Improving TMC on c550

RDS · Regular Visitor Joined: Jul 09, 2006 Posts: 242

I have to say I didn't have a problem obtaining a refund from Halfords.

I originally spoke to Garmin technical support who confirmed there were issues with the GM12 TMC receiver and although no date could be given they were trying to come up with a fix. They also said if I was unhappy with the situation I should take it back to Halfords.
Anticipating a bit of a stand off at the shop I did take the precaution of phoning Halfords head office to see what I should do.I was simply told to take it back, speak to the manager and if necessary he/she would contact Garmin themselves.

So I went back to the branch I originally bought it from and simply explained the whole of the above to the manager. Although he said he wasn't aware of the TMC problem and hadn't had any other 310D's returned for that reason he did offer a refund without any hassle and without the need to phone Garmin.

My advice would be if you haven't done already speak to Garmin and get the latest situation on the TMC problems from them. If it is still ongoing tell them you are want to take it back for a refund (make sure you get the persons name you speak to) Then go back to Halfords armed with what ever information you have from Garmin. I wouldn't worry too much about the 28 day period as Halfords have to sell some thing that is 'fit for purpose' and a TMC receiver that doesn't provide traffic data isn't. Also if Garmin are still admitting there is a problem Halfords really don't have a leg to stand on.If necessary as their own head office advises get the manager to speak to Garmin himself.

Good luck

swing · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 12:12 pm Post subject:

n4nick · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 30, 2006 Posts: 136

Hi

I don't think there is a legal requirement to offer a refund "for any reason" but many stores do for reasons of good customer relations. I think they are obliged to offer a replacement within 28 days following which its a repair.

Spoke to Halfords head office and local stroe again but no real progress and Garmin this morning were saying that its a Trafficmaster / Classic FM problem.

My advice to anyone considering a purchase is to either save yourself some money and get it online or purchase from Halfords but from one of their smaller metro stores who seem more flexible as to refunds as they usually do not have sat-nav "experts" in store.

One way or another I'm hoping for some good luck!

Nick

swing · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 2:53 pm Post subject:

Hmm, I've just checked and Halfords online returns policy is 28 days for unwanted goods, but excludes a number of items, including SatNav. I would therefore be surprised if any Halfords accepted the goods back (if they check into it).

However, if it's faulty, that's a different matter, and if the traffic isn't working, one could argue it's faulty.

Certainly my Nuvi suffered the same problems until I moved to a different usb charging cable, and now works better, although I still feel it's much more responsive when plugged into a computer (which of course is no help in the car).

swing · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 2:59 pm Post subject:

RDS · Regular Visitor Joined: Jul 09, 2006 Posts: 242

Firstly, the question you should ask Garmin is that if it is a Trafficmaster problem why aren't all TMC receivers experiencing similar problems and not just the GM12 ?

Anyway to the Halfords refund issue, Garmin have admitted there is a problem with the reception of a TMC signal. Whether it's caused by Trafficmaster or the GM12 is irrelevent the fact is the Nuvi 310D isn't currently doing what is being described and sold as being able to do. Consequently it isn't 'fit for purpose' and as the contract is between you and Halfords they are legally liable.Also if you paid by credit card (note credit not debit) the card company is also jointly liable. If you are still having no luck with Halfords then contact your credit card company and explain the situation to them.

Finally, the HALFRAUDS thread on the 'Retailers to buy from or avoid' forum on this site would be worth reading as it has a lot of good, sound advice that might help your case.
http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=41385

n4nick · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 30, 2006 Posts: 136

Thanks for the advice - if I crack the problem I'll let you know. I am happy with the nuvi and am hoping that they can resolve the TMC issues.

I think Garmin use Trafficmaster which in turn use GCap Media who own Classic FM? I would be dissapointed if Garmin customer support are not well versed in their products, especially after hanging on the phone for 20-30 mins.

Nick

swing · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 4:39 pm Post subject:

n4nick · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 30, 2006 Posts: 136

Hi

Just had a look at the coverage maps for GCap and Chrysalis. Excluding Classic FM it's not great! Trafficmaster's claim of national coverage appears to be stretching the truth a little.

As for customer services - haha...no comment. Lets see how satisfactorily my problems are dealt with!

swing · Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject:

n4nick · Regular Visitor Joined: Jun 30, 2006 Posts: 136

Hi

Links for GCap and Chrysalis stations and coverage:

http://www.gcapmedia.com/assets/dynamic/8/files/brand_portfolio_map_feb_2006.pdf

http://chrysalis.com/index.php?object=187

Nick

Trafficman · Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 3:33 pm Post subject:

So with the above in mind, if you are not in an FM station area of these stations excluding Classic FM (because RAC Live do not broadcast on it) you will not receive traffic data. I have looked at the coverage maps and deduced that the following areas are not covered. Parts of Cornwall and Devon, Central and South West Wales, parts of Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Essex, Suffolk, Warwickshire, South Lincolnshire, North Notts, North Derbyshire, and parts of Cheshire. Parts of Cumbria and Northumberland. Most of Scotland is missing as well with the exception of the more populated areas in the central areas.
Hardly national coverage I think you will agree. So does this explain some of the problems that people are having?

swing · Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 4:30 pm Post subject:

It could certainly explain some of the problems, although I'm amazed that between these two commercial radio groups there are so many areas without coverage from one of them (except mid Wales, and North Scotland - both areas where there are few (if any) roads covered by Trafficmaster in the first place of course (*)).

However, surely "the one network" from GCap, which is FM, covers Suffolk... (in fact, my local commercial station is a "the one network" brand, and definitely has traffic.

swing · Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject:

(*) - I appreciate if you are heading across mid Wales towards England, for example, you would want advanced warning of the traffic ahead to ensure your chosen route put you on the clearer routes, so early information is required, even whilst on roads not covered by the traffic sensors.

Trafficman · Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 4:38 pm Post subject:

From the covergae maps it seems only parts of Suffolk are covered.

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