Lowrance H20c Issue

[Woody]

So I had an issue with my H20c recently that has me  .  I was gearing up for a fishing trip on a new lake (new to me) about a week ago.  I searched the lake using my Lakemaster Pro chip, marked a bunch of promising areas to try and got ready to go fishing.  Once out on the lake, I turned the unit on and waited for it to acquire my position.  5 minutes later-nothing.  10 minutes later-nothing.  After 20 minutes of sitting out in the open air with clear blue skies it still had not acquired my position.  I shut it off and started it up again.  Still nothing.  I've changed the batteries, started it up without the Lakemaster chip, done the soft reset, and even did the hard reset.  Still nothing.  So I called Lowrance Customer Service.    

After pressing "1" for english, and a series of numbers to finally get through, I waited on hold for another 10 minutes.  Finally getting through I found out that this is a common issue, they have no fix for it.  I was told since it is out of warranty that I could send it in, along with $160 + and they would either repair or replace it-their choice.     Well I highly doubt I'll do that.  I'd rather put that money towards a new unit altogether.  (Time to convince the boss). 

Has anyone else had this happen to them?  Have you found a way to correct this? 

[JohnWester]

i'd call them again and say... what the F#$%??? i want some customer service or I am going to tell everyone on twitter, facebook, and all the outdoor websites I can not to buy one of these and how crappy their customer service is.

[Woody]

Funny you should mention this, as I did ask the customer service rep. Aaron why they wouldn't stand behind their products better than this.  His reply was simply-"this is the only option you have to fix or replace this unit with Lowrance by paying $163 and sending it in."  I told him I didn't want to have it come down to me being an  but I have no problem expressing my extreme dissatifaction with Lowrance and their shoddy customer service.  Not to mention I'm not so sure their products are as good as they once were.  That I belong to many outdoors & fishing sites and will be sure to share my misfortune with everyone so they can take their hard earned dollars elsewhere to a company that will stand behind their products.  He then said "that's your right". I then asked him if he happened to know the website address for Humminbird.  Oddly he did not. 

So buyer beware-Lowrance apparently has sooooo many customers they don't need your business.   Pretty sad when an American company in this time of economic hardship still has this attitude.   

[Randy Kaar]

I would send a email to corporate and tell them about your call to customer service. I dont think
the head honchos would agree with the  you talked to.

randy

randy

[Woody]

I agree with you 100% Randy, I'm trying to get contact info for management or higher up.  I have a friend who is "in" with Lowrance, so I'm hoping he can point me in the right direction so this can be resolved with both sides happy.

[The General]

Wow Jeff if it wasn't you I'm not sure I would believe this.  I know when I first bought my H2Oc I had one issue with it.  Lowrance took care of the problem ASAP at no cost to me and it has worked great ever since.  I hope they take care of you.

[Woody]

Thanks General.  I have always been a loyal customer of Lowrance.  As has my father.  I think he might still have his "Lil Green Box" depth finder even.  Anyhow, I realize the warranty has expired, I have no issue there.  The issue is how they won't even work with me on this until I send them a check. 

I too hope this issue gets resolved soon as I simply want my gps back and working again.     I post updates as they occur.

[LooseB]

Had the same problem with my unit about three weeks ago. I just used the "soft reset procedure" Not the hard reset as that removes all your waypoints! Yikes! My problem was solved with the reset procedure. I cant remember right now, something like hold down a key while powering up. Look around you will find it in your manual I think.

[Woody]

Had the same problem with my unit about three weeks ago. I just used the "soft reset procedure" Not the hard reset as that removes all your waypoints! Yikes! My problem was solved with the reset procedure. I cant remember right now, something like hold down a key while powering up. Look around you will find it in your manual I think.

Here is what I did:

1. Check batteries
2. Check that the MMC card was in place
3. Save all waypoints to MMC card
4. Removed MMC card, started up unit
5. Verified the MMC card was not the problem-reintalled it.
6. Went to Lowrance Self Support Site Followed steps accordingly.
7. Did the Soft Reset according to instructions-same problem
8. Did the Hard Reset according to instructions-same problem
9. Called Lowrance Customer Service....and you've read what all transpired there.

[Woody]

*UPDATE*

After some phone calls and e-mails to Lowrance I am pleased to announce that this issue with my H2Oc is resolved.  I won't go into details, but long story short I now have a brand new GPS!  I was unable to get an H20c as they were out, so they sent me an iFinder Expedition C.  This is a step up from my old one.  It seems to run faster, has more options, clearer picture (imo). So I'm really happy.  The best part of all....all it cost me was shipping of my old unit to them.  That's it.     So with that I would like to say-thank you Lowrance for working with me-a long time and still satisfied Lowrance customer!   

I'm thinking the problem I had with their customer service people might have been that one particular person having a bad day?    We all do have bad days, so it's possible.  However it shouldn't have happened.  Anyhow it's all water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned.  Now to get out and do some fall fishing!   

[jigglestick]

ok Jeff, not so fast, lets do get into some details.
I have the same unit (h2oc) and I have had the same issues from time to time.
it seems if the unit has not been fired up for a while, it does this. not always, but maybe about 4-5 times since I've had it.
it does come out of it on it's own, but it takes quite a while.

lately, it's been draining the batteries while plugged in to the cigarette lighter adapter cord.
it should not use battery power while it is plugged into the cord, which is recieving power from an external source. I tested the ouput leads of the cord to be sure juice was getting through the cord and I had 3.2 volts.

so...I calls lowrance and I get the same song and dance as you. send us $160.00 and we'll fix the unit, actually they would just replace it with a reconditioned unit and that it would have a six month warranty.
I said what the heck, I can get a brand new one at L&m for $229.00!
he said yep! that's a good idea because then you'll have a full one year warranty!

what the *%#! ?

I just let it go, but I despise poor customer service and would love to take them to task on this.
I use this unit all the time while guiding on Winnie in the winter.
I did buy the XOG as a backup plan.