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Third-Party OEM Marine Device Error, Warning, Alarm or Alert Messages on Garmin Chartplotters

Garmin chartplotters can display third-party OEM Device error, warning, alarm or alert messages.

Input Conditions:

  • The chartplotter must be connected to a NMEA 2000 or J1939 network

  • The third-party device must also be connected to the same NMEA 2000 or J1939 network

  • The third-party device must be compatible with the Garmin chartplotter

  • To ensure the latest messages can be seen and device compatibility is achieved, Garmin chartplotters and third-party OEM devices should be updated with the most current operational software versions

  • To see alert messages on the Garmin chartplotter from third-party OEM devices, ensure the NMEA 2000 Alerts are set to "On"

    • Options > Settings > Alarms > Network > NMEA 2000 Alerts > On

  • Garmin chartplotters may not display every possible error, warning, alarm or alert message that a third-party OEM device is experiencing or is capable of sending to the chartplotter

  • The Garmin chartplotter will only display the message. It may provide general guidance and information based on how the third-party OEM established the priority/criticality of the message

  • On screen error, warning, alarm or alert messages will repeatedly occur until cleared or condition is corrected

  • If a user is experiencing a message or issues with a third-party OEM device, contact the applicable authorized third-party OEM dealer or installer for troubleshooting procedures

  • Garmin operational software does not update third-party OEM devices. Utilize the third-party OEM software procedures to update those devices


A Garmin GPSMAP chartplotter will display an alarm message as seen in the example below

              Alarm Message on GPSMAP display

  • The message will populate the bottom of the GPSMAP display

  • The message will be color coded Red, Yellow, or Blue to prioritize the alarm severity

    • Red: Hazards that require immediate action to avoid sever personal injury or death

    • Yellow: Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor personal injury or product or property damage

    • Blue: Unspecified or informational condition, take appropriate action

Users can access the Warning Manager feature in the Garmin GPSMAP chartplotter to view, sort, filter, save to memory card and to clear the messages.

  • Follow this pathway to access the Warning Manager

    • Home>INFO>Warning Manager>select appropriate condition

  • Follow this link to the Garmin Owners Manuals to find the applicable chartplotter 

    • Enter the Product Name or Serial Number

    • Select and open the applicable device

    • Enter and Search using the term "Warning Manager" to view options  


A Garmin ECHOMAP will display a message or Alarm condition as seen in the examples below

              ECHOMAP Evinrude Alarm shown     Red Alarm MSG shown on ECHOMAP   

  • The message will populate the bottom of the ECHOMAP display

  • The message will be color coded either Red, Yellow, or Blue to prioritize the alarm severity

    • Red: Hazards that require immediate action to avoid sever personal injury or death

    • Yellow: Hazards or unsafe practices which could result in minor personal injury or product or property damage

    • Blue: Unspecified or informational condition exists, take appropriate action

Users can access the Event Log feature in the Garmin ECHOMAP chartplotter to View and Clear the messages

  • Follow this link to the Garmin Owners Manuals to find the applicable chartplotter 

    • Enter the Product Name or Serial Number

    • Select and open the applicable device

    • Enter and Search using the term Event Log to view options

  • Follow this pathway to access the Event Log

    • Home > Settings > System > System Information > Event Log > select message to view or select Menu to clear the entire Event Log

Users can save Error Logs onto a micro/SD memory card

  • Follow this pathway to save Error Log information

    • Home > Settings > System > System Information > Garmin Devices > Menu > Save Error Logs