Lowrance GPS Not Working After Update: Troubleshooting and SolutionsUpdated 2 months ago

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Lowrance GPS systems are widely used by boaters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts to navigate waters and rugged terrains with precision. Known for their reliable performance and ease of use, Lowrance devices are equipped with advanced mapping and navigation tools. However, like any electronic device, issues can arise from time to time, particularly after a software update. A common problem that users encounter is when their Lowrance GPS stops working or malfunctions after an update.

If you're facing this issue, it can be frustrating, especially when you're out on the water or need your device for important navigation. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue. In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes for this issue and provide a detailed guide on how to get your Lowrance GPS back on track.

Understanding the Update Process

Before diving into troubleshooting, it's important to understand the nature of software updates for Lowrance GPS units. Updates are typically released to enhance the functionality of the device, fix bugs, improve accuracy, and add new features. However, during the update process, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. Power interruptions, incorrect file installations, or incomplete updates can cause the system to become unresponsive or even malfunction after the update.

Common Problems After Lowrance GPS Update

There are several issues you may encounter after updating your Lowrance GPS:

1. GPS Signal Loss: One of the most common issues after an update is the loss of GPS signal or inability to acquire a satellite lock.
2. Frozen Screen or Stuck Interface: The device might freeze or display a frozen screen, making it unresponsive to touch or other commands.
3. System Reboots: After updating, the device may constantly restart or fail to boot up properly.
4. Navigation Problems: The GPS may fail to accurately display maps or provide incorrect navigation instructions.
5. Software Errors: You might encounter error messages or the system may crash unexpectedly.

These problems can vary in severity, but fortunately, many can be fixed with a bit of troubleshooting. Let's go over some of the steps you can take to fix these issues.

Step 1: Perform a Soft Reset

A soft reset is the simplest troubleshooting step you can take when your Lowrance GPS stops working after an update. It’s essentially a way to restart the device without affecting your settings, data, or maps. A soft reset can often resolve minor glitches caused by the update process.

To perform a soft reset:

• Turn off the Lowrance GPS unit.
• Disconnect the device from any power source.
• Wait for about 10 to 20 seconds before powering it back on.
• Once the device is powered back on, check if the issue persists.

This simple procedure can sometimes restore your device to normal functionality without the need for further troubleshooting.

Step 2: Hard Reset the Device

If a soft reset doesn’t work, the next step is a hard reset. A hard reset will restore the device to its factory settings, which may resolve any issues caused by corrupt software installations. However, be aware that performing a hard reset will erase all your settings, waypoints, routes, and any other personal data saved on the device.

To perform a hard reset:

1. Power off your Lowrance GPS.
2. Press and hold the “Pages” button (or the equivalent button based on your model) while turning the device back on.
3. Continue holding the button until the screen displays a prompt to confirm the reset.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset the device.

After the reset is complete, the GPS will return to its original factory settings. You’ll need to reload any updates, maps, or personal data that you had previously stored.

Step 3: Check GPS Settings

Sometimes, the GPS signal can be lost or degraded due to incorrect settings. After an update, the settings may change unintentionally, leading to issues with signal acquisition. To ensure the GPS settings are correct:

1. Go to the settings menu on your Lowrance GPS device.
2. Verify that the GPS function is enabled and that the device is set to automatically acquire satellite signals.
3. Check if the device is set to use the appropriate coordinate system or datum (e.g., WGS 84, NAD83).
4. Make sure the time zone and other location-based settings are correct, as these can impact the GPS performance.

After adjusting the settings, give the device some time to acquire a satellite lock. If the GPS is still not working, you can proceed with further troubleshooting.

Step 4: Perform a Software Reinstallation

If the update process was interrupted or corrupt, it could cause your Lowrance GPS to malfunction. In such cases, performing a software reinstallation can fix the problem by reinstalling the latest firmware.

To reinstall the software:

1. Visit the official Lowrance website and navigate to the software update section.
2. Download the latest firmware for your specific Lowrance GPS model.
3. Transfer the firmware to a blank microSD card (use a card with enough space for the update).
4. Insert the microSD card into the Lowrance GPS device.
5. Power on the GPS, and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the firmware.

This process should fix any corrupted files from the previous update and ensure that the device is running the latest and correct software version.

Step 5: Check the Power Supply

A weak or inconsistent power supply can also cause the GPS to malfunction after an update. Power interruptions during the update process can result in incomplete installations or software glitches. Ensure that the power supply to your Lowrance GPS is stable and sufficient.

• If you’re using a battery-powered device, ensure the battery is fully charged.
• If the device is hardwired to your boat or vehicle, check the power connections and fuses to ensure they’re not damaged or loose.
• Consider using a different power source to rule out power-related issues.

Step 6: Update Additional Software and Maps

In some cases, an issue with the update may not be related to the firmware itself but rather the mapping software. Lowrance GPS units often include additional maps, and these maps may need to be updated separately. Ensure that both your device’s firmware and any mapping software are up to date.

To update maps:

1. Visit the Lowrance map update page.
2. Download the latest map updates for your device and region.
3. Install the maps onto your Lowrance GPS using the same process as the firmware update.

After updating both the firmware and maps, restart the GPS and check if the problem is resolved.

Step 7: Contact Lowrance Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be time to contact Lowrance customer support. They can provide further assistance and determine if there’s a hardware issue with your device. Before reaching out to customer support, ensure that you have your device’s serial number and details about the issue ready. This will help expedite the troubleshooting process.

Preventing Future Update Problems

While updates are generally beneficial, they can sometimes cause problems. To minimize the risk of issues after an update:

1. Always perform updates in a stable environment with a reliable power source.
2. Backup your data and settings regularly so that you can restore them if necessary.
3. Carefully follow all instructions provided during the update process to avoid errors.

By following these precautions, you can reduce the chances of encountering problems after future updates.

Conclusion

While Lowrance GPS units are reliable, issues can occasionally arise after a software update. Whether you’re dealing with a GPS signal loss, system freeze, or other issues, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. Start with simple solutions like resetting the device, checking settings, and reinstalling software. If these steps don’t work, don’t hesitate to contact Lowrance customer support for further assistance.

By taking the right approach and staying patient, you can get your Lowrance GPS working again and continue to enjoy its full range of features for your outdoor adventures.