56pm i just got this 1490LMT 2 days ago. I already deleted all text,help, voice & keyboard other languages and I now have 131.2MB but Us & Canada 2103.10 still won't load...HELP!!!
Reply #63: May 28, 2012, 7:13am You will need to load the maps on a memory card.
Reply #64: Jun 2, 2012, 2:56pm I have a Garmin 1450 unit. Recently, I also encounter the not enough memory when tried to update the latest map update. I eventually installed the map to my PC and copied the map to a 16G micro SD. However, wehn I inserted the SD into my unit, the unit only see the internal memory map. Did I need to do any thing else to make the unit see the latest map in my SD? The latest map is on SD, under Garmin\gmapsupp. The internal memory map is located in \System\gmapprom.
Thank you
Reply #65: Jun 2, 2012, 3:05pm I loaded the eastern half of 2013.10 onto a 2GB micro SD card, and it appears that my 1450 LMT doesn't even know the card is inserted as I can't access the map.
Reply #66: Jun 3, 2012, 12:15pm Geez, I was just about to pull the trigger and order a Garmin Nuvi 1450T bundled with Free Lifetime Map Updates but after reading all these horror stories I'm giving this purchase a second thought.
What happens after you delete a bunch of software from the GPS unit to make room for a map update and update the map and then later another newer map update becomes available. What do do, start deleting stuff all over again?
Reply #67: Jun 4, 2012, 7:19am You should not delete anything on the unit. The maps will load the a memory card.
Reply #68: Jun 7, 2012, 9:32am I just got a 1490LMT as well - fortunately Amazon has a liberal return/refund policy.
Reply #69: Jun 7, 2012, 10:06am I used my computer to access the Garmin files, backed up to my harddrive, then deleted the help files except English, Icon files except blue car, Voice files except lovely lady, Jpegs from Garmin and the update worked fine. no SD.
Reply #70: Jun 13, 2012, 11:52pm I have this same problem of insufficient memory with my 1450LMT and I'm really annoyed with Garmin. If Garmin advertises lifetime free map updates and device doesn't even accommodate few more MBs of data then what's the point ? Didn't anyone at Garmin really foresee this big problem? I shouldn't be forced to spend more money for buying SD card at all.
Reply #71: Jun 17, 2012, 6:10pm If Garmin advertises lifetime free map updates and device doesn't even accommodate few more MBs of data then what's the point ?
I can't agree more.
Reply #72: Jun 18, 2012, 6:26pm I just purchased a 1490 LMT and out of the box it had less than 20MB's free. Got the message about not having enough space to due the update, had to delete files, etc. Now I have 21 MB's free and will have to spend time deleting files from the GPS. I think I'll return it instead. After a few years I can understand running out of space, out of the box, brand new....there's no excuse. Especially when you search the internet for Nuvi 1490LMT space issues and see this has been a problem since this model was released. I wish I had known to search for 'Nuvi 1490LMT space issues' before I bought the unit. Unfortunately, searching for '1490 reviews' doesn't bring up any sites that mention the space issue
Reply #73: Jul 22, 2012, 9:17pm Try re downloading the lifetime updater. I think there is a problem with the one that installs out of the box. I just re-installed the updater and it solved the problem.
Reply #74: Jul 23, 2012, 8:22am The nuvi 14XX series is a few years old now. At this time it first came out it had enough memory. As time went on Garmin added a lot of data and the unit ran out of memory. I suggest a current model like the nuvi 3490 or nuvi 3590
Reply #75: Jul 28, 2012, 9:11am I get that I need to download the maps to an SD card. Do I download the maps directly to the card (while it is plugged into my computer) or can I put the card into the GPS unit and it will "see" it as extra memory.
Also, how big of an SD card do I need for the entire North America set.
Thanks.
Reply #76: Jul 30, 2012, 6:48am You will need a 4Gb memory card. you will need to select the option of saving it to your computer before you can save it to a memory card. Once downloaded to your computer you will use Garmin MapInstall to load the card.
