How to Replace a Battery in a Garmin GPS (5 Steps)
By Lynn Anders
Garmin has made replacing the battery in many of their GPS units simple. It also sells the replacement batteries on its website, or they can be purchased at retailers that sell electronics. Note that not all units have a battery that can be replaced by the owner, and it's best to contact Garmin for more information.
Step 1
Determine that you do have a Garmin GPS with a replaceable battery. Find the information by checking the manual or with a close inspection of the back and sides of the GPS unit. GPS units that have a battery that can be replaced by the owner will have a battery cover lock on the back or side; it looks like a small sliding piece of plastic with slots or ridges.
Step 2
Open and remove the battery cover by sliding the battery cover lock and pulling off the battery cover. In some models, you may have to hold the lock up while simultaneously pulling the battery cover off.
Step 3
Remove the battery by sliding the battery out of the battery cavity. You may need to use gentle pressure to get it to slide out.
Step 4
Put the new battery in by sliding it into the battery compartment. Line up the metal contacts on the battery with the metal contacts in the battery compartment to make sure it is properly installed.
Step 5
Click the battery cover back into place. The battery cover lock should automatically lock and secure the cover. If this does not happen automatically, slide the lock back to the locked position.
References
Tips
- Thin Garmin GPS units such as the Nuvi 285, 1200 series and 1300 series have batteries that can't be replaced but are rechargeable.
- Some of the Garmin GPS units that do take a replaceable battery: the Aera 500, 510, 550 and 560, Nuvi 500 and 550 and the Zumo 660 and 665.
Writer Bio
Lynn Anders has more than 15 years of professional experience working as a zookeeper, wildlife/environmental/conservation educator and in nonprofit pet rescue. Writing since 2007, her work has appeared on various websites, covering pet-related, environmental, financial and parenting topics. Anders has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and biology from California State University, Sacramento.