Thread: nuvi 2599 bricked?

@rustybin
Most likely it's only 'soft-bricked' due to a corrupt map IMG file which cannot be loaded during the boot process. That's supported by the fact it displays "Loading Maps" message before showing a white screen and the history of the map update failing at 50%. It's essential to access preboot so you can use cure firmware. Unfortunately modern devices like your nuvi 2599 are sometimes difficult to put into preboot and often require numerous attempts. The other thing you must check is that you're using the correct firmware to make the cure. 25x9 US/EU devices can have HWID of 1758 or 1947 and they use different firmware.

There's always the possibility that it's co-incidentally suffered a hardware failure when you were updating the maps but that's quite unlikely. Keep trying to put it into preboot and load cure fw by this method:

• Make the correct cure fw RGN file for your HWID using Cure3.exe but don't try to load it to Updater.exe using the Cure3 GUI
• Locate and manually load the cure fw into Updater.exe
• Select the radio button for "USB Device" on Updater's Graphical User Interface and position the mouse cursor over the "OK" button leaving the GUI visible on the PC's desktop
• Plug a 'known-good' USB cable into a USB2 port of a PC (avoid using a hub or USB3 port)
• Ensure the nuvi is fully OFF, not just in standby - you may have to hold the power button down for anything from 10 to 30 seconds to force it off
• Hold the upper LH corner of the screen firmly with your left thumb with your fingers securely behind to support it and plug the cable into the nuvi while observing Updater's GUI
• Immediately you see the device details populated in the window adjacent to "USB Device" either click the OK button or just hit the Enter key of your PC's keyboard (you must be very fast to initiate the flash as preboot is fleeting in these devices but once data is exchanged it'll maintain preboot)
• Keep holding the device screen firmly until the flash finishes as evidenced by Updater displaying a 'success' message (or at least hold it until 'software loading' appears on the nuvi's screen).

If you load the cure successfully the nuvi should now be stuck on the Garmin logo splash screen and be seen in Mass Storage Mode by the PC so you can remove the damaged map IMG file (it'll be the one with latest date).

PS: Since when does a Frenchman refer to himself as 'an old git'? Are you an ex-pat Pom by any chance?

Hello Butters, and a big thank you for your comprehensive reply and help. Ive tried your proceedure about 83 times , but no luck. Even trying to switch the nuvi off as you say, it tries to switch itself back on. The screen appears tempremental in switching offeven if I try to erase user data ( bottom left of screen hold ) as opposed to resetting by holding top right of screen. Im not able to let anthing "see" the nuvi. Ive got the correct fw sorted out and the file ready to use. Im going to try again next week when my blood pressure drops
Im using a Garmin usb cable, infact Ive got two. On the very odd ocassion the system message briefly appears on the screen, its gone within 2 or 3 seconds. usb cable inserted then .... voila .... back to white screen.
Thank you for your help. By the way Im Scottish and retired to France a while ago. Merci Rusty

Ok there's still hope for recovery because you've found occasionally 'System' message shows for 2 or 3 seconds. In that brief time it IS in preboot which is solely when you can initiate a flash - it seems you do fully understand that.

The basic problem of course is that it's 'bootlooping' (i.e. it'll keep powering on/off endlessly as long as the battery can supply power). Additionally, and most unfortunately, your device isn't forced fully off when you hold the power button down (many bootlooping devices can in fact be successfully forced off like that). However despite that problem there are still a few options to try:

1. Keep trying to 'catch' preboot by fluking an initiation of the cure fw flash. That means following the same procedure i gave but of course without using the power button, i.e. having the fw loaded to Updater with a cable connected to PC, holding the screen then connecting the cable to the nuvi to hopefully initiate preboot at some point (watching the GUI of Updater until you see the device details appear in the window next to "USB Device", at the same time "System" will be showing briefly on the nuvi's screen) then INSTANTLY clicking OK or hitting Enter key to start the flash. You may even have to try removing and reapplying your hold on the screen constantly and/or connecting and disconnecting the cable to the nuvi's port every time in sequence with it powering down and up until you see it's in preboot. Having more that two hands is advantageous with flashing a stubbornly bootlooping device so if you have someone to help with that, use them. Otherwise i've resorted to hitting the Enter key with my right elbow to catch a stubborn device in preboot when cable must be connected/disconnected sequentially.
2. Leave it sit bootlooping until the battery completely exhausts itself and the nuvi will no long turn on with the power button. That will give you one clear shot at the flash because it should, hopefully, go straight to preboot when you hold the screen and plug the (PC connected) USB cable into it which will then power it on. Again you must have fw loaded to Updater etc. and be VERY fast in initiating the flash as you'll only have a couple of seconds or it'll exit preboot and just bootloop again.
3. Open the device (here's a youtube [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]) and disconnect the battery entirely. In many Garmin devices the battery isn't an essential part of the electrical circuit therefore you can still power it on from the 5V in USB cable. If it can be powered without the battery in the circuit that will give you a better chance to catch preboot.

Good luck and i'm very sorry for accusing a Scot of being a Pom. I'll practice giving myself Glasgow Kisses in the mirror until i learn my lesson (i already know where the Hospital is thanks) .

That further info cements my feeling that it's only badly 'soft-bricked' rather than suffering some random hardware failure, such as a failing flash chip.

Leaving the nuvi without the battery connected for an extended period of time will also drain all residual current from its circuits - sometimes just that can also help by forcing a factory reset.
Aye i'll not be doing the Glasgow Kisses then. Merry Christmas Rusty and do dheagh shlainte back to ya (no single Malts for me, i'm a dedicated Dewar's man).

Hello Butters. I'm just about to start the Celebrations in Scotland. My computer also decided to give up, so the chances of me getting anything sorted are now are going to be postponed a bit more longer. Your news though is still encouraging and appreciated. Just my luck for my birthday being on the 13th . Kindest regards to you. By the way Im enjoying an Irish whiskey tonight, Bushmills ... it's pretty good. Take care. Rusty

No problem mate. Post again when you can with the results. Cheers.

Hello again Butters. Hope you're and well. I just thought I woiuld have another attempt with the 2599. Now unfortunatly my computer is playing up with a lot of system errors. Until this is fixed I have to put my repairs on hold with the Nuvi. Thanks again for your past help. Rusty