White lines on the eTrex

Richary · Post by **Richary** » 05 May 07 1:00 am

The old yellow eTrex is starting to show it's age, the last few times I have turned it on it has white lines across the screen where the display just isn't working. I suppose it is over 6 years old now.<p>Any thoughts, I am guessing it may just be some dirt or something has got into the connectors onto the LCD display. Has anyone fixed one of these before with a similar problem, how easy are they to get into?<p>And yes, I was an electronics tech in a past life so small parts and circuits don't scare me!

McPhan · Post by **McPhan** » 05 May 07 7:35 am

Have you tried searching the forums on the other site and the UK site?

When I went looking for an etrex problem there was lots on those 2 sites.

Map Monkey · Post by **Map Monkey** » 05 May 07 8:34 am

This PDF file may help you in your quest as the etrex's are essentially all very similar: Garmin Vista LCD Repair

They are very easy to open and fix common connector issues.....search this forum for past postings for further help.

mm

Udderchaos · Post by **Udderchaos** » 05 May 07 3:56 pm

and make sure you use CO contact cleaner and not CF contact cleaner as CF will melt the plastic. i wouldnt suggest being near an exposed flame whilst doing so either

Richary · Post by **Richary** » 07 May 07 8:37 pm

Thanks. Though further investigation shows it might not be the display connector, as the lines appear in different places each time I start it. Might need more investigation!

Richary · Post by **Richary** » 07 May 07 10:15 pm

Well, it's been pretty good since I bought it at the end of 2000 so can't really complain. It's had a fair bit of use

It normally lives in the glovebox so I guess it would get pretty warm during summer. For a basic non mapping one it certainly provides the functionality though.

The problem isn't bad enough to make it annoying to use (yet) and I do have the Foretrex as a backup.

Ebenezer · Post by **Ebenezer** » 09 May 07 4:55 pm

I had one Venture repaired by GME, and after that one got the same problem I repaired it myself. The same issue stops the click stick working properly on the Venture/Legend.

The most recent repair only lasted about 6 months before it started stuffing up again, so I went an bought a Legend Cx. Well rather, my wife bought it for me.