Updating the internal operating software of a GPSMAP 172(c)/178(c)

If an issue comes up where the GPSMAP 172(c)/178(c) begins to perform differently than previous use, a software update may me required.

You can download the update from the Garmin webpage and apply it to the data card manually. The following items are required to download the update:

• A 64MB Garmin Data Card*
• A USB Data Card Programmer
• A computer loaded with a 32-bit version of Windows

*Garmin Data Cards are discontinued and no longer available for purchase.

NOTE: This will only update the internal software version of the device. The mapping will not be updated in either process described below.

NOTE: Please backup all user data (i.e. waypoints, routes, and tracks) before performing any update. This will help ensure a backup exists if data is unintentionally lost. For instructions about backing up user data, please see Related Content.

Please download the latest software from this link. On this page, there is a link titled "View download instructions and system requirements" that will provide instructions on how to install this update onto the Garmin data card. Once the update has been applied to the card, please follow the installation instructions below.

Install Instructions:

Once the Update Card has been obtained either by ordering a pre-programmed card or by manually creating the update card, please follow the instructions below to install the update on your Chartplotter.

1. Power On the chartplotter
2. When the warning screen appears, choose I Agree
3. Insert the data card into the data card slot
4. After inserting the update card, the device should prompt for you to Update Software. Please press the Enter button
5. The device will now begin the update process for your device
6. During the installation of the update, the device will reboot itself. Please keep the update card inserted in the device until the chartplotter fully reboots and proceeds past the warning screen
7. Once the chartplotter has fully progressed past the warning screen, the update card can be removed and the device will be up to date

NOTE: Removing the update card before completing step #7 may corrupt the install process, thus rendering your devices inoperable.