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GPS City Q&As » Automotive GPS » Garmin Nuvi 3490LMT Q&As

Garmin Nuvi 3490LMT: Problem with the 3490 map display blank? (14 replies)

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Original Question

Problem with the 3490 map display blank?

› Garmin Nuvi 3490LMT

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Terry
Amherstburg, On

Original question asked on Sep 26, 2012, 8:50am

New unit map display area goes blank after less than 2 days.
All other functions seem normal
Master reset works, so far.
2nd unit to do this. First unit replaced by GPScity, thanks.
Garmin tech never heard of this.

Any Ideas?

Jordan
GPS City

Reply #1 on Sep 26, 2012, 10:12am

Can explain the problem in more detail. If I understand what you said then it is not a common problem. First time I heard of that.

What maps are you using. That could be the problem

Terry
Amherstburg

Reply #2 on Sep 26, 2012, 1:53pm

going into 'my maps"
The loaded map are

Cnna-Na-Dem
CN North America NT 2013.20 3D
CN North America NT 2013.20 all

Garmin tech asked about these
unit software ver:7.20
Gps firmware:3.04.03

Jordan
GPS City

Reply #3 on Sep 26, 2012, 2:55pm

Does the unit get hot?

Do all screens go blank or just the map screen? Can you see anything when it goes blank? Can you navigate to other screens when it goes blank?

If you reboot does it solve the problem for a little while?

Have you done all firmware updates?

The more information the better.

If you talk to Garmin and they deem it defective we can replace the unit if purchased from us in the past 30 days or with a extended warranty.

Terry
Amherstburg

Reply #4 on Sep 26, 2012, 5:45pm

Only the map area goes blank. Direction,speed and upcoming streets are displayed. I am able to navigate to all other screens. I used Garmin Lifetime Updater to load maps and software. A Master Reset does seem to work for now as it did for the first unit. Will check heat of unit tomorrow,only short trips so far(less than 1/2 hr)
I find this strange that 2 new units both did this.

Jordan
GPS City

Reply #5 on Sep 27, 2012, 6:52am

I find it odd also. This is not an issue most people have. I can only assume what is happening. I think maybe the map gets unselected somehow.

Terry
Amherstburg

Reply #6 on Sep 28, 2012, 7:45am

Unit does seem warm after 1/2hr of use but still okay to touch.
Reloaded all maps and software today.
Unit asked for a restart to finish update.
Some missing features now appeared.
Will keep you informed

Terry
Amherstburg

Reply #7 on Oct 1, 2012, 9:24am

unit died again today!
Can't say I'm impressed.
Will master reset again.

Jordan
GPS City

Reply #8 on Oct 1, 2012, 11:04am

I suggest calling Garmin for assistance. 1-800-800-1020

This is not a normal problem that they may be able to help you with better.

kinggrr
Indianapolis

Reply #9 on Oct 23, 2012, 10:48am

Terry - just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I received my 3490LMT last week and took it on a trip last weekend. Several times (~6) over two days, I would power back up after a long stop and see only light grey where the map data should be. The tracking and guidance would still work, and if I went to add a route point and look at the map in that route point info screen, the map was normal. However, when going back to the main map screen, it was still grey. 5 of 6 times, rebooting fixed the problem. One time it did not. Unit is fully updated with firmware and maps to the latest that Garmin offers, so I know it's not that. I have tried to repeat it by powering off and on, trying different options, etc., but no luck. This may be going back to Amazon...

kinggrr
Indianapolis

Reply #10 on Nov 13, 2012, 3:00am

Not sure if anyone is still following this, but mine 'grey screened' again last night. I took screenshots of it this time - everything else works (voice guidance, ETA, mph, construction, upcoming turn, etc.). My return window closes this Saturday this one's going back.

kinggrr
Indianapolis

Reply #11 on Feb 7, 2013, 10:47am

In case someone sees this - I had purchased mine from Amazon at a discount due to it being a factory refurb. My suspicion is that it had this problem, was returned under warranty, a tech could not duplicate the intermittent problem, and they resold it to me. I sent it back, bought a factory new one, and have not had a single issue with it in 3 months. Very happy with it now.

Jordan
GPS City

Reply #12 on Feb 7, 2013, 12:42pm

Thank you for the feedback. In my opinion buying refurbished or used is just taking on someone else's issues.

Kevin
Orange

Reply #13 on Apr 19, 2013, 4:25pm

Mine is doing the same "map blanking" thing. It happens after I input a new address, never the first address after I turn it on.

The map is just gray, but the turning directions are still there and update, as well as speed, arival time, etc. When I touch the map, I get the zoom in/out buttons, but the zoom in is grayed out.
I tried hitting zoom out a buch of times, but the map never went anywhere.

Hopefully someone has a solution.

Tom
GPS City

Reply #14 on Apr 22, 2013, 8:39am

Load or reload the latest software using the Garmin Webupdater.
Contact Garmin Tech Support for assistance.
1-800-800-1020

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