Garmin GPS-III+ User Manual

Garmin® GPS-III+ Backup Battery Replacement
If you receive a screen message that your backup battery has lost charge, it is time to
replace it. Here is how.
1. Tools and supplies
a. Japanese JIS Standard “Phillips” head screwdrivers. These drivers are cut
in a different manner and provide a good grip on the screws. You will
mess the screws up if you do not use JIS screwdrivers.
b. De-soldering gun, de-soldering braid or solder sucker.
c. Soldering station with a fine tip
d. Solder
e. Precision sidecutters
f. Battery. Panasonic VL1220-1VC. These are available from
www.mouser.com
1. Replacing the battery. If you do not have the equipment and ability to do fine
soldering do not attempt this project. Please note that removing the backup
battery will delete all waypoints and other stored information.
a. Remove six screws from the back of the case
b. Carefully open the case. There is a connector cable that you can damage
if it suddenly pops open.

Garmin GPS-III+ Specifications

General

Brand	Garmin
Model	GPS-III+
Category	GPS
Language	English

Summary

Tools and Supplies for Battery Replacement

JIS Standard Phillips Screwdrivers

Essential for proper screw grip to avoid damage during disassembly.

Solder Removal Tools

Tools like de-soldering gun or braid for removing solder.

Fine Tip Soldering Station

Equipment for precise soldering work on the circuit board.

Solder Material

Material required for making electrical connections.

Precision Sidecutters

Used for trimming component leads after soldering.

Panasonic VL1220-1VC Battery

Specific replacement battery model required for the device.

Garmin GPS-III+ Battery Replacement Procedure

Remove Case Screws

Unscrew the six screws located on the back of the device case.

Carefully Open the Case

Gently separate the case halves, being cautious of the internal connector cable.

Disconnect Ribbon Cable Connector

Gently pry up the white cable connector from the circuit board.

Locate Battery on Circuit Board

Identify the battery on edge, next to a capacitor, left of the white connector.

Release Ribbon Cable Clamp

Pull back the plastic clamp on the brown ribbon cable to its stops.

Remove Antenna End Screw

Unscrew the screw near the metal can on the antenna end of the board.

Tip Board to Release Cable

Gently tip the board up, hinging on the ribbon cable edge to detach it.

Desolder Battery Pads

Turn the board over and remove solder from the battery connection points.

Remove Old Battery and Clean Pads

Detach the old battery and clean the connection holes in the pad.

Install New Battery with Correct Polarity

Insert the new battery, ensuring the positive side faces the antenna end.

Solder New Battery Leads

Solder the new battery leads securely and trim any excess.

Reinstall Circuit Board and Cable

Replace the board, slide ribbon cable into clamp, set in place, and install screw.

Reattach Ribbon Cable Clamp

Replace the white cable clamp to secure the ribbon cable.

Reassemble Case and Screws

Ensure antenna wire is not pinched, then reassemble and install case screws.