How to Troubleshoot a Cobra GPS

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a radio navigation system based on 24 satellites that orbit the Earth at about 11,000 miles. Cobra GPS devices provide users with information on their position, plus information related to their speed and time. GPS works because the satellites emit signals that are picked up by the Cobra receivers. The receiver determines the location by calculating the difference between the time the signal is sent to the time it is received--from a number of the satellites.

Instructions

1. Check to see if the power switch is turned on if the GPS is not working. Also, make sure the battery is not fully discharged. Try a new battery or set of batteries.

2. Check to see if the fuse in the power cord has been blown. Car adapters that provide power from the cigarette lighter have fuses in them. Look at the fuse carefully and see if the wire inside the glass is broken. Make sure the ignition switch is set to the "Accessory" position.

3. Make sure the GPS can see the sky. GPS devices need to have line-of-sight to at least a few of the satellites. Move to an open area.

4. Drive to a main road and see if the road shows up on the integrated map. Some roads--particularly minor ones--are not mapped in the Cobra GPS map. If the map shows the main road but not the minor road, you know the system works.

5. Zoom out a bit using the zoom function on the GPS if you do not see anything on the map or if vehicle motion is not evident if you are moving.

References

• Cobra