Cardo GPS devices are a popular choice for motorcyclists looking to integrate Bluetooth communication with navigation capabilities. Designed to help riders communicate hands-free, listen to music, and receive GPS directions while riding, these devices are an essential part of many motorcycling experiences. However, like all technology, Cardo GPS systems can sometimes encounter problems. One of the most frustrating issues is when your Cardo GPS stops working, preventing you from getting directions, receiving updates, or connecting to your devices.

If you find that your Cardo GPS isn’t working, don’t panic. There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and resolve the issue. This article will walk you through the common causes of GPS failure and provide detailed steps on how to fix them, ensuring that you get back on the road with full functionality.

1. Check the Power Supply

The first and most obvious step is to make sure that your Cardo GPS device is powered on. This may seem simple, but sometimes the issue is as basic as an empty battery or a loose connection.

A. Battery Level

• Low Battery: If the battery is low, the device may stop functioning correctly, including the GPS feature. Check your device’s battery level. If it’s low, connect your Cardo GPS device to a charger and allow it to charge fully.
• Charging Issues: Ensure the charger is working properly. Use the original charging cable and adapter provided by Cardo, as third-party chargers might not work efficiently. A faulty cable or adapter can prevent the device from charging properly.

B. Power Button

• Device Not Turning On: Ensure that the power button is being pressed correctly. Hold the power button for the appropriate amount of time—usually between 5 to 10 seconds—until the device turns on. If it doesn’t, there could be an issue with the power button or internal circuitry.

C. Check the LED Indicators

• Most Cardo devices have LED lights to indicate their status. If the LED indicator is red or blinking abnormally, it could indicate a battery or hardware issue. Consult the user manual for specific LED light codes related to your device model.

2. Reboot the Device

Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix many issues. If your Cardo GPS system is frozen or unresponsive, try restarting it.

• Restart Your Cardo GPS Device: Turn off the device and wait for a few seconds before turning it back on. This can help resolve temporary glitches, software crashes, or misconfigurations that may be causing the GPS to stop working.
• Perform a Hard Reset: If your device isn’t responding to the standard power-off procedure, you may need to perform a hard reset. Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to reset your specific Cardo GPS model. A hard reset can resolve more stubborn issues, but be aware that it may erase your device’s settings and connections.

3. Ensure Proper Bluetooth Pairing

Cardo GPS devices often require Bluetooth pairing with other devices, such as smartphones or motorcycle communication systems. If the Bluetooth connection is faulty or disrupted, it can cause GPS navigation to stop working.

A. Check Bluetooth Settings

• Device Pairing: Ensure that your Cardo GPS device is properly paired with your smartphone or other Bluetooth devices. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone or other connected devices and verify that the Cardo device is listed and connected. If the device is not showing up, try re-pairing the devices.
• Bluetooth Range: Ensure that the devices are within the required range for Bluetooth connectivity. If the connection is weak, move the devices closer together.

B. Clear Bluetooth Cache

• If there’s an issue with the Bluetooth connection itself, clearing the cache on your paired devices may help. For smartphones, you can go to the Bluetooth settings, find your Cardo GPS device, and choose "Forget Device." Then, attempt to reconnect by pairing the devices again. On the Cardo device, you may also be able to reset its Bluetooth settings to clear any old pairings that could be interfering with new connections.

C. Bluetooth Compatibility

• Check for Compatibility Issues: Make sure that the Cardo GPS device is compatible with the version of Bluetooth on your smartphone or other connected devices. In some cases, an outdated version of Bluetooth software can cause connection issues. Update the Bluetooth firmware on your devices if necessary.

4. Update the Firmware

Outdated firmware is one of the most common causes of GPS and other functionality issues. Cardo regularly releases firmware updates to improve device performance, fix bugs, and add new features. If your GPS system is not working, it’s worth checking whether a firmware update is available.

A. Updating Firmware via Cardo Connect App

• Download the Cardo Connect App: The easiest way to update your Cardo GPS device’s firmware is by using the Cardo Connect app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
• Connect the GPS Device: Once the app is installed, connect your Cardo GPS system to your phone via Bluetooth. Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to check for available firmware updates.
• Install the Update: If an update is available, follow the instructions to download and install it. Firmware updates usually resolve known bugs and improve the device’s performance, including GPS functionality.

B. Update Using a Computer

• Some Cardo GPS devices also allow for firmware updates through a computer. You’ll need to connect the device to your computer via a USB cable and use the Cardo Device Manager software to check for and install updates.

5. Check GPS Settings and Navigation Features

Sometimes, the issue with the Cardo GPS not working may lie within the settings of the device itself. If the GPS isn’t providing directions or is behaving incorrectly, it could be a misconfiguration issue.

A. Ensure GPS Is Enabled

• GPS Settings: Check the settings on your Cardo device to ensure that GPS functionality is enabled. Some devices may allow you to toggle GPS on or off, or adjust related settings such as audio notifications or route preferences.
• App Settings: If you are using a smartphone app for GPS, make sure that the location services and GPS settings are enabled on your phone.

B. Check Navigation App Compatibility

• If you are using a third-party navigation app like Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps, verify that the app is compatible with your Cardo GPS device. Ensure that the navigation app is running properly on your smartphone and that it’s configured to send turn-by-turn directions to your Cardo GPS device.

C. Test with a Different Device or App

• If the GPS system is still not working after troubleshooting, try connecting the Cardo device to a different smartphone or GPS app. This can help identify whether the issue is with the Cardo GPS unit itself or the app or phone you are using.

6. Check for Interference or Obstacles

Interference from other devices or physical obstacles can sometimes prevent your Cardo GPS from functioning properly. This could include issues with Bluetooth connectivity or GPS signal reception.

• Bluetooth Interference: If there are many Bluetooth devices nearby, there may be interference that disrupts the connection between your Cardo GPS and your smartphone. Try turning off other Bluetooth devices to reduce interference.
• GPS Signal Obstructions: Make sure that your GPS device is not blocked by any obstacles. GPS signals require a clear line of sight to work properly. If you're inside a building, under heavy tree cover, or surrounded by tall buildings, the GPS signal might be weak or unavailable.

7. Contact Cardo Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there may be a more serious underlying problem with your Cardo GPS device. In such cases, it’s time to reach out to Cardo customer support for further assistance. They can help with troubleshooting, warranty claims, and device repairs if needed.

• Phone Support: You can call Cardo customer support for immediate assistance. They are available during business hours and can guide you through further troubleshooting steps or assist you in determining if your device requires repair.
• Email Support: If the issue isn’t urgent, you can email Cardo support with a detailed description of the problem. Be sure to include your device model, serial number, and any troubleshooting steps you have already tried.

Conclusion

Fixing a Cardo GPS that’s not working can often be done through a few simple troubleshooting steps. By checking the power supply, rebooting the device, ensuring Bluetooth pairing, updating firmware, and reviewing GPS settings, you can often resolve the problem yourself. However, if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cardo’s customer support team for further assistance.

With the right approach, you’ll have your Cardo GPS back up and running in no time, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy hands-free navigation and communication on the road.