TomTom sat-navs have been struck down by a 'leap year' bug that sees the road-navigating gadgets failing to find their location.
In a statement on its support site, TomTom says that the problem is caused by a bug in the GPS receiver's software that has left some devices unable to obtain a GPS position since 31 March.
"We are working hard on a permanent solution that we will make available on our website as a downloadable software fix," TomTom assures. The company says that a "limited number of models" are suffering from the glitch, so let me know in the comments below if your TomTom is borked.
Symptoms could include a grey screen, or a notice that reads, "Waiting for a valid GPS signal..." or "Poor GPS signal...".
If you need to get some travel information in a hurry, TomTom says that resetting your device temporarily resolves the issue. On some models you can do this by holding the On/Off button down for 20 seconds, but here's a directory of TomTom devices and how to reset them.
The BBC reports that TomTom gadgets worldwide appear to be affected, with complaints flooding in from around the globe.
A software fix available through the website isn't exactly a simple solution, and I'd wager this update will be delivered via TomTom Home, which is a program you download onto your PC or Mac to update your sat-nav's software. I can't imagine there are many TomTom owners out there relishing the thought of plugging their gadgets into their computer to update software.
With many smart phones offering navigation apps, the future of sat-navs is definitely up in the air. This latest issue certainly won't endear the noisy little boxes to drivers, and if -- as the name implies -- the bug was caused by the fact that 2012 is a leap year, that sounds like an embarrassing oversight on TomTom's part.
Is your TomTom affected? Is it time to call Brian Blessed? Let me know in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 14
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anonymous 3 April, 2012 18:02
Mine is affected and quite frankly given how p*ss poor the tomtom update mechanism is for the 1005 unit, I'm not hopeful it will be easily solved. Well done TomTom for giving me a £200 brick, sort it out! If you are considering a sat nav solution look to your phone if you want my advice!
anonymous 3 April, 2012 19:34
I have a TomTom go live 120 and a Go 820 both don't work....
anonymous 3 April, 2012 21:29
Caught this driving back from a family gathering on Sunday on a Go Live 1000. A soft reset did indeed fix it (very) temporarily. As an aside, I first noticed the problem at the exact same time as the message that my 1 year traffic info/updates subscription had expired. Kinda assumed that TomTom chose to deliberately bork the device to force me to hand over £50 for another year's subscription. Now glad to discover that it was just incompetence and not malice that caused it to die... Here's hoping for a rapid fix.
anonymous 3 April, 2012 23:05
Had the same problem. A fix is now available from the TomTom website. Installing was straightforward and the problem has gone away. Everything is working again.
anonymous 4 April, 2012 05:05
TomTom HD 820 in Australia no joy... should have trusted my instinct and get a decent GPS device like a Garmin.
anonymous 4 April, 2012 10:27
Mine did it on Sunday when I needed to find my cousin new home, not at all helpful, and the last time I tried to update my maps it removed everything so really not looking forward to trying the fix out. Just great it's not even a year old!
anonymous 4 April, 2012 10:51
My TomTom has the bug, very inconvenient as we were on a caravan holiday trying to find the site. I have lost confidence in the device and as the unit is only 10 months old can anyone advise me if I am entitled to a refund from Halfords?
anonymous 4 April, 2012 16:20
My TomTom 820 Live broke on 31st March Saturday night. I thought my girlfriend broke it when she used my car and I gave her a load of stick for it. She's been upset about it since... I'll have to get her some flowers and a box of chocs to make up for this one.
anonymous 27 April, 2012 00:36
Anyone know if Garmin traffic is as good as Tom Tom. Also if voice explanantions are as good??
anonymous 17 May, 2012 13:40
there is an easier way to fix this... buy a map.
anonymous 21 June, 2012 21:31
21/6/2012 just got new one deliverd today never had one before plugged it into computer installed the software done all the updates including the mandatry update to restore gps signal still nothing no gps signal where ever i drive or stand anywhere what a peace of crap £130 waisted
anonymous 10 July, 2012 15:54
mine is affected! So annoying, thought I might have broken it but it's been playing up since April so I think this is the cause! Any new info would be great
anonymous 12 August, 2012 23:51
I have a XXL and have had a problem with the traffic aerial which should give me a bar on the right side of the screen which shows the journey and any problems on route, but two weeks ago it vanished so no traffic reports, and I would add it is subscription free so should work at all times.
Is it due to this bug affecting everyone else ???
anonymous 20 August, 2012 23:50
pretty poor having "waiting for a valid gps signal"
I've only ever used my tomtom twice and i cannot use it any longer until this problem is solved..