Broken TomTom GO 910 Solutions

Broken TomTom GO 910 Solutions
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Repairing Your TomTom

The TomTom GO 910 is a car GPS system that is Bluetooth enabled, allowing you to make hands-free calls. You can also attach your iPod to this device. It has a 4 inch wide touch screen, and it speaks the names of streets. It comes preloaded with maps of Canada, Europe and the United States.

Normally, you just input an address into your GPS device, and your TomTom device takes you where you need to go. A broken TomTom GO 910, however, may not take you anywhere. Just because your device isn’t working properly at the moment doesn’t mean it’s time for a new one. You can attempt to fix your device, and avoid paying unnecessary fees.

Freezing Problem One

An issue that some people have with their TomTom device is that the screen freezes when you try to remove the device. You can’t shut off the device, and it just stays on with a photo of the TomTom logo on the screen.

You usually can’t get the TomTom to do anything when it freezes like this. In fact, you usually have to unplug it and let the battery run out. Then, you can plug it back in, and turn it back on.

Or, you can perform a hard reset on the device. This solution works for some TomTom GO users, and it’s worth a try. To perform a reset, follow the below steps:

  1. Find the reset button, which is usually set a bit into the device. You need either a pin or paperclip for this step.

  2. Depress the reset button. Your TomTom device should now turn off.

  3. Hold down the Power button. The Power button is located on the top of your GO 910 device.

  4. Keep the button depressed until you see a lot of text on the screen. The text should fill up the entire screen, and then it will stop. This process takes between 2 and 3 minutes. Don’t try to perform this step while you are driving. Pull off the road for a few minutes.

  5. Once the text is done, your TomTom device will pull up the map and start searching for a GPS signal.

This last step can take a while depending on your area. Generally, it takes between 10 and 15 minutes. If you know where you are going, you can start driving while your GPS device resets. If not, you’ll have to wait until the TomTom figures out where it’s at, and then you’ll have to re-input your destination information.

Freezing Problem Two

Some people also experience freezing problems when they connect their device to a computer. When they try to disconnect it, the TomTom device freezes, and it won’t turn on or off. It may not even work if you try a hard reset. Instead, you have to reformat the device.

Reformatting the device will erase all of your maps so you first want to backup your device. Even if your device is frozen, your computer can still read the information on it, and you can make a backup copy. Simply select all of the folders, including the hidden folders. If the hidden folders aren’t shown, click Show Hidden Folders. Then, copy everything into a folder name TomTom or something similar.

If you can’t get your TomTom to do anything, let the battery die, and then recharge it. Make a copy of all the information on your GPS device, and then reformat by following the below steps:

  1. Plug the TomTom GO 910 into your computer, and go to My Computer.
  2. Right-click on the device drive.
  3. Navigate to Format, and then select Start. Do not select Quick Format. You want to fully reformat your entire device.
  4. It takes between 1 and 2 minutes to wipe your device. Then, you can start re-uploading your data to your device by using the TomTom Home program.

The TomTom Home program not only uploads your stored data; it will also check for updates and install the latest firmware updates. Old firmware is often the cause of your TomTom freezing.

Broken Screen/Dead Pixels

The next most common issue with the TomTom is a broken screen, which is often caused by dropping the device. You usually can’t repair the screen, but you can replace it with a similar screen. Many people have found device parts on auction websites like eBay or seller sites like Craigslist.

You can pry off the screen with a pry tool, and then just reinstall the new screen in its place. You must, however, pry the screen off slowly, or you risk further damaging your device. This is an intrusive solution, which may cause additional damage to TomTom. If the screen, however, is already broken, you can’t use the device so sometimes it’s worth taking a chance on replacing the screen.

If your device has dead pixels on the screen, you usually can’t fix this broken TomTom GO 910 problem. If the device is still under warranty, take it back. If not, you may just want to ignore the problem.

References

FixYa

Expansys

TomTom Forums

Expansys

Amazon.com