Customer Reviews

Garmin Nuvi Hardwire Cable (Mini-USB connector) for Garmin Nuvi

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

I installed this unit inside the headlight housing of my Yamaha V Star 950. After carefully studying the motorcycle wiring diagram, I learned there is a pre-wired connector for an optional light bar accessory. Since I wasn't using the accessory light circuit I determined it to the perfect location to tap into the motorcycle's electrical system. And the light circuit has power only when the engine is running so tapping in there will prevent the GPS from drawing power from the motorcycle battery when not in use.

There was just enough room inside my headlight housing to insert the 12V power transformer with the USB connector threaded out the back of the headlight housing. Next I plugged the USB connector into my GPS device mounted on the handlebar and cranked the engine. Viola!

I have no clue what would cause some GPS devices to switch into data mode. But my Nuvi 255 correctly switches from battery to direct current mode when the engine is running and switches back to battery power when the motorcycle engine is turned off.

My GPS intermittently switched from charge to battery mode in use on the motorcycle--in other words, the power supply was intermittent. Then after proper installation and very little riding for three months it DIED. Checked the mini-USB connector: the metal shell was not connected to ground and two of the connector pins were shorted together. Also discovered the power cable is not shielded and has very light-gauge wires in it compared with the wiring out of the cigarette lighter charger that Garmin supplies. Cannot recommend this unit. Buy something better. Installation on a motorcycle ain't so easy. You don't want to have to do it twice.

UPDATE: Disassembled the Garmin cigarette lighter power supply, put it in a plastic box and wired it into the motorcycle. Now have steady power.

Used this to power my Garmin Nuvi 760 & 765. Anyone with decent techincal skills will be able to intall this perfect. Connect the red wire to 12v switched power. And Black wire to ground. Make certain 12v source is switched power to prevent a battery draw. Which will kill the battery if the Nuvi is attached while the car is parked.

I ran the wire to the glove box to keep the garmin chagred and ready to go when i need to use it.

Put on motorcycle. Used 2 small alligator clips for hook up. This allows guick disconnect when not in use. 2 clips on battery post ( +&- )plug into GPS and go. No problems.

I opened the package and looked ok... I opened the fairing on my scooter and installed the wire... It had a short in the module and would not work... no response when I emailed the seller...
DO NOT BUY THIS CHINESE PIECE OF JUNK...

I have had this installed for about 6 weeks. It worked fine initially.

The installation had two issues that several others complained about. The thickness of the power and ground wires made it almost impossible to wire it into my 96 Accord using splices. The size of the box made it difficult to zip tie it to prevent it rattling or moving around.

3 days ago, my Nuvi 1350 started going into data mode before rebooting into map mode. This behavior was followed random reboots while on the road.

If you are going to purchase this item, make sure it is easy to access when it fails.

After spending an afternoon installing this on my Harley, this unit failed on my third attemp to use it. Didn't even have my motorcycle cranked.

This item is extremely low quality, but the price should have alerted me to that. The wires are so small gauge that you cant attach a connector to them. Spend the extra money and get a good one.

I purchased this to power my Garmin Nuvi 750. I followed Ken W's lead and installed this on my V-Star 1300 Tourer. It also has an Accessory Headlight plug in the headlight housing. Unfortunately, I was unable to place the small box in the housing due to space constraints. Instead, I velcroed it to the top of the radiator just outside the headlight housing. I tested this on a 300+ mile ride and it worked fine. I still need to test it in wet weather. It looks to be well enclosed so should do fine.

I have had no issues with the operation of the GPS. Since it's hooked up to switched power, it starts when the engine starts (not when the key is turned on) and notices a loss of external power when the key is turned off. The unit prompts you to turn off or stay on and defaults to off after 30 seconds. So, there is no need to manually turn on/off the GPS.

Wanted to hardwire my Nuvi 260W in the car so I wouldn't have those wires hanging loose. Works great. Nice produce and, as always, fast delivery.