GPS Battery Explosion

[Chevy57]

GPS was placed in its bracket in the windshield and left in the sun. The battery overheated and exploded!

In August of 2010, Garmin, one of the leading GPS receiver manufacturers, issued a recall on 1.25 million in-car units over fears the battery could overheat and cause fires. The following devices were included in the recall: nüvi 200W, 250W, 260W and nüvi 7xx(where xx is a two-digit number). Of the 1.25 million, 800,000 were sold in the U.S. If you are concerned your unit may be affected you can visit their website at my.garmin.com/rma/recallLanding.faces.

Safety Recommendations for Vehicle Accessory Devices

· Do not leave plugged in when not in use (including chargers)
· Do not leave in direct sunlight when the vehicle is parked
· Use protective window shades to limit temperature and exposure to sun
· Stop using if you recognize damaged wiring or any other defect
· Only use according to manufacturer's recommendations
· Periodically check manufacturer and safety websites for recalls



Commentary - Vehicle GPS units and what you need to know

 

[Reba]

I never use my Garmin on the windshield. I use an on-the-dash cradle for it, and I never leave it on the dash except when I'm driving with it. I don't want to invite someone to steal it.

 

[naisho]

I don't have Garmin, I have Tom-Tom 310 XL.

Now I don't use GPS anymore, use my phone and hooked up to charger with Google Navigation directions.

 

[Frisky Feline]

ouchie! I have tomtom and it is in top of inside trunk, will it cause .. oh my god!

 

[naisho]

... I never leave it on the dash except when I'm driving with it. I don't want to invite someone to steal it.

I agree. It's an open invitation for burglars, even just some quarters are enough for some people.

 

[The Highlander]

http://www.alldeaf.com/2035645-post248.html

What's wrong with bottom of dashboard or bottom of radio area? That's how we did that for many years and no problem. No hide need. I think GPS top of the dashboard that it looks kind ugly.

Whoa!

 

[The Highlander]

I don't have Garmin, I have Tom-Tom 310 XL.

Now I don't use GPS anymore, use my phone and hooked up to charger with Google Navigation directions.

Same here. I use my iPhone as TomTom App a lot with charger.

 

[Evo Dragon]

I used to my old Garmin device for travel. I let it go and traded it for cash. I always dismount Garmin device and put in glove box. I never leave it on windowshield.

 

[Reba]

We checked the models/serial numbers of our Garmins, and none of them were recalled models.

 

[Chevy57]

http://www.alldeaf.com/2035645-post248.html



Whoa!

I just bought new Mountek car holder which hold my iPhone 4 into CD slot.NO SUCTION CUPS, NO CLIPS, NO SCREWS.. No more to use my Garmin device now.

 

[Jiro]

simple - don't leave any device with a battery in direct sunlight when parked.

 

[purplecatty]

apparently sun overheats the battery and explode. Wonder if it shatters windshild

Catty