Garmin Nuvi 2445 GPS - Repair

I recently visited my in-laws over the December holidays. While there, we went on a road trip to a nearby forest. My mother-in-law tried to use her Garmin GPS to help us get there, but it wouldn’t switch on. It wouldn’t charge in the car using the cigarette lighter socket. It is a Garmin Nuvi 2445 model:

I had a look at it later that afternoon when we got home, and noticed that the rear mini usb charging socket felt a bit loose.

I wanted to fix it there and then, but realized I didn’t have any tools with me. It would have to wait till I get back home in January, a 1000km’s away.

When I got home I opened it up by removing the 4 torx screws underneath. The back panel then clips off.

Once opened the flat ribbon cable that goes to the LCD needs to be removed. This is done by flipping the brown plastic tab clamp on top of the socket, towards its solder pins, and then gently pulling the cable out.

Then simply remove the 3 metal Phillips screws holding the pcb in place, remove the battery cable and speaker cable.

I could see that the 5 pins on the usb socket were broken off from the solder pads. Luckily no solder pads were damaged.

I then removed the socket completely just to be sure. I cleaned the pads with some solder wick and some alcohol.

I then re-soldered the socket and pins carefully using my trusty microscope and some liquid flux. This can be done without a microscope, but it makes life a bit easier.

Once replaced, I again clean with alcohol.

Before reassembling I cleaned the flat ribbon contacts with an eraser until they were nice and shiny again.

Here the unit is reassembled and can be seen charging again.

Who knows were the road will take us!!