How to Fix Lowrance GPS Not Working Problems?

Lowrance GPS systems are renowned for their precision and reliability, particularly among anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. However, like all electronic devices, they can occasionally experience technical difficulties. If your Lowrance GPS is not working properly, it can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you rely on it for navigation or mapping. But don’t worry—before you give up on your device, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.

This article will guide you through common problems and solutions to help you get your Lowrance GPS back in working order.

1. Check the Power Supply

The first thing to verify when your Lowrance GPS stops working is whether it’s receiving power. If the screen remains blank or the system doesn’t turn on at all, the issue could be as simple as a faulty power connection. Ensure the device is properly connected to the power source and that the cables are intact.

Inspect the Power Cable: Look for any fraying, damage, or loose connections. A damaged cable might prevent your Lowrance GPS from receiving the necessary power.
Check the Fuse: If your GPS is connected to a power outlet via a fuse, make sure the fuse is intact. A blown fuse could prevent the device from powering up.

If the device still does not turn on, you may want to try using a different power outlet or port. In some cases, the power supply might be the issue.

2. Ensure the GPS Antenna is Properly Connected

Lowrance GPS devices rely on an external antenna to receive satellite signals. If the GPS is not working or is showing inaccurate location data, it might be because the antenna is not properly connected or is obstructed.

Check the Antenna Connection: Ensure that the antenna cable is securely attached to the GPS unit.
Antenna Placement: The antenna should have a clear view of the sky to receive signals. If the antenna is placed near obstructions such as metal objects or within an enclosed space, the GPS might not function optimally. Move the antenna to a more open area if possible.

Some Lowrance GPS units come with a built-in antenna, but if you’re using an external one, this is a key area to check.

3. Update Your Software and Firmware

Like most electronic devices, Lowrance GPS systems require periodic software and firmware updates to stay functional. If your GPS isn’t working correctly, there could be a bug or incompatibility issue that has been fixed in a newer version of the software.

Check for Updates: Visit Lowrance's official website or use their companion app to check for any software or firmware updates. If you’re connected to the internet, downloading the latest updates is simple and can often resolve problems.
Install Updates: Follow the instructions provided by Lowrance to update your GPS system. In many cases, the update can be done via an SD card or directly through the device’s interface.

Regular software updates not only ensure that your device is working smoothly but also enhance its performance and security.

4. Verify GPS Signal Reception

Your Lowrance GPS might not be working properly because it is unable to receive a GPS signal. GPS systems rely on satellites to triangulate your location, but several factors can interfere with signal reception.

Weather Conditions: Poor weather, especially heavy clouds, rain, or storms, can sometimes block the GPS signal. Wait for conditions to improve and try again.
Obstructions: Tall buildings, dense forests, or mountainous terrain can block the GPS signal. If you are in an area with limited satellite visibility, try moving to a more open space.
Position of the GPS: Ensure that the GPS unit is in an open area with a clear line of sight to the sky. Being inside a vehicle or near large metal objects can obstruct the signal.

If your GPS is not receiving a signal, it might display an error message or show incorrect location data. Try resetting the device and allowing it to re-establish the connection to the satellites.

5. Reset the GPS Device

Sometimes, resetting the device can resolve issues caused by software glitches or temporary malfunctions. A reset will restore the GPS unit to its factory settings, which can often clear up problems.

Perform a Soft Reset: A soft reset usually involves powering the device off and then on again. This simple step can sometimes resolve minor issues.
Factory Reset: If the soft reset doesn’t work, you may want to perform a factory reset. Keep in mind that this will erase all custom settings and saved data on your device. To perform a factory reset, consult the user manual for specific instructions.

Resetting the device can help clear out any problems caused by corrupt files or settings. If the GPS is still malfunctioning after a reset, you may need to explore other troubleshooting options.

6. Check for Software Conflicts

In some cases, the GPS issue may be caused by conflicts between different software applications or devices that are connected to the Lowrance GPS. For example, if your GPS is connected to other marine devices, there could be a compatibility issue.

Disconnect Other Devices: If you have multiple devices connected to the GPS, try disconnecting them to see if the problem resolves. This includes sonar devices, fish finders, and other electronics that may be affecting the GPS signal.
Check for Conflicting Apps: If you’re using any third-party apps or devices that interface with your Lowrance GPS, they may be causing issues. Try uninstalling or disabling them temporarily to check for conflicts.

In many cases, ensuring that there are no software conflicts can resolve GPS malfunctions.

7. Check the SD Card or Memory Card

Lowrance GPS devices often use SD or memory cards to store maps, charts, and other essential data. If the GPS is not working or is showing corrupted maps, the issue could be with the memory card.

Inspect the SD Card: Ensure the SD card is properly inserted into the device. If it’s loose or not seated correctly, it may cause issues with the GPS.
Test with Another SD Card: If you suspect the SD card is the issue, try replacing it with another one. Corrupted or damaged SD cards can prevent the GPS from accessing map data and affect overall performance.

If your device uses a microSD card, it’s important to use a high-quality card that is compatible with your Lowrance GPS unit.

8. Contact Lowrance Customer Support

If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and your Lowrance GPS is still not working, it may be time to reach out to customer support. Lowrance offers technical support for their products and can assist with more complex issues or potential hardware failures.

Warranty Check: If your device is still under warranty, Lowrance may be able to repair or replace it.
Professional Repair: If the issue is hardware-related and cannot be solved through basic troubleshooting, Lowrance support may guide you toward repair or replacement options.

Before contacting customer support, ensure you have all necessary information on hand, such as your device model number, serial number, and a description of the issue you are experiencing.

Conclusion

A malfunctioning Lowrance GPS can disrupt your navigation, but with a few simple steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve most issues. From checking the power supply and ensuring the GPS antenna is working to updating your device’s software and performing resets, many common problems can be fixed at home.

However, if the issue persists despite troubleshooting, contacting Lowrance customer support is always a viable option. By following these guidelines, you’ll increase the chances of restoring your Lowrance GPS to full functionality quickly.

How to Fix Lowrance GPS Not Working Problems?Updated 3 months ago