Lowrance - GPS is not Responding - need help

[Geaux Fishin]

I have a Lowrance LMS-520c unit and when I hooked it up the morning of the last fishing tournament, I got the dreaded "GPS module not responding" message. I downloaded the troubleshooting guide from their website and work the flow to the point that the problem is in the unit and it needs to be sent in for service. I called Lowrance support and they confirmed that the unit is bad. I can send it in and get it fixed for, are you ready, $349.95 + $12.50 for shipping it back to me!! How special is that. My brother uses a Garmin in his guide service and he sends them back and gets new ones for about $125.00 I can go the $125 better than the $350. The new unit installed was only $600 two years ago.

Does anyone know a better way to get this fixed? I am not getting power to the NMEA 2000 GPS antenna. I have 12 volts going into the unit, the unit will power up but I am not getting the 12 volts coming out of the unit through the "network" red connector on the unit.

Any cheaper repair suggestions are welcome!

[wevans]

Buy a Garmin There MAY be a local who can fix it somewhere "but don't count on it"

[Geaux Fishin]

I called Lowrance and they were willing to take $100 off the $362.00. Then I called Garmin and their repair or replace program is about $120. I think I am going to save my pennies and get a Garmin.

[Chill-N-Grill]

I had the same problem with my Lowrance 113chd and what worked for me was to backup all my data and reset the unit back to out of the box state

[slayer]

silly question...but..... you do have power going to the unit AND power for the network...right???? the external GPS module(3000 I think) requires you provide a fused 12 volt connection to the network plug also....

Just throwing that out for you to confirm....

[groupertherapy]

Had the same problem with my Lowrent LMS525. Did all the stuff to try to isolate the problem. Disconect all cables and reconnect one at a time. Power on after each disconnect/reconnect. If no change check the rest of the connectors one at the time and power up again each check. If all that fails it may be the antenna that is bad antenna like mine was. Called customer service and answered all of the "hey stupid, have you tried this?" questions. He said it was the antenna and that it was a common problem. Exchanged the old antenna for a new one. They collected the core charge up front and credited my card when they got the old one. Net cost was about $120.00.
Last week I must have hit something at WOT and didn't feel it. Knocked the bottom half of the transducer off. Customer "serviceless" said the part wouldn't be available for weeks. Ordered one from Star Marine Depot at a lower cost than from Lowrance and it arrived next day delivery even though I only paid for 3 day delivery.

[SHOWBOAT]

interesting thread and totally contrary to my personal experiences. When my Garmin handheld got wet despite being labled as waterproof I had a hell of a time getting Garmin to step up. Many of you probably remember my thread, and it was only when a link to that thread was provided and Garmin saw the # of folks who viewed it that Garmin was willing to step up.

Never had any problem with Lowrance unit except when I broke the transducer in a creek on low tide. Ordered one online and was back up and runing in no time. Guess it all depends on the particular individual that answers your call....

[Dubble Trubble]

My experience with Lowrance was a good one. I had a unit 3 months out of warranty have a button go bad, and they replaced the unit no charge!

I also have to say I like the depth finder Lowrance has much better than Garmin's. I have not tried either companies "sidescan" units yet.

Guess it depends on who you talk to.