Automotive Devices Routing Inaccurately or Giving Wrong Directions

Troubleshooting

To ensure your device is properly set up to provide the fastest route, view the detailed video below:

The Behavior you may Notice on the Device could Include:

Navigation devices create routes by estimating the fastest and most direct way to reach a destination by using major roadways. There may be times when you find that your device takes you out of the way or creates a route that seems wrong to you. 

• Recommending a route that is far slower/longer than the optimal route.

• Offering out of the way routes to a destination.

• Making illogical routing choices (e.g. routing off of a highway, and then recommending to re-enter the highway).

• Ignoring Avoidance settings during a route (e.g. recommending an unpaved road, when unpaved roads are avoided).

If you are driving with an active route (you have entered a destination and touched Go!) and decide to take a shortcut, the device will recognize the new path and recalculate the route using that change. It may try to take you back on the original path at first but typically will adjust to your new route as you progress.

There are Several Navigation Settings on your Device that can Affect the way it Calculates Routes:

• Calculation Mode – Options here can vary by device, but generally include Faster Time, Shorter Distance, Less Fuel, and Off-Road. Garmin recommends keeping this set to Faster Time to take advantage of the most efficient and direct roads. The Shorter Distance setting may use secondary roads, such as residential streets or alleys, that may not seem appropriate.

• Avoidances – This setting allows you to tell the device what types of features you want it to avoid when calculating routes, such as ferries, carpool lanes, unpaved roads, or highways. If one of these features is unavoidable on your preferred route, the device could calculate a much longer route than desired. Garmin recommends you review these items when going on long trips or driving in a new area to prevent using unnecessary avoidances.

• Usage Mode – The Usage Mode refers to different routes the device can create based on your vehicle type (e.g. Automobile and Motorcycle). Automobile, which is the most-used setting, will give you turn-by-turn directions based on mapping and road information. The Motorcycle usage mode, which is only available on zumo devices, may calculate longer, more scenic routes.

For instructions on adjusting the navigation settings on the device, consult the device's Owner's Manual.

Preview a Route, Choose an Alternate Route, or Edit a Route:

There may be times you want to preview a route, see what alternate routes are available, or edit and shape the route. 

For steps to do this on your particular device go to:

1. Garmin Support Center
2. Enter your device model (Ex. DriveSmart 50) or serial number.
3. Type Choosing an Alternate Route in the 'Search for a solution' field.
4. Select the FAQ from the list.