Reply #77: Aug 21, 2012, 11:27pm I have the 1350 and had no problems to load the complete Europe on the unit.
What I did was to copy the old map to my desktop and deleted it from the 1350.
Then I told it to update from the Garmin site.
all went OK
The problem is how Garmin looks at your unit.
If the old map is there it looks at what space is left.
So there is never enough space.
Next I have a 4GB SD card. On this card is a folder called Garmin and a new folder called "Map"
In the "Map" folder you can give this IMG file any name you want.
Example:
\Map
Canada.img
US.img
Topo_Europe.img
Then turn on or off the maps you need to use or not.
You can also move any files over to your unit you want.
All my POI's are on my SD card in the folder \Garmin\POI\.
You can do the same with the JCV files.
If you have Europe, US and Canada files put them all on the SD card in a folder called \Garmin\JCV\
All will work with no problems at all.
The unit knows what JCV file to use with each map.
Please note on all 12xx,13xx,14xx units you will find the hidden files in a folder called ".System" on the unit.
You will need to un-hide hidden folders on your PC to see the hidden folder ".System on your Garmin GPS Unit.
I hope this helps
Reply #78: Aug 29, 2012, 1:28pm I used the Garmin Map Update application to update the maps on my 1490LMT. The Garmin Lifetime Map Updater does not sseem to work properly (Mac). The Garmin Map Update application gives the option to backup or delete old files to make room for the new maps The device internal memory is about 2 GB and maps will take about 1.8 GB. I also suggest to delete images, unwanted voices and help files.
Reply #79: Aug 30, 2012, 9:43am Deleting files will not create enough room anymore. You will need to load the map update to a 4Gb card. The maps will only continue to grow as more data is added to make the device better.
Reply #80: Aug 30, 2012, 2:10pm When trying to update my Nuvi 1350 I selected the western part of Canada and USA only. The update took almost 5 hours. Then I turned it on only to discover that all of Europe was added as well! Now each time I start the GPS it goes to the USA as default and I have to scroll through the endless alphabetical list to get to Canada. How can I set Canada as default?
Reply #81: Aug 30, 2012, 2:21pm It sounds like your unit has been reset and is not keeping its settings. Try a firmware update using the free program called Web Updater. After doing so take the unit outside for 20 minutes (may take only a couple minutes) or less until you get a good satellite lock. Turn the unit on and off. If that did not help try reloading the map update again. If you still continue to have issues please hone the Garmin tech support line 1-800-800-1020
Reply #82: Sep 1, 2012, 11:55am Hey, this is a great thread! Highly informative. Maybe someone can answer a couple of questions for me: 1450LMT.
1)When you have multiple maps in memory, i.e. Lower-48 in device memory, and All US and Canada on a MicroSD, how does the unit go about figuring out which to use? I explored all the menu options I could find, and saw nothing that allowed me to select a map set.
2) Could/should I just go ahead and delete all maps off the device memory and use only the MicroSD?
3) Suppose I update the maps on the MicroSD to a new version, without updating the maps in the internal memory. Which does it use then? Does it automagically know to use the newer maps?
4) Which memory is faster for the device to access?
5) Are there any secret/hidden menus that allow access to more of the guts of the device? I'd like to see, for example, the satellite data among other things. Also current accuracy estimate. etc. etc.
Thanks for any help or suggestions!
Reply #83: Sep 4, 2012, 7:56am 1) The unit picks the map based on your position and the draw order. If you have maps that overlap one will take priority. You can enable and disable maps in the Tools menu under maps.
2) Do not delete any information from the device. The update software will delete the old maps when it loads the new map.
3) That is unknown for I have not tried it. The will both have the same draw priority. I would hope the newer map.
4) The memory access is negligible for you will notice no difference with the maps being on card or internal memory.
5) The information you mentioned can be accessed via the satellite status screen. Just hold you finger on the satellite reception bars on the main screen. The Sat Stat screen should come up. You can also hold you finger on the speed in the trip computer to bring up more diagnostic screens.
