Garmin Fenix GPS watch: service/repairer?

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 yorkshire_lad2 30 Jan 2023

Does anyone know of / can anyone recommend someone who would repair/service a (very old) Garmin Fenix GPS watch

I have one (it's the first generation, around 2012/2013, and doesn't have a Fenix version number unlike the later versions/models) and I love it to bits (sadly, never a truer word).  I seem to have brought it back to life with a factory reset, but I think it could probably do with a check/replace of the battery.  I don't think Garmin will touch it (far too old).  I've tried the latest Garmin Instinct 2 and I really don't like it, it's far too over-specified for what I want (just a bit of simple navigation) and needs a smart phone 'app' or two over blueteeth to do anything much.

Here's the watch https://www.engadget.com/2012-07-10-garmin-fenix-gps-watch.html
and here's a version history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garmin_Fenix

TIA

 Ridge 30 Jan 2023
In reply to yorkshire_lad2:

If it's anything like the other Garmins I've had there's no way to open them up without cutting them open, as they're a sealed unit. 

In reply to Ridge:

> If it's anything like the other Garmins I've had there's no way to open them up without cutting them open, as they're a sealed unit. 

Thanks for that.  Interesting.  On the reverse of the casing, there are 4 screws, one in each 'corner', clearly an unusual type of screw head, but probably there to dissuade chancers, or make it harder for a DIYer to get in , but maybe there is some hope of getting the case open, if there is a technicaian who might be interested/able

Photo: https://imgur.com/E3SLHW5

Mind you, I finally found out how to do a factory reset last night, and the watch seems to be behaving normally.  Maybe I've sorted it or maybe I'm living on borrowed time!

Post edited at 14:47
 tony 30 Jan 2023
In reply to yorkshire_lad2:

It is possible to replace the batteries in Garmin watches, but it's not easy, and you do need the right tools. Obviously for your you do need a special screwdriver, but these can be bought fairly easily. 

More difficult is getting the right battery. I managed to get one for an old Garmin 405 some years ago via a YouTube link and there was then a tricky job unsoldering the contacts on the old battery and resoldering the new battery in place without causing any damage.

 Mini Mansell 30 Jan 2023
In reply to tony:

i just replaced the battery on my Fenix 6x last night.  was an easy job, took about 20 mind, but was a tad nerve wracking

 Tim Bevan 30 Jan 2023
In reply to yorkshire_lad2:

I've actually found that various Fenix watches (3 and 5) were very easy to take apart and replace the battery in. Requires a small set of bits but nothing unusual. Finding a battery for one that old might be harder but not impossible - I'm sure one could work something out. If your factory reset doesn't work PM me...

 Ridge 30 Jan 2023
In reply to yorkshire_lad2:

That's interesting. I have a 220, a 245 and 945 and they are all completely sealed. You're in luck, seems like you just need a torx bit of the right size and a compatable battery, if the reset doesn't sort it.

 Street 31 Jan 2023
In reply to Ridge:

That looks similar to my Fenix 3. If you can find a battery, replacing it should be an easy job. It only took me a few minutes to pop it open and reseal it.

Thanks for the replies: I am reassured and might have a go at it myself with the help of a few youtube videos probably.  I might wait till it totally dies and a factory reset won't sort it (which it is at present) as I don't want to kill the device myself until it's died of its own volition!


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