Customer Reviews

Car Charger (Mini USB) for Garmin Nuvi 260 / 260w / 265 / 265wt / 275t / 295w / 350 / 360 / 370 / 465t / 500 / 550

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The in-car charger for my ancient Garmin Nuvi 360 crapped out a year or so ago - ever since, we've been charging it fully in the house and using it sparingly on long trips. I finally decided to purchase a new one, and found a variety of inexpensive replacements, all of which seem the same. After reviewing several, I chose this unit as the description states:

"When using this charger for GPS device, GPS device might restart with computer mode; after less than 10 seconds of synchronization, GPS will start with GPS mode with charging from the charger."

"So even though it might go into the PC sync mode briefly, it will continue to function as a GPS unit," I thought to myself. I sent in my money and anxiously awaited for its arrival. When it finally showed up, I ran out to the car to try it out - it started, and stayed in the PC sync mode.

Frustrated, I "googled" possible tips to bypass the PC mode. Some of these tips included pressing the lower LH corner of the screen for 15 seconds (at which point it would switch to GPS mode), or waiting until the unit says "loading maps" and then plugging it in. Nothing I found worked, until I read a five year-old forum post stating that if you plug the charger into the windsheld suction-mount unit for the GPS (instead of the GPS unit itself), it will work fine. I ran out a final time, and low and behold... it worked as it should.

The one I received doesn't look like the one in the pictures. It doesn't function like the description says it does (at least for me it didn't). But, I got it to work as a functional car charger after some interneting and fidgeting, and the shipping was super fast. I would give it a four stars, but in the end it only cost $3 and the shipping was free.

I see that quite a few people are having issues with their "generic" GPS chargers... I hope that this bit of information helps out.

I bought two (2) Mini chargers from a Big Box retailer for about $60.00. Both started my GPS units, one new one several years old, then showed an on-screen picture of a computer with a GPS. Neither unit went into operational mode until AFTER the charger was disconnected. After several minutes or hours of charging both GPS units would operate for only several minutes, then shutdown.
Accidently I ran across the Amazon Car Charger! They looked the same BUT also said they would both charge and operate the GPS. Priced at two (2) for less than $6.00 with free shipping, full knowledge of Amazons return police, many years of totally pleasing service and trust in Amazon, I ordered two (2).
When I plugged them into the GPS units I was disappointed to have the same screens come up and then the picture of a computer and GPS - hey that's the same as the Big Box ones did! Darn! However after a minute or so the "Please drive...." voice startled me and both units were and are now fully operational with the chargers pluged in! The mini chargers give off no heat; one is now hidden under the instrument panel cover of my motorhome hard wired to the ignition switch. The other in the car so my wife won't (hopefully) won't get lost when I tow the boat and she follows in the car losing sight or radio contact - great peace of mind.
And YES I told the Big Box when I returened their Mini Chargers "I bought two (2) from Amozon.com for less than $6.00 and they WORK!"

I bought this charger because the original one's cable broke. This charger does not charge quickly. It takes a long time before the Nuvi is at capacity. Before it actually does work, it has to be plugged in and out several times before the Nuvi will recognize it and start charging. I don't know if this is related to the plug not fitting properly, or due to the lower output current of the charger. Once it starts charging there is no contact problem anymore. It just charges slowly. This was not the case with the original charger. This one didn't cost much, that may explain it...(I believe $3 incl shipping, what can you expect..)

This is not original equipment, BUT it certainly does the job at an unbelievable price !
Why pay more ??

This adapter put my Garmin into computer mode.
It's totally useless. I have no idea if it actually let the unit charge?

Amazon should ban company that make false claiming from selling at their site. I bought this product from Overstock.com thru Amazon and this product does not work. The computer mode is always on and the navigation mode never come and not able to use the GPS. WTF! I want my money back! This item is No WORTH 1 cent! DO NOT BUY OR YOU WILL BE SORRY!

I bought this due to the attractive deal. It does the work of a charger, but the GPS restarts very often when connected. At times it switchess off suddenly and does not restart. Hence, use it as a charger, but if you are looking for a reliable device to use GPS when connected to the charger, this is not the one.

Also, the length of the charger wire is so short, you cant connect it to the charger and at the same time mount the device on the windshield.Beware !!

I purchased this product based on earlier review assuming that it will work. However, after I plugged it in my car, the computer screen came up and never went away. Nuvi never turned to navigation mode.

Like the saying goes you get what you pay for. I recieved the product promply but after plugging it in my car, it goes into a computer mode. It takes a few minutes before it goes on the main screen (very irritating).It worked about 2 weeks then the ubs plug just fell apart. I would not recommend this item just to save a few bucks.

First, the product charges the GPS unit(i own a Garmin Nuvi 200) but soon its plugged GPS goes to PC Sync USB mode...
Second, the product is poorly built... hav to be careful while using it..
Third part, how to make it work.. here is how...

For Garmin 200 series or 6oo series, power up without cable.. hold the bottom left corner and then power on.. some GPS will enter into diagnostic mode then connect the charger, it works !!

Else, after turning on, hold the battery icon for sometime to enter diagnostic mode, connect the charger, exit diagnostic mode... It Works !!