Reply #84: Sep 4, 2012, 11:31am GARMIN sucks!!! It took me 2 hours on hold to have someone from the GARMIN help desk walk me thru the process of deleting existing language/HELP/PDF files on my 1450 to free up enough space to allow for a lower 49 state map update. It took me another hour to update. Why in the world would GARMIN release an map update which nobody could use?
Reply #85: Sep 4, 2012, 11:53am @Frank This unit is four years old and the Map data Garmin has provided since then has grown a lot. I guess they could take some of the special features out of the map so that it will fit. Most people would not like that. I think the better option is to load the maps to a memory card. I suggest a 4Gb card. they are very affordable.
Reply #86: Sep 6, 2012, 10:35am This site seems only for NUVI 1490, BUT I'm having similar loading problems on a NUVI 255. It states "insufficient memory" when loading (1013.20) Full Coverage of North America, but allows a choice of US & Canada and loads this OK. This is the first time for this message as I previously loaded 1013.10 Full Coverage with no problems. Any suggestions?
P.S. What is the difference in Full coverage of North America and US & Canada, as we use this device in our RV traveling?
thanks
Reply #87: Sep 6, 2012, 11:57am Sorry, that should have been version 2013.20.
Reply #88: Sep 6, 2012, 12:10pm You will need a 4Gb SD card for your nuvi 255W to load all of North America
Reply #89: Sep 11, 2012, 7:49am I noticed that references to micro-SD cards in this forum only specify 2GB or 4GB cards. Is there a limit to the size cards that will work on the nuvi-1490LMT?
The Garmin web site shows a 4GB card as an accessory.
I have had an 8GB card in my unit since I bought it several years ago, but I question if it has ever had any data stored on it. I now have the "insufficient memory" issue so I am using the above mentioned suggestions for fixing it (thanks for the information).
Reply #90: Sep 11, 2012, 8:52am The max card I have tested on the nuvi 1490 is a 4Gb card. That is all you will need for updates and other data in most cases. If you already have an 8Gb card I would try that. You wont hurt anything. I think it should work fine. You need to send the maps to the card manually. It will not automatically happen.
Reply #91: Sep 11, 2012, 9:44pm I figured out that my 8GB micro-SDC memory card died. It did not get recognized as a drive when it was installed in the nuvi-1490LMT nor when I put it in a standard SDC card holder and plugged it directly into my Windows 7 computer. I purchased a 16GB card since it was so cheap and before I got the reply from Jesse. I will let everyone know if it works or not.
Reply #92: Sep 11, 2012, 11:29pm Yes, the 16GB micro-SDHC card works just fine. This size may be overkill, but it cost me less than $20 and I should NEVER have an out-of-memory message again for this nuvi-1490LMT. If I do, I know it is because I tried to load the map data into internal memory instead of the memory card.
Reply #93: Sep 12, 2012, 7:17pm I am trying to update to a 16 gb micro-sdhc card on a 1390t and it will not recognize the card at all.
Reply #94: Sep 12, 2012, 7:19pm I have been trying to use a 16 GB Micro-SDHC card and it is not being recognized by the 1390T. Any ideas?
Reply #95: Sep 12, 2012, 7:21pm I have been trying to use a 16 GB Micro-SDHC card and it is not being recognized by the 1390T. Any ideas?
Reply #96: Sep 13, 2012, 8:57am Hey! Thanks for your answers and suggestions! There's a ton of cool stuff hidden in those buttons. Also the "battery" indicator gets you to a series of internal self-tests including display tests -- the "next" button is in the same place even though it's not labeled. BTW, do not attempt Bluetooth test if you have a non-BT device.
You guys are great. Very helpful, even with the majority of us who are (not yet) customers. Next time I buy one of these, you're at the top of my list.
