$160 Garmin replaced my destroyed 276C with a new one.

[joefromsf]

Sounds like Garmin may be getting close to the end of the line with regards 276C refurbished units. I recently sent mine in for the out-of-warranty exchange ($160), then a few days later got an email saying the refurbs were backordered (no expected date on email). So I called to get more info and was told they were expected in-house on July 31, but that they often come earlier. Sure enough, a few days later I got an email saying mine had shipped.

As others have said, I received what looked like an almost new looking unit with a new battery (I had kept my old battery as a spare). I was hoping for one with the brighter display, but the new unit seemed like my old one in that regards. I would have to compare with my buddy's 276c to verify since his has always been brighter than mine.

As another bonus, I received an email a few days later saying my CNNT 2013 map updates were available to download. Wasn't expecting this as I was still running CNNT 2009, but went to the link and sure enough it let me download and save the full CNNT 2013 mapset.

Unfortunately, my refurb unit had issues from the get go. After being powered on for 20-30 minutes, the card reader would stop working and the maps would not be available. Tried with different cards and with both hard wire and battery power and same results.

Called support again to get a new refurb shipped. Only one problem, there are no more 276's in stock or on the way. Oh-oh, this is bad news. I'm headed out to Colorado to ride the western TAT very soon. She says hold on while she check on something. Comes back and says she can send a refurb 478 unit instead and can work out a cross-ship arrangement so I will receive my unit ASAP. The 478 is effectively the same unit with preloaded maps (marine and CN) and XM capable. Oh and she tells me to not send in the battery with the unit, so I'll now have two spare batteries.

Got my fingers crossed that I have no problems with the 478.

Just wanted to alert folks that were hoping the out-of-warranty exchange would be there when their 276C's went kaput, that program may be ending for those units soon.

[winterhk]

I'm heartbroken. My 276C just shit the bed last Thursday, and this is what they had to say:

Thank you for contacting Garmin International.

I'm sorry that your GPSMAP 276C is no longer working. I can tell that you are a fan of that device, and it is always disappointing when something you like and use so frequently stops working.

I understand that you have tried using the wall plug, as well as the power on the bike, and the device would not turn on. Unfortuantely, it sounds like the hardware for the GPSMAP 276C has failed. Previously when a device would fail, I would be able to offer a flat-rate repair service to get the device operational, or to have it replaced with a working GPSMAP 276C. However, due to a lack of parts, we can no longer repair the 276C devices.

Garmin will offer a flat-rate repair service for our devices as long as we can obtain the necessary internal components to do so. Once we no longer have access to these pieces, we must discontinue the repair service. That is currently the case with the GPSMAP 276C.

Normally when we have discontinued a repair service for a device, I would recommend a replacement device. And there are a couple of devices that we offer for use on motorcycles, such as the Zumo series of devices, as well as the Montana series. You can view information about those products here: https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135

http://sites.garmin.com/montana/

However, working with these devices, I know that many people prefer some of the custom options that are available on the GPSMAP 276C that are not included on the Zumo or Montana series. Even though Garmin cannot repair the devices, you may be able to find someone selling a used GPSMAP 276C, and you might prefer that option. I would recommend you research the devices I mentioned, and see if they appeal to you.

Once again, I am sorry that we cannot repair your device. Please let me know if I can provide any additional assistance.

With Best Regards,

Product Support Specialist
Marine Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-440-8280 (fax) Att: CJ S., Associate #6928
www.garmin.com

I don't want a fu*king Montana

[joefromsf]

I'd call them and ask for a 478 instead. It may cost more but it will be a familiar replacement. BTW, most of my phone dealings with Garmin on the phone have been excellent experiences.

Good luck.

[achesley]

I also had them replace my old 276C that had been all over the place. The screen had started getting dark lines though it. They sent me a refurb that started shuting itself on and off on my first trip with it to California back in '07. I had contacted them via internet during the trip and tried stuff the rep told me. He told me to send it back when I got back home. Witch I did and they sent me another. I probably have about 80,000 miles on this unit and no problems. I just did get another one off ebay for a spare for when this one goes out. But, I'm not spending 70 bucks to unlock the code ;-) So, it will stay a spare. ;-( . I bought a Zumo 550 and it sucks after being spoiled by the 276C. If I can fix it with this touch screen replacement, it's going on ebay.

[khpossum]

Originally Posted by joefromsf

I'd call them and ask for a 478 instead. It may cost more but it will be a familiar replacement. BTW, most of my phone dealings with Garmin on the phone have been excellent experiences.

Good luck.

I tried to talk them into getting me a 478 to replace my 276C. No can do they told me.

KP

[winterhk]

Originally Posted by khpossum

I tried to talk them into getting me a 478 to replace my 276C. No can do they told me.

KP

Same here - no can do on the 478. Thankfully, I was able to get another 276C from an inmate that PM'd me from this thread. Gotta love the brotherhood of the ADV. Now to pay it forward.