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I've had this unit for several years; I think I bought it the year it was released. It started acting up on me about 4 years ago, and when I contacted Garmin, they said they'd RMA it and fix it for free, even though it was out of warranty. It was a memory battery issue at the time.

Life got in the way, and I never got it sent in.

Recently I remembered it, and when I put fresh AA batteries in, it wouldn't even turn on. Garmin says they don't even have parts for it anymore, so they can't really help me.

Does anyone repair a unit that old? I'm stubborn; I like it. Even if I do get it fixed, I'll probably move on to an Oregon 450t, as I want a multi-purpose car/motorcycle/hiking unit.

Does it require special tools to open? I know I'd be breaking the waterproof seal and such, but I'm curious about looking inside myself. I know there are sites out there that discuss replacing the memory battery; is that worth trying?

Try leaving the batteries in with the unit powered off for a few days. The 'memory' battery is charged from the AA's so you may have success if you leave it a while.

I used to have the GPS12 and I remember looking at those sites. I believe they describe the process of opening the case which is 'welded' together (no screws). Let us know how you make out if you do try. I have fond memories of my old 12 and kinda wish I'd held on to it when I upgraded.

Well, I got it open without too much difficult, based on information here. There's basically just a silicon seal around the edge. There was no sound of pressure change when I opened it; I recall hearing that these were nitrogen-filled.

At any rate, here's what I found. I think the broken brown wire is the antenna lead from the external plug. What's more disconcerting to me is the apparent leakage from two parts. Is that leakage, or adhesive of some sort? The smaller part is marked
"r3
4.7
50V"

The larger is apparently a capacitor; it's marked "8 μF 5 0 v" among other things. Replacing those is beyond my soldering skill, so if those parts are dead, this unit is done for.

Depending on the vintage it may be this (link)

"To accomplish this "venting", we drilled a small (1mm) hole in the case of the unit and covered the hole with a hydrophobic membrane. This membrane allows air to pass but not water, resulting in a unit that is still waterproof, but one that can also equalize pressure differentials."