Product Support - GPS Lock Troubleshooting

Here are some solutions that have helped many of our customers.

Clear View of the Sky
The GPS receiver must "lock" onto at least 3 GPS satellites. An external GPS antenna/receiver should be located where it can receive as many signals as possible. Ideally, there should be nothing around or above the antenna. However, GPS antennas can receive signals well through many types of glass and fabric. It is highly recommended to try various locations before making a permanent installation.

Internal GPS Receiver
GPS units with internal receivers or antennas also need to be mounted where the top of the unit (where the antenna/receiver is located) has as clear a view of the sky as possible. A unit with an internal GPS receiver should not be mounted in-dash.

WAAS Alarm
WAAS signals do not cover as great an area as GPS signals. As a result, your unit may not be locked onto WAAS signals at all times. A visual alarm can be shown whenever the unit has lost a lock on the WAAS signals. You can turn this alarm off in the GPS Setup Menu.

Require WAAS 
This setting will cause your unit to lose your GPS position if it is not locked onto WAAS signals at the same time. This is another setting in the GPS Setup Menu.  Most users prefer to have a GPS lock whether they have a lock on the WAAS signals or not.

Update the Software
Make sure your unit has the latest software version. Go to the Software Update page to download the update for free.

Reset the Unit
Sometimes resetting your unit can solve unusual issues. Here is a list of Reset Procedures for Lowrance products. Locate the one that applies to the model you own. Try a Soft Reset first, this will return your settings to factory defaults.

If you decide to try a Hard Reset, save any important stored data to an MMC or SD card or write the information down. The data will be deleted during this process.

If you have reviewed the troubleshooting information above and still believe that you need additional assistance, please choose one of the following options:

If you need to speak with a Customer Service agent, please call our toll-free Customer Service line at 1-800-324-1356. Technicians and representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, except holidays.