Garmin GPS 12

I have the same thing happening on my Garmin GPS-III. (I used to have the 12 - a good unit). Yes, you will need to send the unit into a Garmin agent for them to replace the internal battery - it isn't user-replaceable unfortunately as it is bonded to the circuit board (so they said).

This was a known problem with Garmin GPS III's etc

They replaced my battery free of charge.

cheers 3LB

Thanks guys for your responses.

Leroy

A mate and I have both had our 12XL units replaced free of charge. We both had them replaced when we got the low battery warning and they transferred existing waypoints etc to the new unit. If you're in Melbourne the place to go (GME) is in Braeside and they do the whole operation while you wait. When I bought my first one I asked about the memory battery and how I would replace it. I was told it would last at least 10 years. Mine lasted about 3 years. The first question that GME asked me was whether the unit had been stored without the main batteries installed - which suggested that they should be left in when not in use. This of course is in contradiction to the usual instructions for battery operated appliances. I didn't pursue this question with them - probably because I was relieved at getting the unit replaced free of charge and didn't want to risk them changing their minds!! I now save all the data from the GPS on my PC which I also find is useful for reloading tracks that I've written on previous trips.

Early in the life of Garmin 12xl GPS, we had one in our fire truck which are hard wired, and we had this problem, garmin told us it was stuffed and couldnt replace battery, so we bought another $650 ?
We now know that good batteries MUST be kept in unit at ALL times even when hard wired as the memory battery is only charged and kept in good condition from the batteries not the 12v wiring.
We are also aware that now you can have them replaced, but only after the aftermarket techs started doing them did garmin suddenly start doing them, funny that ???
Funny how these large companies make money from bullbleepting people and then wonder why we get a little upset !!

Cheers