Garmin 160 Fading

[Seon]

I bought and installed today a Garmin 160 fish finder and sonar. Took it out to the lake for a trial run. It appeared to operate okay then the depth numbers started flashing and after 20 + flashes, it stopped flashing and returned to normal. Then it started flashing about every 5 minutes then returned to normal. Then the screen started fading to a point that there was nothing on the screen except part of graph on the lower right corner. It's connected directly to the battery. Transducer is mounted 3/8" below the bottom of the boat on the transom as per factory instruction for mounting on an aluminum boat.
Do I need to return it for another unit or what?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Garmin 160 Fading

The depth flashing is typically a problem with the transducer signal. Where you moving or stationary? Was the unit in auto or manual operation?

I have a Garmin 162 as a back up that will start fading when my batteries where getting low or the power connections need cleaning. Since you just installed using new connectors check your grounding. A poor ground could account for both symptoms

 

[Seon]

Re: Garmin 160 Fading

I'll check the ground tomorrow. Hopefully it'll be a simple fix. This is on a center console boat so snaking the lines under the deck was a bear .

I was trolling when the depth numbers started flashing. After I got home, I lowered the transducer more, thinking that the aluminum hull was throwing it off. I'll post the results tomorrow. Thanks

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Garmin 160 Fading

Along with that power connection, you may want to check the reset feature your unit has.
My Eagle 500c acted up from the initial start up and all it needed was to be fully reset. Once done, it has worked fine. Check your manual, my procedure was in mine.

 

[Seon]

Re: Garmin 160 Fading

Well I connected an addition ground wire to the FF, trolled all day long, about 8 hours today and it only acted up once. The screen had a light blue tint area in the background but cleared up after a couple of hours. I think there's a glitch in the unit. I'll call the store tomorrow and see if I can get a replacement.

BTW I too have an Eagle FF/GPS unit on my other boat that needed to be reset. The manual wasn't much help but the wife got the info on line on how to re-set it. I don't think this Garmin has a reset option .

 

[dingbat]

Re: Garmin 160 Fading

BTW I too have an Eagle FF/GPS unit on my other boat that needed to be reset. The manual wasn't much help but the wife got the info on line on how to re-set it. I don't think this Garmin has a reset option .

Do a factory reset. Page 27 in your manual