Charging the GPSMAP 296
Before using the unit, you need to charge the battery in the
GPSMAP 296. Plug the unit into a 12 Volt connector to charge. You
can use the unit while it is charging.
To charge the unit’s battery:
1. Lift the rubber weather cap to expose the power connector
on the back of the unit. Refer to the image on
for
connector location.
2. Align the notches, and push the plug into the connector until
fully seated.
3. Plug the 12 Volt adapter into a cigarette lighter receptacle if
you have a cigarette lighter adapter. Use care when routing
the adapter cable; be certain that it does not interfere with
vehicle operation.
The unit begins charging as soon as external power is applied.
Placing the unit in Charge Mode charges the unit more quickly than
when the unit is turned on and reduces draw on the aircraft/vehicle/
boat battery.
Information about Charge Mode
Applying external power to the GPSMAP 296 automatically turns
on the unit for full operation. If the battery is present and needs to be
charged, the external power source charges the battery while the unit
is in use.
If you do not want to use the unit, but you would like to charge the
battery, you can put the unit into Charge Mode. Connect the unit to
an external power supply. Press and hold the
POWER
key. Instead
of completely turning off, the unit now goes into Charge Mode, as
shown below.
Charge Mode
NOTE:
While in Charge Mode, the unit draws a small amount
of current from the aircraft/vehicle/boat battery. To avoid
discharging the vehicle’s battery, disconnect the external power
cable from the GPSMAP 296 when not in use for several days.
After using the unit a lot, you may notice that the lithium-ion battery
in the unit is not holding a charge any more. This is common for
lithium-ion batteries. Contact Garmin or your Garmin Dealer to
order a Battery Pack replacement if you are experiencing charging
issues with your battery.
2
GPSMAP 296 Pilot’s Guide
G
ETTING
S
TARTED
>
C
HARGING
THE
GPSMAP 296
