TomTom gps cuts off!
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2026 Loser of the Year
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
TomTom gps cuts off!
I'm wondering if anyone has had a problem with their plug-in GPS/Map randomly turning off in their car. I have exactly the same HEI ignition mod./dash accessory plug-in set-up in my '34 street truck and the Escalade has no problems with the unit (as a back-up for side-trips)------have had no problems with the unit cutting off in those two vehicles.
In the corvette the GPS cuts off every 2 minutes for no reason.....the wiring is new/12V power outlet is new/voltmeter doesn't show a drop while driving.....maybe the GPS is allergic....or worse---Gremlins from Nam?
In the corvette the GPS cuts off every 2 minutes for no reason.....the wiring is new/12V power outlet is new/voltmeter doesn't show a drop while driving.....maybe the GPS is allergic....or worse---Gremlins from Nam?
Thread Starter
2026 Loser of the Year
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
AAAAHA! The internal battery finally died months ago (a new one costs 50% of the TomTom's value!) I keep it plugged into the accessory outlet of the vehicle I'm driving at the time. I was thinking...maybe an internal loose connection....but it works perfectly in my other two GM vehicles.
Maybe it's not a voltage drop, BUT a voltage spike? Whatever it is, the voltmeter doesn't react to the change when it's connected to the accessory outlet that I would plug the gps into.
I'll pay attention to the engine idle and see if it changes for a half-second when the gps cuts off....that would let me know if the whole electrical system was being affected.
Maybe it's not a voltage drop, BUT a voltage spike? Whatever it is, the voltmeter doesn't react to the change when it's connected to the accessory outlet that I would plug the gps into.
I'll pay attention to the engine idle and see if it changes for a half-second when the gps cuts off....that would let me know if the whole electrical system was being affected.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 311
Likes: 37
From: Sparta NC
I have a TomTom as well, not one of the very expensive ones. in my '81, I have learned there is only 1 particular way (and I don't remember which way it is now) to plug the thing in and it remain hot. otherwise, it will lose connection and cut off. I use this same 1 in my 1500 Silverado and the wife has the same model in her Mini. They both work perfectly in them, but if the plug in isn't exactly right in the Vette, it cuts off. Go figure.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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No battery, in that case it is the connectors poor contact in the cigarette lighter socket. I have the same issue with a portable air pump, you have to play around with it to get it to work. Is the center contact spring loaded and fully extended?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 997
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From: Schaumburg IL
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Burning Brakes
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From: Schaumburg IL
Jack
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Hinckley OH
My Tom Tom was giving me the same problem. One day the front of the plug came apart and dropped pieces all over the car. I put it back together and it has been fine ever since. My guess is that the nut that holds the front on was loose and causing intermittent contact.
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I replaced the lighter wiring connectors last week to make sure that wasn't the problem and replace the corroded lighter accessory.....Yes, I have always had to twist the TT charger in all the vehicles to find the "sweet spot"!
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I checked the charger plug/fuse/power cord with it plugged in/twisted-turned-wiggled all the connections/tapped on the TT case....it worked perfectly.
With the key ON (Just checking)....I plugged the TT into the lighter socket and it has worked perfectly for 10 minutes (it usually cuts off after a couple minutes).
Now I have the key OFF and will leave it plugged in another 10 minutes to see if it cuts off.
UPDATE: The TT didn't cut off for 20 minutes!
Tomorrow I'll do another test drive....first with the multi-meter connected to the lighter socket for 10 minutes/then with the TT plugged in for the rest of the drive...just to make sure I didn't overlook something.
With the key ON (Just checking)....I plugged the TT into the lighter socket and it has worked perfectly for 10 minutes (it usually cuts off after a couple minutes).
Now I have the key OFF and will leave it plugged in another 10 minutes to see if it cuts off.
UPDATE: The TT didn't cut off for 20 minutes!
Tomorrow I'll do another test drive....first with the multi-meter connected to the lighter socket for 10 minutes/then with the TT plugged in for the rest of the drive...just to make sure I didn't overlook something.
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Thanks Members! I re-re-rechecked everything. It seems as though there was a small pinch-mark on the ground wire to the cigarette lighter...the strands must have been broken inside the insulation and the vibration from the moving car caused the split=second loss of voltage which made the gps cut off every few minutes.
I replace that section of ground wire and it has worked perfectly for 2 days!
I still have to do a little twist of the plug but I can live with that!
I replace that section of ground wire and it has worked perfectly for 2 days!
I still have to do a little twist of the plug but I can live with that!