+USAdian Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Strange thing. I never had this in my Isuzu. I just purchased a 2000 Pontiac Montana minivan and my Garmin GPS III won't pick up any satellites when mounted on the dash (with a large windshield, mind you, for supposedly excellent reception). When I bring the GPS outside of the van, it starts picking up sats like usual. Anyone else have this strange problem? I do see a factory windshield mounted radio antenna (I think that's what it is). Don't see how that could have anything to do with it. I do have a remote antenna I can hook up but I don't want to have to do that since I have such a large windshield. Quote Link to comment
+rstickle Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Strange thing. I never had this in my Isuzu. I just purchased a 2000 Pontiac Montana minivan and my Garmin GPS III won't pick up any satellites when mounted on the dash (with a large windshield, mind you, for supposedly excellent reception). When I bring the GPS outside of the van, it starts picking up sats like usual. Anyone else have this strange problem? I do see a factory windshield mounted radio antenna (I think that's what it is). Don't see how that could have anything to do with it. I do have a remote antenna I can hook up but I don't want to have to do that since I have such a large windshield. I'll bet your new windshield is impregnated or coated with something that is blocking the signal. Some vehicles also have problems with the "EZPass" method of road toll payment and require an outside unit. You might want to check with your dealer and see what they can tell you. Rick Quote Link to comment
WR8Y Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 1) I'll bet your new windshield is impregnated or coated with something that is blocking the signal. 2) You might want to check with your dealer and see what they can tell you. Rick 1) BINGO! 2) The dealer. Quote Link to comment
Overland1 Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 This is definitely the same problem that people have with EZ Pass transponders. Here is a link to a list of known "offenders"... mostly GM with a Subaru SVX also included. Quote Link to comment
+Prime Suspect Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Strange thing. I never had this in my Isuzu. I just purchased a 2000 Pontiac Montana minivan and my Garmin GPS III won't pick up any satellites when mounted on the dash (with a large windshield, mind you, for supposedly excellent reception). When I bring the GPS outside of the van, it starts picking up sats like usual. Anyone else have this strange problem? I do see a factory windshield mounted radio antenna (I think that's what it is). Don't see how that could have anything to do with it. I do have a remote antenna I can hook up but I don't want to have to do that since I have such a large windshield. Does it have after-market tinting (film)? Some tinting film is also metalized. Quote Link to comment
ImpalaBob Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Look over the winshield for the identification info. GM uses 'Sungate' that have metalized film in them. RADAR will not work with them. ImpalaBob Quote Link to comment
+whitecrow Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 This is definitely the same problem that people have with EZ Pass transponders. Here is a link to a list of known "offenders"... mostly GM with a Subaru SVX also included. And the Montana is on that list. Quote Link to comment
+bengtb Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 There are basically two solutions to your problem (if buying a new car isn't): - buy an external GPS antenna and connect that to your GPSr if it has a connector. - buy a GPS signal retransmitter that has an external antenna and retransmitts the signal inside the car The latter has the benefit to work with more than one GPS in the car. Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 Anyone know the point of the metal film? Quote Link to comment
+oldsoldier Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 Probably a safety thing, something to laminate? thats my guess. there was a thread on this a little over a year ago...I remember reading about it. Fortunately, I use an external antenna. Quote Link to comment
Vlad Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 the film is often found on vehicles with front windshield electrical defrosters Quote Link to comment
+USAdian Posted August 31, 2006 Author Share Posted August 31, 2006 Thanks for all the replies. It looks like that's the issue. I could check with the dealer, but it seems to point to that. I do have an external antenna, so that is my only option, unfortunately. Quote Link to comment
+rstickle Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 mostly GM with a Subaru SVX also included. That's why I know about the problem....... I happen to have a Subaru SVX! It requires a special outside mounted unit. Rick Quote Link to comment
+Walt_Felix Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 (edited) Yes, many cars now have heated windshields which can prevent satisfactory reception. An external antenna is almost mandatory in such case. If your GPS has an antenna port, it's as simple as using an external roof mount antenna. If you GPS doesn't, a re-radiating antenna will help. Re-radiating antennas consists of 2 components, a roof mount receiving antenna and an internal transmitting antenna. Receiving antenna has internal signal amplifier so requires power. Most often they plug into a 12v power source though I've seen a few that are battery powered. The amplified signal is transferred by a cable to the transmitting antenna inside the vehicle which "radiates" the signal to the antenna of GPS. Even in vehicles without the windshield in question, because it's an amplified antenna, one can be used to increase overall signal strength. Edited September 1, 2006 by Walt_Felix Quote Link to comment
ImpalaBob Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 The GM Sungate has the metalized film to keep the inside of the car cooler! I use a Gilson external antenna, or just hold the unit next to the side window. The new SRIF III chip units will work fine! ImpalaBob Quote Link to comment
Suscrofa Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 These windshields often have an area near the rearview mirror that is not coated. This is done to let pass RF signals for card readers. Place your GPS close by. Quote Link to comment
+USAdian Posted September 2, 2006 Author Share Posted September 2, 2006 Great replies. I do have an external antenna. I may try to find that "sweet spot" near the rear view mirror and mount it there. There's a good chance the windshield will some time be damaged due to our 2 days of travel on gravel road to get out of Labrador each time. I suppose when it comes time for windshield replacement, I could make sure there is no metal in the glass. Quote Link to comment
+Hale-Storm Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 I had the same problem with my Chevy Venture Minivan. I took a rock in the windshield, and had to have the original replaced. I now get great reception. This method works if you have full glass coverage Quote Link to comment
+cjf Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 I had heard that some windshields block satellite reception, so when it came time for me to get a new car last winter I took my GPSr with me. The first "test" the prospective vehicle had to pass was the satellite reception test. I know - not much help to csonni, but if someone out there is in the market for a new car - take the GPSr with you when you're shopping. cjf Quote Link to comment
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