The battery on my brother's GPS unit no longer holds a charge, so he went online and found a replacement. He was sure all he needed to do was pop off the rear cover and drop in the new $15 US battery. He was wrong!
THIS PROCESS IS LIKELY TO VOID ANY WARRANTY YOU MAY HAVE AND REQUIRES CARE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE! This process involves completely removing the guts of the unit and disconnecting components that are not intended to be user serviceable. Do not blame me for any issues that may arise. This instructable is intended to provide information I was previously unable to find on the disassembly of the unit. It currently discusses, but does NOT show the replacement due to issues discussed later on.
THIS PROCESS IS LIKELY TO VOID ANY WARRANTY YOU MAY HAVE AND REQUIRES CARE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE! This process involves completely removing the guts of the unit and disconnecting components that are not intended to be user serviceable. Do not blame me for any issues that may arise. This instructable is intended to provide information I was previously unable to find on the disassembly of the unit. It currently discusses, but does NOT show the replacement due to issues discussed later on.
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Signing UpStep 1: Tools and Supplies
Establish a clean and well lit work area and the following:
--> You will need a small Phillips head screw driver. Unfortunately I don't know the specific size, but it came in a cheap set of precision screw drivers I had. It should be fairly easy to come by.
--> A flat bladed screw driver or other prying device.
--> Double stick tape. This is used on the back cover and to hold the battery in place.
--> Regular tape (scotch brand style)
--> Refridgerator magnet. It will help to hold the small screws so they don't get lost. I learned this trick from my time as a fencing armorer. A piece of the double stick tape will work as well, but is not reusable.
--> A replacement battery. Discussed more in the last step.
--> You will need a small Phillips head screw driver. Unfortunately I don't know the specific size, but it came in a cheap set of precision screw drivers I had. It should be fairly easy to come by.
--> A flat bladed screw driver or other prying device.
--> Double stick tape. This is used on the back cover and to hold the battery in place.
--> Regular tape (scotch brand style)
--> Refridgerator magnet. It will help to hold the small screws so they don't get lost. I learned this trick from my time as a fencing armorer. A piece of the double stick tape will work as well, but is not reusable.
--> A replacement battery. Discussed more in the last step.
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Unfortunately, my Navigon is probably a 5100Max and is built differently. I am sure it has tabs, but they are set into the dash mount indents. Perhaps they are under the rubber bumper on all edges. It appears firmly sealed.
Your writing was so instructive and stimulating it prompted me to write this comment and ask about an aside: What is a fencing armorer?
As an armorer I worked with local high schools to repair the equipment used by their fencing teams. They use electronic scoring equipment. The "weapons" are electrified and connected via cables to a box that signals a hit. Unfortunately, these are prone to breaking.
As for your comment, I have never worked with the newer units. However, when I started this project I did not know how to open mine either. I just worked carefully and didn't force it. In doing this, I took a calculated risk.
Consider your skill level and all potentially bad outcomes. I could have easily killed the unit. It was an old unit (unsupported in the US), so I knew I either had to try this or buy a new one. I got lucky and it got me another year of use.