Reply #97: Sep 14, 2012, 9:54am Thank you
Reply #98: Sep 18, 2012, 9:00pm MEMORY UPGRADE HOW TO: Done on my 1450 and 1490
You will need a 4GB micro sd card (Formatted)
Install the card & connect to your computer.Create a new folder on your desktop. Open the files on your GPS and copy ALL to the new folder.Once all the folders are copied(DOUBLE CHECK), you can go into the files on the Garmin and DELETE THESE FILES ONLY(HELP(Go into this file and delete all the languages but yours),GPX(Delete archive),JPEG). This will give you enough memory that you can now update your GPS. Download the map updater on your computer and run the program.It will update your GPS to the newest software version(6.10) and install the newest maps(US&CAN 2013.20)Follow the instructions of the updater to complete the install.On the computer you will now see that your Garmin memory is at 402MB with 1.37GB Free & the memory card is now at 1.54GB & 2.13GB Free. The memory card now holds the map.
DO NOT REMOVE the card or your unit will not function properly.
NOTE: You can go into the Garmin and delete the files that you partially deleted and then copy and paste those files from the the folder on your desktop back to the Garmin. Your Garmin is now updated and all the files are back to their factory settings.
Updates should ne
Reply #99: Sep 18, 2012, 9:04pm Updates should never be a problem again. ENJOY Kelly
Reply #100: Sep 19, 2012, 7:43am Thank you for sharing Kelly. You should not need to delete the data from the unit for the map to go to the memory card. Were you having problems if you did not delete some of the data on the internal memory of the unit?
Reply #101: Sep 19, 2012, 9:26am Hi Jesse. If you add anything to the unit before the update. There is not enough memory to do the full map install and you must do partial maps. The updater wants to do the software update install and maps at the same time. As you have stated before the newer updates are to big. If you do the folder option there is no chance of corrupted or lost files and I found the install faster(only took 20 minutes)
Reply #102: Sep 19, 2012, 9:40am To clarify, if you added anything to the unit such as poi or pictures. The memory will be to full to even do just the software update at least that was the problem with mine and having a folder backup on a computer is not a bad thing. One for the unit and one for the sd card, although you can reload the card with the updater if there is a problem.
Reply #103: Sep 19, 2012, 9:41am Ok, I normally choose the option to save it to the PC and unit. It does try to put a smaller region in the unit but because the map is now on the computer you can use MapInstall to load it to the memory card. Thanks again
Reply #104: Sep 19, 2012, 10:27am I am curious did you get the same freed up memory as I did when you did it this way?
"On the computer you will now see that your Garmin memory is at 402MB with 1.37GB Free & the memory card is now at 1.54GB & 2.13GB Free. The memory card now holds the map."
Reply #105: Sep 19, 2012, 11:17am No I did not free up the internal memory. Left it with my main region so if something happens to the card I still have a useable map on the internal memory
Reply #106: Sep 19, 2012, 11:42am I only removed about 800MB with deleting the languages and GPX archive to run the updates and then reinstalled the files to their original state. Those new memory totals are what the map updater did and I also did it as save to PC & unit. I will check on mine but it probably moved your map to the card.
Reply #107: Sep 19, 2012, 12:40pm The way I did it, it updated the internal maps (small region) and then installed the full version to my computer. I used Garmin Map Install to put the full map on memory card. I have not done the update in the past few months so I am unsure if the way I did it still works.
Reply #108: Sep 19, 2012, 2:46pm I like your suggestion. With the extra memory I might go back in and install a regional map back on the unit to have as a backup.
Reply #109: Sep 20, 2012, 11:32pm I bought a 1450 for my dad and installed a freshly FAT32 formatted 16GB micro SD card, charged unit, registered, installed the map updater (after MS .NET Version 4 as promopted). The updater told me the maps would not fit and to install a SD card. Next you can chose to install to GPS or GPS and Computer or just to Computer.
Seems Garmin has fixed problem for PC
Reply #110: Sep 27, 2012, 9:16pm Hi Jesse,
Got my 1490lmt from gps city last week and has installed
updated 2013.2, only 49 state was installed in device (insufficient memory) and Map installed in PC too.
Now, I got a 4GB micro SD, and was trying to do as you did to installed full version (full North america..) from mapistall into micro SD.
