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Garmin Recalls 1.25M 'Fire Risk' Satnavs

Posted by Soulskill on from the hot-new-battery-tech dept.

Barence writes "Garmin is recalling 1.25 million of its nüvi satnavs after batteries overheated. According to Garmin, the issue only affects devices containing batteries manufactured within a set date range by a third-party supplier and that have a specific printed circuit board design. 'It appears that the interaction of these factors can, in rare circumstances, increase the possibility of overheating, which may lead to a fire hazard,' the company said in a statement. 'Although there have been no injuries or significant property damage caused by this issue, Garmin is taking this action out of an abundance of caution.' Perhaps Garmin should also issue a software update that diverts drivers to their nearest fire station?"

7 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. Lamest joke ever. by stephanruby · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Perhaps Garmin should also issue a software update that diverts drivers to their nearest fire station?

    Lamest joke ever.

    1. Re:Lamest joke ever. by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 3, Funny

      I know. Everyone knows that if your car catches on fire you stop drop and roll it into the ditch.

  2. Kudos by RobinEggs · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Kudos to Garmin for proactively recalling their own unit before anybody dies or they have a growing public relations nightmare on their hands. It's much better stewardship of their brand and care for their customers than we ever see from car companies or medical device manufacturers.

    Of course, it's also disheartening that the appropriate minimum response to discovering a serious flaw in one's product now feels extraordinary and laudable when viewed in the context of other major American manufacturer's current behavior.

  3. Battery and/or construction? by Animaether · · Score: 3, Informative

    According to the Dutch site tweakers.net ( http://tweakers.net/nieuws/69349/garmin-roept-nuvi-navigatiesystemen-terug.html ), the supplier of the battery will take on the cost of replacing the battery. So it seems there's at least an issue with that battery and who knows if other devices may also be affected.

    It also mentions, however, that Garmin will be adding a spacer between the battery and the PCB.

    So, speculation time... 1. the battery's casing may not have been up to spec and under some circumstances can lead to a conductive area that is -not- one of terminals being exposed and 2. the battery's proximity to - possibly direct contact with - the PCB actually made this into an issue simply because a soldered pin may end up touching the exposed area and shorting the battery or otherwise causing a too high draw bypassing the safety systems usually in place. Wouldn't be the first time.. but, again, speculation.

  4. Re:Imagining what the guide says by MobileTatsu-NJG · · Score: 3, Funny

    (in guide voice) ...Take a left turn in 500ft. ...Take a right turn in 2.5 miles. ...Pull- Ow Ow Ow Ow Ow. I am on fire, please shut me off.>/quote>

    WHYYYYYYYY did they program me to feel pain?

    --

    "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)

  5. Re:How far we've come by dkleinsc · · Score: 3, Funny

    I was rather wondering what happens if you put a Garmin inside a Ford Pinto.

    --
    I am officially gone from /. Long live http://www.soylentnews.com/
  6. Re:Imagining what the guide says by tool462 · · Score: 3, Funny

    New turn by turn directions:
    Destination close.
    You're getting warmer...
    warmer...
    super-hot!
    You're on fire!