How to unbrick a nüvi - step by step guide

**smokefree** · 27th May 2014, 09:19 AM

Over the last few months, I have unbricked several nüvi's. The information "how to" is available on this forum, but I found tutorials for the various steps to be scattered over various posts and threads. Therefore I have combined all steps required to unbrick a nüvi in one comprehensive and easy to follow step-by-step tutorial, including screenshots using [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]. The tutorial shows the unbricking of a nüvi 1390, but is similarly applicable to other models not only nuvi series. Good luck!

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**dasilvarsa** · 27th May 2014, 09:53 AM

PDF Download

All Credits to SMOKEFREE

**Presell** · 25th June 2014, 01:02 AM

Should anyone be interested: The procedure has been tried and worked flawlessy on an eTrex 30 as well!

Thanx guys, this saved me having to wait for Garmin support.

**offroadnow** · 12th July 2015, 08:03 PM

this worked perfectly to fix my bricked Garmin Nuvi 1490T. I just needed to find the firmware *.gcd for the nuvi (which is still available out on the net, but hidden on Garmin website), and the various other tools.

Firmware -- nuvi13xxand14xxseries_GCDFile__620.gcd

Applications --

Garmin Web updater
Garmin Express
GarminCure3.exe
RMPrepUSB
Updater.exe

It all just worked when I did the exact instruction on the first message of this thread. This needs to be passed along to more folks, as am sure a lot of Garmin GPS are being tossed in the trash.

**Neil** · 13th July 2015, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by offroadnow

this worked perfectly to fix my bricked Garmin Nuvi 1490T. I just needed to find the firmware *.gcd for the nuvi (which is still available out on the net, but hidden on Garmin website), and the various other tools.

Firmware -- nuvi13xxand14xxseries_GCDFile__620.gcd
.......................

G'day offroadnow, welcome to GPSPower. I hate to correct your first post, but V6.20 for both MTK & non-MTK chip models are here: [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] and also still available direct from Garmin:

Code:

Please Login or Register to see the links

To find the actual firmware *.gcd file, right-click on the Garmin software update page and select 'View Page Source' or 'View Source' [varies with browser]. See [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] [look for 'One way to get the link/location to an updated region files (on units you own) is to:'], or just follow this:

WU Download

and you can also get the current .gcd file by taking a copy of your GarminDevice.xml from a backup if your unit's bricked, then similarly changing the version to one below the current and placing the .xml in a Garmin folder on a USB stick before connecting to WU which will download the gupdate.gcd file into a .System folder it creates on your 'fake' 1490.

**offroadnow** · 14th July 2015, 09:36 AM

Just found it all interesting that garmin wants $120 to fix something a tech savy user can do with these software instructions above. The used unit is going for $30 to $50 on ebay; so just don't understand why anyone would go to Garmin for a repair.

Also found a company that will repair the broken USB for $45

Code:

Please Login or Register to see the links

so that issue can be solved on these units.

Am using this unit on my motorcycle with a RAM mount. No fears of dropping it, as its not that expensive. RAM mount works well.

**Neil** · 14th July 2015, 10:13 AM

Re-flowing of the 'cracked' usb solder connections is easily done with a re-flow kit and a little finesse. The reason ppl go to garmin for fixes is because they don't know any better

and we can't blame them for that. 45 smackers for a usb fix is fine for anyone who isn't technically competent so thx for posting that, might save a lot of headaches for many US based users.

**briciola31** · 25th October 2015, 09:20 AM

hello to all
i have a 1310 nuvi stopt in garmin logo.i tried all..tok the batery off..nothing..follow thi first page tutorial but cant conect with usb to the laptop when i hit the updater.exe
help

**catymag** · 25th October 2015, 09:40 AM

Read with care Updater.exe thread.
You must drag the rgn in Updater and select Usb before pressing and holding with your finger on display.
You have to put the rgn and Updater.exe in the same directory.... but read the thread.
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
sent with my phone