Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I recently installed an aftermarket electric outlet in my car so I could run my GPS which I have come to depend on when going to unfamiliar places. After a few months of working just fine, when I plug it in it powers the unit up but the satellites it used for guidance shut down-the minute I unplug it the satellites go back on but then I run the risk of the unit shutting down for lack of power. I ran the hot wire to the floor, the ground wire to the fuse box since on the 55 the ground is reversed (positive ground instead of negative ground). Has anyone had similar problems?

It's working backwards.

Try a dpdt.switch.

Im not sure I understand could you be more descriptive?

You could try running both GPS unit wires to the battery to see if that solves the problem by isolating the GPS from the vehicle electrical system. If so, then I would consider leaving it wired direct and adding a toggle switch for the GPS power circuit. If direct connection does not fix the issue, the problem may be in the GPS unit itself.

After having bad luck with the life of some GPS I would try it in another car. Some times removing the card wiping the contacts and putting back will cure problems. Try unit in another car with negative ground which most cars are now fitted with. I have four GPS and they can be frustrating. If all else fails get a 1950s GPS also known as a paper map.