GPS Switch OFF ?

[codhw]

Hi lads I have a foruno 1650 gps which is great but switches off everytime I restart the engine. When I switch the engine off the gps stays on but when I go to restart the boats engine the unit switches off. Someone has said they think may be the internal battery on the unit needs replaceing. Im just wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem and been able to fix it. Any help advice would be great. Cheers

 

[davem2005]

The problem is the starter is drawing sufficient currnet to drop the voltage to the point the gps shuts down. It suggests your battery is either run down or on its way out.

If you have a multi meter put it across the battery terminals it should read 12.4-12.7v. Then crank the engine and see what it drops to. A 1-2v drop would be ok but any more and it suggests your battery is duff.

If you have a two battery setup test each one seperately. Also try using a jump battery when starting and see if the problem stops.

Check the connections at both end that feed your electronics. It may be corrosion is causing a high resistance and dropping the voltage. You may have a voltage readout on the GPS screen which could help. Run a temporary feed direct from one battery to your electrics to eliminate wiring faults.

Check your terminals are clean and tight, both the positive and negative ones.

If all else fails take the battry to someone with a drop test meter but beware as they are in work to sell batteries and all too often they diagnose a battery in their favour.

Cheers
Dave

 

[mark]

even with a healthy battery its likely to still happen, just like the radio in your car drops out when you crank the engine

even a healthy 12v battery could drop as low as 7 or 8 volts while spewing out the huge current required to crank an engine

only sure fire way to stop it is a second battery for electronics which is isolated from the starting circuit

 

[codhw]

Thanks lads very helpfull as usual its much appreciated:thumbup: