I still remember starting my car one morning and seeing a black screen where my camera should be. At that moment, I knew my garmin dash cam not working issue had finally caught up with me. It felt like a silent witness had gone blind, and that was stressful. From my own experience—and from other drivers who told me the same story—this problem is common and usually easy to fix. I’ll start with the quick checks that worked for me, then move to deeper fixes if you need them.
Common Signs Your Garmin Dash Cam Isn’t Working Properly
When a dash cam fails, it rarely does it quietly. It gives small warning signs, like a car coughing before it stalls. I’ve seen these signs myself, and a few came straight from other drivers who shared their stories with me.
- Dash cam won’t turn on: You start the car, but nothing lights up. It feels like pressing a dead remote.
- Screen is black or frozen: The camera has power, but the screen looks stuck in time.
- Not recording while driving: You drive for miles, then realize nothing was saved.
- Keeps restarting or shutting off: It turns on and off like a flickering light bulb.
- No video saved after an incident: This one hurts most, especially after a close call.
- App won’t connect to the dash cam: The phone and camera act like strangers.
I’ve personally run into more than one of these, and each one pointed to a clear cause once I slowed down and checked.
Why Your Garmin Dash Cam Is Not Working (Most Common Causes)
Most garmin dash cam not working problems come down to a few simple issues. Think of it like a chain—when one link fails, the whole thing stops. Here’s what I’ve seen most often.
Power Supply Issues (The #1 Problem I See)
Power problems cause more dash cam failures than anything else. One driver told me, “It was like my camera was starving,” and that line stuck with me.
- Faulty USB cable
- Bad car charger
- Loose power port
- Car outlet not giving steady power
In my case, swapping the cable fixed everything in seconds. It felt almost silly how fast the screen came back to life.
SD Card Problems (Often Overlooked)
The SD card is the camera’s memory. If it fails, the camera gets confused.
- Incompatible SD card
- Corrupted files
- Card not formatted
I’ve learned that Garmin dash cams work best with high-endurance microSD cards, usually Class 10 or U3. Using the wrong card is like writing on wet paper—it just won’t last.
Firmware or Software Glitches
Sometimes the camera’s brain needs help.
- Outdated firmware
- Update that didn’t finish
- Camera freezing after an update
I once updated mine in a rush. Big mistake. A clean reinstall fixed it, but patience would’ve saved time.
Overheating or Extreme Temperatures
Dash cams sit in harsh spots. Heat and cold both take a toll.
- Hot dashboard in summer
- Slow response in cold weather
- Auto shut-down to protect itself
If your cam shuts off on hot days, it may be protecting itself, not breaking.
Mounting or Connection Issues
A loose mount can cause big trouble.
- Camera not seated right
- Weak magnetic mount
- Power cutting out from vibration
One bump in the road can break contact, like a loose phone charger.
How I Fixed My Garmin Dash Cam Not Working (Step-by-Step)
When my Garmin failed, I treated it like a checklist. Simple steps first. No panic.
Step 1: Test a different power cable and port
This fixed my issue right away.
Step 2: Remove, reinsert, and format the SD card
Corrupted cards cause silent failures.
Step 3: Power cycle the dash cam
Unplug it for a minute. Let it rest.
Step 4: Update or reinstall firmware
Fresh software often clears bugs.
Step 5: Factory reset (last option)
This wipes settings but can save the device.
What worked for me: a new cable and a fresh SD card. Simple fixes beat deep repairs most days.
Garmin Dash Cam Models Most Affected (From What I’ve Seen)
Across forums and personal use, the same models come up again and again:
- Garmin Dash Cam Mini / Mini 2
- Garmin Dash Cam 47 / 57 / 67W
- Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
The shared issues are clear. Power drops and SD card errors show up the most, no matter the model.
When It’s Not a Fixable Issue (Be Honest)
Sometimes, repair is not the right call. I’ve been there, and it’s frustrating.
- Internal battery failure
- Water or heat damage
- Camera won’t hold power at all
If the camera dies seconds after unplugging, replacement may be smarter than repair. At that point, fixing it feels like pouring water into a cracked cup.
How to Prevent Garmin Dash Cam Problems in the Future
After fixing my dash cam, I didn’t want to repeat the same headache. Think of prevention like brushing your teeth—it’s boring, but it saves pain later. These small habits kept my Garmin running without surprises.
- Use high-endurance SD cards: They are built for constant recording. Cheap cards wear out fast.
- Format the card once a month: This clears hidden errors before they grow.
- Avoid cheap cables: A weak cable is like a leaky hose. Power slips away.
- Keep firmware updated: Updates fix bugs that cause freezing or restarts.
- Remove the cam in extreme heat: Summer dashboards can cook electronics.
One driver told me, “Since I started doing this, my camera just works.” Mine did too.
Garmin Dash Cam Not Working – FAQs
Why is my Garmin dash cam not turning on?
Most times, it’s a power issue. A bad cable or charger stops power before it reaches the camera. Try a new cable first.
Can a bad SD card cause a Garmin dash cam to stop working?
Yes. A failing SD card can freeze the camera or stop recording. High-endurance cards work best.
Why does my Garmin dash cam keep restarting?
This often points to unstable power or a corrupted SD card. Changing one of those usually fixes it.
How do I reset my Garmin dash cam?
Unplug the camera. Hold the power button for about 10 seconds. Plug it back in and let it restart.
Does Garmin replace faulty dash cams?
Garmin may replace units under warranty. Support often asks for proof of purchase and a quick test first.
Final Thoughts – Is a Non-Working Garmin Dash Cam Worth Fixing?
When a garmin dash cam not working issue pops up, it feels stressful. I get it. In most cases, a simple cable or SD card fix brings it back to life.
I’ve learned to trust small checks before big decisions. Start with power and storage. Those two solve most problems. If nothing works, then replacement makes sense—but only after smart troubleshooting.
Jake Elston
I am Jake Elston, the founder of CarDetailFlow. I have eight years in car work. I hold a post-grad cert in Automotive Materials and Design Engineering from the University of Michigan–Dearborn. My goal is to share true, simple car help with all drivers.