Garmin 500 misting up?

porker33
porker33 Posts: 636
edited April 2014 in Road general
I bought my Garmin 500, new from Handtec last November. I used it through the winter, I don't recall ever getting it particulalry wet. I tend to cycle on dry days!

When not in use the unit is kept in a soft bag in a drawer in the dining room, So out of sunlight and temperature.

Now the weather has improved I have started to get a problem with the display misting up over the last 6 rides.

I should point out, the rubber USB connection, is fine and appears to seat correctly in the unit.

When I set out the unit is clear, but after a few minutes of riding I get a shape slightly larger than a 5p piece, circular but with a flat base in the lower middle part of the unit. This is always the defined shape, not just a random mist!

This is definitely not a reflection and obstructs my view of the data on the screen.

After riding for about an hour and I do mean an hour, not minutes, the mist has mostly cleared.

Has anyone else had this, is it down to the change in the seasons.

Do I put the Garmin in rice or near silica bags to attract any moisture?

The unit has never got really wet and after the hour is totally clear, there are no water drops or anything to that extent, just this intermittent ghostly mist that appears...it can't be haunted can it? :)

Comments

  • pinarellokid
    pinarellokid Posts: 1,208
    Send it back. It's obviously allowing moisture in somewhere
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  • Colinthecop
    Colinthecop Posts: 996
    I'd go for the overnight rice option first, if that doesnt sort it, send it back.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    It means there is moisture inside and whilst CtC's method will in all likelyhood, remove the moisture - it got in there somehow and will get in again ... moisture causes corrosion...
  • dayone
    dayone Posts: 12
    Yep send it back. I always leave my Garming on the desk with the rubber seal undone to stop moisture build up.
  • jermas
    jermas Posts: 484
    Mine used to do the same on every ride. I bought a security torx to open it up (4 screws). This allows any moisture to escape if left in the sun or near a radiator. I smeared a small amount of silicone grease on the rubber seal before reassembling. It's been clear ever since (8 months).
  • Mikey23
    Mikey23 Posts: 5,306
    My 405 did this and after a couple of weeks it had conked out and was sent back to garmin for a refurb
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    pinarellokid wrote:
    Send it back. It's obviously allowing moisture in somewhere

    Handtec don't do Garmin returns. The only option they'll give you is to send it back to Garmin in Southampton. You'll need to call Garmin first for a returns number.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • apreading
    apreading Posts: 4,535
    The USB port is supposedly sealed for moisture - just the same as the rest of the unit. Some moisture has leaked in at some point and now you will not get rid of it without opening the unit to break the seal. This will in all likelihood void any warranty claim.

    Doubt the rice will work unless there is a gaping hole in the seal - might be worth a try but in my opinion your only choice is to send it back to Garmin - and the sooner the better.
  • porker33
    porker33 Posts: 636
    Tks for your thoughts and responses guys.

    I will see how it is on the next couple of rides and take photos, as otherwise it would be hard to replicate in doors.

    I am surprised Handtec suggest you contact Garmin, they appear to have a good reputation and I understood under the UK sale of goods act your contract was effectively with the seller of the goods?

    Cheers.
  • pirnie
    pirnie Posts: 242
    My Edge 500 has had some misting in the past from early in its life, similar to what you've described, although I've not found it stops me reading the screen. I never really did anything about it and it still works fine (touch wood)! Mine goes out in all weathers so has got pretty wet from time to time. It does seem that this misting happens in some weathers and not others.
  • paul_onabike
    paul_onabike Posts: 194
    Mine does it occasionally. I found that leaving the rubber flap open for a while after charging the unit seems to help, and don't put it anywhere moist/humid, such as in your back pocket at the cafe stop.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    porker33 wrote:
    Tks for your thoughts and responses guys.

    I will see how it is on the next couple of rides and take photos, as otherwise it would be hard to replicate in doors.

    I am surprised Handtec suggest you contact Garmin, they appear to have a good reputation and I understood under the UK sale of goods act your contract was effectively with the seller of the goods?

    Cheers.

    TBH, Garmin are pretty good with warranty claims, it's quicker and easier to deal with them direct - only if they deny responsibility do you need to take it up with the retailer.

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