I'm not an expert, but have you tried using your GPS outside your car? Could it be the receiver in the GPS?

Also, again, I'm not an expert, but could your location in the US (or Canada) give you fewer satellites for the GPS to triangulate its position, thus causing it to take longer to pinpoint your location?

And last, where do you have your GPS positioned in your car? On the dash? Suctioned to the windshield? Near the gearshift?

Garmins are the best, I've had my Nuvi 660 for over a year now, still works perfectly! I only wish we got free map updates! Oh, and I wish mine had the speed limit. Can't have everything! (I've also heard the OEM Nav system has a lot of kinks and is just an added cost, any thoughts?)

 

How much are map updates? The Toyota map updates are ~$250.

 

Garmin map updates are about $80, right now (they've been out for a few months now) some places are selling them for $60.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Garmi...oductDetail.do

 

I have the Garmin 880 and an 07 TCH and have never had any problems finding satellites. I usually have 9-10 satellites and a 13-15ft precision listing.

I wonder if it makes any difference that I have a moonroof.

 

I think I should get an international Garmin and stop using the built in nav. Cheaper map updates.

 

I don't have a moonroof and have no problems with my Garmin 660.

 

Hmmmmm.....

The Toyota OEM GPS has the antenna inside the car (under the dash) and it seems to work?

Dang

 

I have a Magellan 2200T that works fine in the 2007 TCH. It's usually on the dash, but occasionally have it sitting in the little bin behind the gearshift; no issues in either location.

Have you tried the GPS units in other cars (with the GPS placed in similar locations, e.g., on the dash or on the console or wherever)? You certainly are unlikely to have 3 defective units, but perhaps the newer one has some problems? Also, have you tried resetting or reinitializing the GPS units? A trick that sometimes works is to reset the GPS and then let it sit for 20 minutes or so in a place with an unobstructed view of the sky. This allows the GPS to update all almanac information from the satellites...at least that's what I'm told and it worked for me when my GPS was getting flaky.

It is true that most cars have metallic parts that can interfere with GPS satellite reception. These parts are called "roofs" and "bodies"....

 

Thanks - All three GPS units work in other cars and even when you hold them outside the window of the 09 TCH. For now I am using a Garmin external magnetic mount antenna so it works well but there are wires galore. My daughter has an o7 TCH by the way and the Garmins work in her car so something has changed.

 

hm.. Interesting. I'm driving an 09 TCH and had a Mio Moov 310 gps unit. I mounted to my windshield and it worked very well. If the unit was 'cold' it would take longer though.. Guess I'll have to see how my new Tom Tom will do in the car.