No GPS?

[drames]

I just bought an '09 F-350 with the navigation in it. I'm fairly comfortable with GPS ( have several hand held units I use in Search and Rescue). When we first picked up the truck it worked fine but several times since then I get a little "NO GPS" icon in the upper left of the map screen with a red circle/line through it. Why am I loosing the GPS signal? I live in high plains desert with no mountain obstructions and nothing but sunshine. Does this GPS not use as many satelites as regular GPS?

 

[DaveBen]

I don't know what Ford uses for GPS, but they use the same satellites, for navigation, as everybody else.

Dave

 

[drames]

I ASSUMED they did too but I can't figure out why I loose the reception so often. Even my little Garmin Nuvi works better than this $1,800 dollar unit!! The Wife is NOT happy with my new must-have gadget!

 

[JLDickmon]

I'd have to say it's got a loose connection to whatever antenna(s) they use..

 

[HeavyAssault]

I'd say you better start wearing out that 3/36 warranty make them fix it.

 

[Fine69]

You definitely have something wrong, my new 09 has the Factory Navigation and I am constantly amazed at how well it works. (Probably just jinxed myself)

 

[mp18d]

Loose connection

I've quite a bit of GPS experience from the Arrrmy and other endeavors. If as you say you have an unobstructed view of the (especially southern) sky from North America, and lose the signal, you have an antenna problem. Used to happen all the time when we first mounted Trim-paks in Dmmv's. Verry aggravating. I believe most if not all units now have a coax type connector from the antenna to the unit, and the antenna to the cable. Those are notorious for coming loose. Ask any HAM or CB guy! Not sure, however, where the antenna is on Fords. SWAG would be from the roof area thru the headliner or along the A pillar. My wife's 08 doesnt have the option. Hopefully never again will I need it!!!!!!!!!!! Hope this helps!
I agree, would be headed into the dealer and exercise that warranty!

Mike

 

[drames]

Hey Mike, thanks for all the info. I agree that it could be a loose connection or bad antennae. Being an electronic tech it makes a lot of sense to me. Yes, I have a wide open view of the sky..... I live in the high desert with no mountains close and the tallest building in town is probably 4 stories? There is an antennae on the roof but I thought that was just for the Sirius radio? It looks like there is another antennae in the middle of the dash right up next to the windshield. I'm not really sure what that one is.... Anyway, thanks for the help. Guess it's time to call the dealer. The salesman I bought it from drives one with the nav in it and he says he has the same problem but thought it was no big deal!!!

 

[mp18d]

roof antenna

is for the Sirius, but I seem to remember it also was the GPS???
The dealy on the dash is probably the sensor for auto headlights. Our 08's is...Good Luck!!!!!!!

Mike

 

[drames]

Well, strike one for the dealer. They looked at it the other day and as I said.... it's intermittent and of course was working when I took it in. They said they traced and checked all the connections and didn't find anything wrong. They are "guessing" it might be the antenna and are ordering another one so it will be back to the shop in a couple days. We went to Salt Lake City yesterday and it didn't work all day long. When we got home last night (200 miles away) it was showing us in the middle of the Great Salt Lake!! Good thing we can hold our breath!