H20C power cord

[CrappieAttitude]

I have had some issues with my external power cord for my GPS. It keeps shutting off when using it in my vehicle. I know that there is constant power in my outlet, but the unit will all of a sudden go blank. Last weekend I had to turn the GPS on about 10 different times in a 20 mile drive.

Anyone else have any problems with theirs? Can you get a replacement cord? If so can a guy buy one at a local store, or would I need to order it directly from Lawrance. Any help would be appreciated.

Anything else to check before purchasing a new cord?

Thanks for any input you all may have.

CA

[Shack]

I would call Lowrance’s customer service and see if you can get it replaced.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I would call Lowrance’s customer service and see if you can get it replaced.

I echo Shack's thoughts. These things are notorious for going bad and Lowrance knows it. Chances are that they'll send you a new one.

[nolte]

They will only send you one if you have "proof" the unit is under a year old. Mine was 9 mos old but they tracked it to the store I bought it from and they had received it 6 mos prior, so I was out. I've been buying and returning power cords like crazy since at local store. I can't seem to get one last for more than 6 mos, and I have two units.

The units are great, the power cords are nearly worthless.

[redhooks]

I'm on my third cord- the last two got bad connections where teh cord met the plug on the GPS end. I think they were getting kinked where they rode on my dash, so now I make sure that connection doesn't get stressed in any way. Great unit, crappy cords.

redhooks

[jltimm]

I'm having the same issue with my second cord. What a P.O.S.

[Mopad]

Same issues here, gone thru 2 cords, will be buying a third when I can get to a store. I've called many times seeing if I would get different answers, but like the above post said, the unit must be under a year old to have anything replaced free of charge.

[cliffy]

I had the same issue when I bought mine about three years ago. I took it apart and saw the problem. A soldering weld had cracked and there was no longer a connection. I re-soldered it and its been going strong ever since. A buddy of mine had the same problem a month ago and we checked, sure enough, same problem. We fixed his in the same manner. One minute fix..pretty easy stuff...might be worth your time to see if you can fix it yourself.

[CrappieAttitude]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. I definately know I wouldn't fit into the under a year category.

How much are they charging for a new cord?

What stores carry them? (Gander, Fleet?, ect)

CA

[FishingPops]

I had the same problem. I got my cord at Reed's in Walker since I was driving past anyway. I think Cabin Fever in Victoria also carries them but call as they were out when I needed one.

You can also order one from Lowrance but with shipping it will be around $7 to 10 more.

If I remember, they were $29.99 when I was getting one.

Hope this helps,

FishingPops

[Tuds75]

Had the exact same thing happen to my H20 power cord. Called Lowrance and told me basically T.S on getting them to replace it even though the guy admitted this is a common problem.

If you live near a Cabelas try their bargain cave. They have lots of power cords, just have to do some hunting in the cave. I found one in there for $8. It stopped working, but since Cabelas has such a great return policy they gave me a new one.

Also check [YouNeedAuthorization] you should be able to find some on there for a cheap price. If you don't want to invest $30 in something that has a 50/50 chance of breaking down on you.

[DTro]

One of the problems is that there is a transformer in the cord that will take it down to 3.2V. Otherwise a guy could jimmy up just about any old DC power cord to work.

Speaking of which, don't try to do this without the transformer, the unit does not like 12V.

[Ralph Wiggum]

So to anyone who has dug around a bit, is the problem in the accessory plug or the where the cord plugs into the unit? I'm one of the lucky ones (knock on wood) that has a two year old cord that works fine, but I'm probably living on borrowed time. If it's on the accessory plug, I would think one could fix it relatively easily.

The plug that goes into the unit is about the stupidist design I've ever seen, though.

[Gary Crichton]

Hey Cliffy has it figured out and it sounds like an easy fix. My cord has worked fine for a few years. Going forward Lowrance, you would think one would fix that problem. A reputable business and the only thing you can tell your customers, is the cord is not the best and poorly designed and made. Must have gotten a good price on cheap equipment. Hopefully you make an effort to correct the problem. What is next for downgrading your materials, your units.

Sorry, but that is a [PoorWordUsage] answer they are giving out.

G.C.

[Tippman]

Same problem here as well. Somehow I've managed to accumulate 2 extra cords though

[cliffy]

Guys, guys guys....trust me...if its the same problem I had...it was a very easy fix. In my particular case, the problem was in the end that you insert into the cig lighter. I opened it up and quickly located a soldering weld that was cracked. My buddy had the same problem. Before you toss yours away and spend money on a new one, its worth your time to at least investigate a little and see if its the same problem.

[Farley]

If my cell phone charger isnt in the socket just right it doesnt work, same goes for the plug for sirius radio. just a thought

[DTro]

no the problem is exactly what Cliffy is saying at least in this case (H2O).

Proprietary accessories are so bad for the consumer in this sense. Make the port a Mini-USB and you get a new one for a couple of bucks.

[Iceseeker]

My malfunction is on the plug in near the GPS not the lighter end. I can wiggle it and and get current to the GPS but as soon as I move it again it goes back to battery supply.

Lowrance told me the same thing (T.S.) so I had to purchase another cord.

[CrappieAttitude]

That is more of what mine is doing as well. The green light is on on the plug, however I am losing power on the other end. I know that it is making a good connetion on the unit itself.

There is a little play in the wires that go to the square plug that connects to the gps. Is that pretty common to be able to wiggle those wires a bit? It doesn't move a lot, but I am looking at every bit of movement as being the potential problem.

[CHM]

I have the same problem. Which end did you resolder?

[cliffy]

The end that plugs into the cig lighter power source thingy. Just open it up and look around...more than likely you will find a cracked weld. Good luck.

[dustin85]

I also had problems with my power cord. I e-mailed the company, and they sent a new one out promptly. My unit was less than a year old, but they never asked me for proof of that. I kept my old power cord with the intentions of repairing it someday.

Dustin