It seems straight forward. However, after click installed (with 1.3 GB on device, 1.7GB on SD), now it said please removes certain cities map set (mostly mexico), since they are not unlocked. Did you see this "problem" and how do I deleted them from map set. Not obvious where are they.. Thanks..
Reply #111: Sep 27, 2012, 9:52pm Hi Jesse,
Went back to Garmin site to "re-installed" and choose SD inserted and canada+49 states option to device and PC... It seems work and doing installation now.
It is just annoy that Garmin include those cities in Map and we ae required to remove them (total 13 cities) before using mapinstall to install.. Not obvious from map and to delete them (e.g Tijuana). Don't understand the logic of Garmin people... weired.... If unlocked, should not not be included to begin with...
Reply #112: Sep 28, 2012, 7:07am Thank you for the feedback.
Reply #113: Oct 6, 2012, 6:44pm YOU HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE MAP UPDATE PROMPTS YOU, TO INSERT THE SD CARD FOR THE COMPLETE NORTH AMERICA, THEN IT WILL WORK...DO NOT INSERT THE SD CARD BEFORE HAND, IT WILL NOT WORK...
Reply #114: Oct 6, 2012, 8:04pm Just load the maps on the SD card. Its a lot faster. Then just tell the GPS to use the map on the SD card.
Reply #115: Oct 8, 2012, 10:38am I just updated my 1490LMT.
I already had the card installed, and yet the updater prompted me to choose between 1) insert an SD card or 2) exploring alternatives (which turned out to be installing for a smaller region).
When I clicked on Insert an SD card, the installation continued to successful completion.
In other words, the installer did not look for the presence of an SD card before notifying me that there was insufficient space and asking me to insert an SD card!
Garmin's update software continues to be amazingly primitive.
Reply #116: Oct 8, 2012, 8:45pm SD card is slow. Search in POI will be forever. just delete files from unit you will never use - keyboards (keep english), voices - keep just one, vehicles - keep one also, help(text) - who need is at all?!?!, EULA... and you got a space for maps! just done - no issues. Do not forget to clean reports folder!
Reply #117: Oct 8, 2012, 10:21pm I got my unit 1490LMT in June, and all was good here in Montreal Quebec CA going here and there then two weeks ago I used it to visit my sister in Memphis TN and it took me there like a charm 22 hours drive except some
turns will tell me to do in 30 meters
when I have the street to turn already
so figure update needit so I got the
same problem everybody else is here
for, got myself michro sd card 16G and
download the Canada US maps now got the maps in my sd card but the unit does not load it and I have lost all my other maps I see only big map no street detail, how can I get gps to load the maps that I have already on the card
Reply #118: Oct 9, 2012, 5:46am Do you get an error when the unit boots up?
Check that you maps are turned on in the settings menu. Tools -> Settigs ->map ->map info
Reply #119: Oct 12, 2012, 9:22am bought new 1490 oct 2012 - found these posts since not enough memory to update north america.
Garmin - should:
discontinue this model/series with insuficient memory
provide required memory card
or in the very least put a warning sticker on the product.
It was going to be a gift to my father who doesn't even own a computer. I will return it for a newer model I wish Garmin could give me three hours back that I wasted on this out dated...and now I have to waste more time returning an buying a different one.
Reply #120: Oct 12, 2012, 12:37pm Hi,
If you are having problems...call Garmin to get your questions answered. I just got off the phone with Landis. He's the man! Thanks!
Reply #121: Nov 5, 2012, 8:14am I bought a Micro SD card (4Gb) from The XXXXX for $7.99. I put it my 1450 and it allowed me to upgrade back to Canada and all of North America. I have had this unit for several years and used it all over the US and Canada. It works great!
Reply #122: Nov 19, 2012, 2:26pm LMT stands for LIFETIME MAPS & TRAFFIC UPDATES(freebee=good deal)
JUST ADD A MICRO 4 GB CHIP AND YOU WILL BE FINE
PS. they will be very cheap on Black Friday & Cyber Monday
Reply #123: Nov 23, 2012, 1:46pm I found that Rick's idea (#113) worked for me. Thanks Rick!
