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Random Quote: CAPT TO CREW--I DON'T KNOW WHERE WE ARE,,BUT WE ARE MAKING darn GOOD TIME.
I have a Garmin 4208 GPSS/Sonar combo. After 2 years the paint on the case started to peel off. Garmin had me send it in and they exchanged it with an new one.
Ever since I received this newer one, I have had the sonar lock up. Any time I am at 10' or lower, it will randomly goes to 1.6 feet and locks up with junk on th screen that looks like the top hash marks. Sometimes it resets after 5-10 seconds and other times I have to shut it off and restart. It never does this in depths over 10'.
It came with ver 4.5 and I have since upgraded it to 4.6 and then 4.7 and neither upgrade dd any good. The gain and depth are both set to auto as before. Garmin tech support hasn't been much help. They had me do a factory reset and finally suggested I return it again. As this is dashboard mounted, it is a hassle to remove. My other unit never did this.
Has any experienced this this problem and has a solution other than return?
you might try re-running the gsd software update standalone (not part of the headunit download). that may kick start something without a significant hassle.
check the power cord into the unit or the ethernet cord to the chartplotter. The connectors are sometimes weak. I reversed the Ethernet cable and solved my problem. I know others that were not getting a good connection by the power cord. Garmin could tighten these specs a bit, IMO....make sure your cables are supported and not "hanging" going in an out of the units.
Have had same problems. Just received a recently overhauled unit. I would take the time and send it back to them. The GSD 22 is the weak link of the system
You are not alone. There have been numerous reports and posts concerning this GSD22 shallow water reading error. I have the same problems. Do a search on "GSD22", a lot of info to be found. I don't think a return of the unit will be a solution. This is just part of the package that you may have to deal with. Its no big deal on my boat because we fish 100' plus but I can understand the frustration if you are fishing in 10' or less. We run a 1kW transducer which does not help this problem. Try turning off auto range and adjust your range manually according to your depth. Also try adjusting your gain manually to see if that does anything to help.
Have had same problems. Just received a recently overhauled unit. I would take the time and send it back to them. The GSD 22 is the weak link of the system
Did you return the 4208 unit or the GSD-22? Did this problem go away?
Noy sure if you have the Garmin inline fuses still installed..but if you do, get rid of them and wire directly to your fuse box. Sorta like Glenn said, I've seen their conectors cause all sorts of problems. They tend to not have a good connection, or momentarily lose connection and lose power.
1.I have tried to reprogram several times, I did verify the GSD-22 was at current REV: 2.5.
2. I did check the connections and remove the inline fuses.
3. I tried moving the GSD-22's network connection to a different port on the 4208.
4. I also tried going manual on range and gain.
None of these elminated the problem.
I spoke to Garmin again today and they said as long as the green light is flashing, the GSD should be OK, The green light is flashing at the dock, but I never checked it when I had this issue. It is hard to get under the center console when the boat is in motion. They now suspect the transducer and want me to try another one.
I have a Transom mounted transducer (010-10192-01) and have had about 10 incdents where at high speed (25-30 knots), the transducer would break away and flop in the water and against the transom until I slowed down and reattached it. It appears that part of the plastic mount is damaged and it breaks away easy. I was going to repalce it anyway and I guess there is a chance there could be some cable/transducer damage from flopping in the water and against the transom.
1.I have tried to reprogram several times, I did verify the GSD-22 was at current REV: 2.5.
2. I did check the connections and remove the inline fuses.
3. I tried moving the GSD-22's network connection to a different port on the 4208.
4. I also tried going manual on range and gain.
None of these elminated the problem.
I spoke to Garmin again today and they said as long as the green light is flashing, the GSD should be OK, The green light is flashing at the dock, but I never checked it when I had this issue. It is hard to get under the center console when the boat is in motion. They now suspect the transducer and want me to try another one.
I have a Transom mounted transducer (010-10192-01) and have had about 10 incdents where at high speed (25-30 knots), the transducer would break away and flop in the water and against the transom until I slowed down and reattached it. It appears that part of the plastic mount is damaged and it breaks away easy. I was going to repalce it anyway and I guess there is a chance there could be some cable/transducer damage from flopping in the water and against the transom.
I'll keep you posted.
try a P79 in hull, cheap and works well without the transom problems
Had the same problem GSD-22/5210. The LED would be RED on the GSD-22. I would have to power down check the inline fuse, disconnect it re-power, wait for the green LED. After a few episodes I cut the inline & went to a fuse block. Greatly reduced the number of times it happens, but it does still happen occasionally.
Glen, I've had some of the same problems with a P79. Working on it this weekend, it's clear that the mineral oil has leaked out and replaced by water.
I'm wondering if just adhering the bottom of the transducer directly to the hull would work OK?
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Chris
re-stick with silicone but use non toxic antifreeze - the mineral sprints is eating thru the silicone - antifreeze won't - mine has been leakproof going on 3 years....
4208 GSD-22 Sonar problem 
