Steps to resolve a Garmin DriveSmart 65 that won't charge in the car:
1. Check the Fuse in the Vehicle Power Cable
The vehicle power cable connecting the Garmin to the car usually has a fuse. Inspect this fuse to ensure it is not blown or broken. Replace the fuse if necessary as a blown fuse will prevent charging from occurring.
2. Verify Vehicle Power and Ignition
Ensure the vehicle is turned on and the power outlet supplying the Garmin is receiving power. Some cars only provide power to certain outlets (e.g., cigarette lighter) when the ignition is on, so the device may not charge if the vehicle is off or in accessory mode.
3. Check the Fuse in the Vehicle Power Outlet
Apart from the fuse in the power cable, check the vehicle power outlet's own fuse (often inside the vehicle fuse box). A blown fuse here will stop power from reaching the outlet preventing the Garmin from charging.
4. Verify Temperature Conditions
Make sure the interior temperature of the vehicle is within the specified charging temperature range for the Garmin DriveSmart 65, which is between 32°F and 113°F (0°C to 45°C). Charging may be disabled if temperature conditions are outside this range due to safety features.
5. Use the Original Garmin Vehicle Power Cable and USB Charger
Always use the original Garmin vehicle power cable that came with the device. Third-party cables and USB adapters may not supply adequate power or may cause communication errors preventing charging.
6. Inspect the Power Cable and Connections
Check the Garmin power cable and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Even small damage to wires inside the cable or the connector pins can prevent charging.
7. Test Charging with Other Power Sources
Try charging the Garmin using a known good power source such as a wall charger or a different USB power bank to determine if the issue is with the car or the device. If the device charges normally with other sources, the problem lies likely with the vehicle power supply or cable.
8. Avoid Sync Mode Triggering
Some Garmin GPS units enter a "sync mode" when connected to power via USB data lines, which can interfere with charging. Modify or use cables that disable data lines for charging-only operation. Custom USB cables that join or disconnect data wires can prevent the GPS from locking into sync mode and enable charging.
9. Battery Diagnostics
If the Garmin still won't charge, the internal battery may be defective or completely drained. A battery below a critical voltage will not accept charge. In such cases, battery replacement may be necessary. Battery health diagnostics can sometimes be accessed via device menus or specialized tools.
10. Reset the Device
Perform a soft reset or hard reset on the Garmin to clear any software glitches that might be affecting charging. This can sometimes resolve charging recognition issues.
11. Firmware Update
Ensure the Garmin DriveSmart 65 firmware and maps are up to date as some charging or device behavior issues can be resolved through software updates.
12. Professional Repair if Needed
If all above steps fail, seek professional Garmin service or repair centers to check for hardware faults inside the device's charging circuit or battery.