It seems that the updater does not recognize that there is an SD card in the Garmin unless you click on "Install an SD card" AFTER installing the SD card and restarting both the Garmin and computer. I had already clicked on that button before installing the SD card so I didn't realize what was going on.
Once again, using Garmin's "automatic" system took hours and hours to figure out.
Reply #124: Nov 26, 2012, 12:45pm I just bought the 1490 LTM from Amazon havent got it in the mail yet. Question does the unit work right out of the box or do I still need to download the maps to the unit?? I know I will have to charge it..
Reply #125: Dec 16, 2012, 2:20pm I just had the same problem, but I updated the Garmin Lifetime Updates on my computer, and it took care of it.
Reply #126: Dec 27, 2012, 4:58pm This is ridiculous!! If the unit doesn't have enough memory for me to download new maps, why in the world would they give me "free lifetime updates/new maps"??? I got a 2mb memory card, but apparently that isn't enough. They should give you that information when you order/buy the product and not wait until you have issues and have to google it to find the answers. What a complete waste of time and money. I'm really frustrated with the whole thing.
Reply #127: Dec 27, 2012, 8:47pm Wow, what a read. I've had my 1450LMT for a year and it is/has been substantially more accurate than my TomTom GoLive with a map that is less than a month old and costs twice as much as my Nuvi. I've been using both devices on trips and find they both have advantages and disadvantages.
After a year, I decided to do a Garmin map update, in fact it is running right now. After reading all your comments, I'm expecting it to fail. At least 4 Gig cards are cheap now - I just bought a full size 4 Gig SD card for a Christmas picture viewer today. Wish I had known about all this earlier. I didn't even know my device has a memory card slot until I read your comments.
Without going into all the troubles I've had with TomTom, I'm wondering who sells GPS devices that are merchantable, meaning ready for market without work-arounds or immediate fixes or updates.
Thanks GPS City and Jesse for the blog and information. I'll have to shop your site.
Reply #128: Dec 28, 2012, 7:01am The newer units do not have map memory problems at this time. The map data continually grows and I think grows quicker than Garmin anticipated. Very soon you will need a 8GB card for updating the nuvi 14XX and similar units.
Have a great day. Don,t hesitate to ask us for purchasing assistance when you need a new GPS unit or RAM-Mount
Reply #129: Dec 29, 2012, 12:41pm I purchased a Garmin 50 in Helena Montana. I got home and find that I can't get it to change locations to Alberta Canada. Just states it does not recognize Canada or Alberta. I updated the software on line and it still does it. I waited 3 hours for Garmin to answer their phone,,,, at the end. Our office is closed Geez.
Reply #130: Dec 31, 2012, 7:08am If you purchased the unit in Helena Montana it may not come with Canadian maps. You will need to purchase Canada for the unit. The Canadian maps come on microSD and are not updatable. To get the updatable maps you will need to purchase North America and a Update. If possible I suggest returning your GPS unit for one we sell. The ones we sell will have Canada and the USA in the unit.
Canada Maps
Reply #131: Dec 31, 2012, 2:40pm Had the same problem - tried to update maps, because prompted by the nuvi 1490LT, but got the "not enough space" message. Called customer support, they told me to buy a microSD card. So I did that, and I still get the "not enough space" message from Garmin. And the PC sees the microSD and shows it as being 8 GB, and FAT32. So called Garmin again, and this time a different lady took my serial number info (first lady didn't ask), and she said I can't do updates to my 1490LT, without paying for it. Wouldn't have minded paying for it the first go-around, had I been prompted by the software, but instead being told "not enough room" isn't at all helpful - and I found no prompt to buy the update. Since I also have the $100 EcoRoute add-on device, will continue to use this GPS unit until it is unusable, but next GPS will not be a Garmin - crummy software and crummy support - both times had to wait over a half-hour to get bad advice the first time, and unhelpful and too late advice the second time.
Reply #132: Jan 4, 2013, 2:15pm trying to install the Mexico maps on garmin nüvi 50, wich is brand spanking new straight out of the box.
followed all the instructions i found on Google to show hidden files and delete files in all the right spots. and im still short space to install the mexico maps.
