I have an older GPS-12XL, which hasn't been used in some time, since we
acquired a unit for the car. Previously, I would check the state of the
batteries periodically, but unfortunately, it's been a while and the
batteries have started to corrode (my bad).

All but one of the cells are removed, but one is stuck. The Garmin web page
indicates that service for the unit is no longer available. I tried tapping
the unit to free the cell, but that doesn't work. Short of drilling it out,
I would like to open the unit if possible, to see if I can resurrect it.

Looking at the unit, there is only one tiny screw at the bottom of the rear
socket (rubber) cover. I doubt that this is holding the unit together. I
removed the rubber strip (labelled 'Garmin') on the back, above the socket.
There are no screws, but only a hole. Could there be a 'release' inside the
hole?

The only other possibility that I can think of, is that the top (face) of
the unit is hot-melt sealed to the body. Was thinking of using a heat gun,
if anyone can verify this. Or, if any other ideas, please respond.

HankG

> There are no screws, but only a hole. Could there be a 'release' inside
> the
> hole?
>
> The only other possibility that I can think of, is that the top (face) of
> the unit is hot-melt sealed to the body. Was thinking of using a heat
> gun, if anyone can verify this. Or, if any other ideas, please respond.
>
> HankG
The Service Manual is available here:
http://www.givemefile.net/smanuals/g.../gps_12xl.html

Hopefully you'll find detail info to solve your query.

I'm not familiar with that how the batteries go in that model GPS but if
can get at the terminals you might try taking a Q-tip and dabbing some
concentrate of lemon juice on the corrosion. I've used it many times to
clean corroded battery terminals

"Don B" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:nNlfp.26825$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I'm not familiar with that how the batteries go in that model GPS but if
> can get at the terminals you might try taking a Q-tip and dabbing some
> concentrate of lemon juice on the corrosion. I've used it many times to
> clean corroded battery terminals

his problem is that the battery is now leaked & welded to the inside...
it's 4 x AA - like in a flashlight or TV remote

On Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:20:44 -0400, "HankG" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>The only other possibility that I can think of, is that the top (face) of
>the unit is hot-melt sealed to the body. Was thinking of using a heat gun,
>if anyone can verify this. Or, if any other ideas, please respond.

I remember a thread about this in the late '90s and my recollection is
yes, the body parts are hot sealed together. But see
http://mikebanahan.com/Radio/garmingps12xl.php

It's a nice unit and I still have one.

--
Alan White
Mozilla Firefox and Forte Agent.
By Loch Long, twenty-eight miles NW of Glasgow, Scotland.
Webcam and weather:- http://windycroft.co.uk/weather

ps56k wrote:
> "Don B"<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:nNlfp.26825$(E-Mail Removed)...
>> I'm not familiar with that how the batteries go in that model GPS but if
>> can get at the terminals you might try taking a Q-tip and dabbing some
>> concentrate of lemon juice on the corrosion. I've used it many times to
>> clean corroded battery terminals
>
> his problem is that the battery is now leaked& welded to the inside...
> it's 4 x AA - like in a flashlight or TV remote
>
>
I understand what the problem is, what I'm saying is, if he can get at
where the corrosion is the concentrate of lemon juice will dissolve it.
I just don't know how the batteries go in that unit. If they go in like
my 76CSx batteries do he should be able to get at them, if they go in
the GPS like they would in a flashlight he might be screwed.

"Don B" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:jpGfp.22073$(E-Mail Removed)...
> ps56k wrote:
>> "Don B"<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
>> news:nNlfp.26825$(E-Mail Removed)...
>>> I'm not familiar with that how the batteries go in that model GPS but if
>>> can get at the terminals you might try taking a Q-tip and dabbing some
>>> concentrate of lemon juice on the corrosion. I've used it many times to
>>> clean corroded battery terminals
>>
>> his problem is that the battery is now leaked& welded to the inside...
>> it's 4 x AA - like in a flashlight or TV remote
>>
>>
> I understand what the problem is, what I'm saying is, if he can get at
> where the corrosion is the concentrate of lemon juice will dissolve it. I
> just don't know how the batteries go in that unit. If they go in like my
> 76CSx batteries do he should be able to get at them,

> if they go in the GPS like they would in a flashlight he might be screwed.

I think I just mentioned that -
tunnel 2 x AA stacked - open at bottom - drop in 4 x AA

On Mar 13, 8:20*am, "HankG" <hg...@yahoo.com> wrote:
*Short of drilling it out,
> I would like to open the unit if possible, to see if I can resurrect it.
>
> HankG

Perhaps a screw extractor and variable-speed drill set to a low speed
would help. If you get all or most of the dead batteries out of the
unit, there are small brushes of varying stiffness made for Dremel &
similar rotary tools that could help finish the job & restore the unit.