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Troubleshooting an Automotive Traffic Issue

Traffic receiver cables are purchased separately from your device. If you are instead using Smartphone Link traffic or Garmin Drive™ App traffic (both not compatible with the Overlander® GPS navigator) with a compatible Android phone or iPhone, see the applicable FAQ below.

NOTE: If your device was preloaded with full map coverage (i.e. North America), and full map coverage is not installed, you may not receive traffic updates on your Automotive device. See Maps Missing After Updating Maps on a Full Coverage Automotive Device for more information.

See the troubleshooting steps below if you have a Garmin device with a traffic receiver but are not receiving any traffic information.


First, See the Following Support Video on Proper Placement of the Traffic Receiver Cable:


Next, Try the Following Steps to Troubleshoot Traffic: 

  1. Confirm you're using the device in a traffic coverage area based on the  traffic service you are using

  2. Verify you are not in an area affected by the Current Traffic Outages

    • May 13, 2025

      • Little Rock, AR:  RDS off.  ETA TBD.
      • Morristown, NJ:  HD off.  ETA TBD.

  3. Confirm external power is being supplied to the GTM™ traffic receiver cable. The LED light on the top of the plug should be lit. If it is not, check the fuse.

    • The sticker affixed to the vehicle power cable's cord or plug should indicate whether it is a GTM traffic receiver.

      • GTM cables have a red LED light.

    • Review the manual for your device to ensure the cable is connected to the correct port.

    • Verify the cable's placement.

  4. Update the device and traffic receiver software by following steps in the Software section under your device in Support Center.

It is also possible that the traffic service has been disabled on your device which will result in traffic not working.


To Confirm Whether the Service is Enabled:

  1. Connect the device to power using the vehicle power cable

  2. Open the   Settings menu

  3. Touch Navigation

  4. Touch Traffic

You can enable traffic here if it is disabled.