Reply #133: Jan 4, 2013, 2:20pm You will need to use a memory card for the updates
Reply #134: Mar 14, 2013, 8:13pm I plugin my Garmin Nuvi 1490 LMT, it showed up on my computer, delete everything inside. unplug, installed garminexpress, pluged it back in and update, went to advance and readded voice jill and the car. Everything work out fine, my map now is 2013.40
Reply #135: Mar 15, 2013, 7:09am The new Garmin express makes it very easy
Reply #136: Mar 18, 2013, 10:54am I live in FL and had purchased the Lifetime Updates Package for $120 instead of buying a new unit. My old Nuvi 660 has served me well, why get rid of it when it's always been reliable enough? Then I started noticing my unit didn't have enough free memory, couldn't (like many of you) install North America and Canada maps so I chose to install the lower 49 states instead. Next thing you know I'm up north in New Hampshire, brought my Garmin Nuvi 660 thinking I'd be all set and the friggin thing was useless in New Hampshire! I was soo ticked! And using the Garmin Express makes it very easy? JESSE, ARE YOU ON GOOD DRUGS? DO YOU HAVE ANY EXTRA MY FRIEND? MY NAME IS JESSE TOO! AND I CERTAINLY COULD USE SOME OF WHATEVER YOU'RE TAKING WITH THE FRUSTRATIONS I'VE HAD ON THE FRIGGIN GARMIN WEBSITE! GETTING MY UPDATES FROM GARMIN HAS BEEN LIKE TRYING TO GET FBI SECRET FILES!
Reply #137: Mar 18, 2013, 12:17pm I find Garmin Express is a step in the right direction. Makes it easier for most people to do the updates. Memory is cheap so hopefully in newer units they go go overboard with the amount of memory they put in the units. Why not?
Reply #138: Mar 19, 2013, 9:41am Thank you to John in New York (#43 above). I followed your suggestion and deleted all the other language files and the updates now install on to my nuvi 1490 for all US states without requiring a MicroSD card. Really appreciate your help.
Reply #139: Apr 5, 2013, 7:25pm I was updating my 1450 and ran into the insufficient memory issue. On the advice of a Garmin tech, I installed a region map instead. She told me that I could go back later and install the full map after I added a memory card. I got the card, but now I can't figure out how to download the full map. Any ideas?
Reply #140: Apr 6, 2013, 3:07pm I've had my Garmin nuvi for 3 years and done many updates with no space issues - I do not have an SD card. This is ridiculous that I can't update now because I dont' have enough space!!!! honestly. Why can't it just overwrite the other map files??? I thought that's what it did each time. what a waste of money for the lifetime updates. Now I have to spend more money to buy an SD card. blah. the gps on my phone works WAY better than this thing.
Reply #141: Apr 13, 2013, 6:28am My situation seems even weirder than most of yours here. I have a Garmin "nuvi 255" unit (if I remember correctly) with 1.8 GB of internal memory. It is now within 43 MB of being unable to load the US & Canada maps (according to Garmin Express). So I bought an 8GB SD card thinking this would end my problems for the life of the unit. When I connect my unit, Windows 7 can see the Garmin internal memory and the SD card as two separate FAT32-formatted file systems. However apparently GE has no way of loading anything onto the SD card, and even if it could, apparently the Garmin itself cannot see the SD card. It is as though Garmin threw in the SD card as an afterthought and never had enough time to actually wire it up, except to connect it to the USB cable interface. So the long and short is ... unless you want to use your Garmin unit as a massively oversized SD-to-USB interface, there is apparently no point to installing additional memory on my unit.
Reply #142: Apr 27, 2013, 8:13am The current version of the Garmin Express PC software now has an option to remove unnecessary files from your nav system automatically. I did this & then when I tried to update all maps it started the update but gave me the not enough memory error at the end. Then I just selected the "Lower 49 States" update and it worked fine.
Reply #143: Apr 27, 2013, 8:14am That was on a Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT.
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