Garmin GMA-245 doesn't always reconnect via Bluetooth

[David_Nelson]

I worked with the Garmin folks trying to nail down a common trigger to no avail. They even swapped out the unit and the problem still persisted. To this day, I still have to manually power-cycle the audio panel on occasion. I've never had problems once the connection was established between the audio panel and iPhone/iPad.

[jliltd]

Wow. Going on 3 years here without a reliable solution. I am amazed how many folks are having the same trouble with GMA 245's and 345's Bluetooth pairing breaking. Is it limited to Apple product pairings or other makes and models of portable equipment too?

[Nova RV]

Just as a data point, I have a 245R and it connects via bluetooth to my Android phone or Garmin Virb camera rock solid and never dropped.

[mantry]

Keep in mind the Bluetooth connection is just fine. In fact you can use the Audio panel to stop and start the playback. All appears normal it is just that you don?t hear any audio.

Is anyone having this issue with something other than an Apple product? (Hoping Garmin doesn?t point the finger at Apple)

[Pdtofly]

Originally Posted by jliltd

Wow. Going on 3 years here without a reliable solution. I am amazed how many folks are having the same trouble with GMA 245's and 345's Bluetooth pairing breaking. Is it limited to Apple product pairings or other makes and models of portable equipment too?

Nope, I have tried both the Samsung and iPhone and get the same results. The GMA 245 controls the phone, but no audio. Sometimes it does work, but the next day, no

Glad to hear it just is not me. What you say Garmin?

Brian

[PixelWorker]

Same problem here with the 245 through many software versions over a couple years. I always power cycle the 245 and as soon as it reconnects the connection is solid.

[g3xpert]

Please contact us via email at G3Xpert@Garmin.com. We would like to collect some information about your installation to help identify the cause of this issue and get it fixed.

Thanks,

Justin

[mantry]

I sent the following email:
from: Mark Antry <marXXXXXXXkab320@gmail.com>
to: g3xpert@garmin.com
date: Jun 1, 2020, 9:09 PM
subject: No BT Audio from GMA 345
mailed-by: gmail.com

Would you like everyone that is having this problem to send an email?

What information would you like us/them to included?

Mark

[Pdtofly]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Please contact us via email at G3Xpert@Garmin.com. We would like to collect some information about your installation to help identify the cause of this issue and get it fixed.

Thanks,

Justin

Justin,

What info do you want?

Can you put a list together so we can fill in for you.

I do really like my 245, and I can get the Bluetooth working only after I turn it off, then back on.

What I can tell you is this. It was a slide in upgrade from a 240 install, and it is on a avionics master, so all my stack powers up at the same time. It is hooked up to a SL30 and SL40, and unrelated I have a GPS175 in my stack, but it is normally turned off unless I want it on. My Galaxy connects without any problems, the 245 controls my music, but no audio out. If I turn it off with the small left knob, then back on, when the Bluetooth connects, I then get audio. Music comes up without any problem using music 1 input when selected on the front of the 245.

Brian

[hom409]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Please contact us via email at G3Xpert@Garmin.com. We would like to collect some information about your installation to help identify the cause of this issue and get it fixed.

Thanks,

Justin

Justin

Just sent an email explaining the issue with my GMA 245R. This tread was quite timely as i called Garmin few days ago explaining this very issue and called @rhinodvr which is experiencing the same issue with the GMA 245 panel mount.

The issue appears to be with sound more so than connection. I can control the music, pause, play, skip but the sound does not come through. The unit is connected to my Samsung S9 and plays my Spotify downloaded play list. The sound issues is not limited to Spotify.

Fixes that i tried included deselecting and reselecting the pilot music under the last tab of the GMA menu ( limited success). Tried unpairing and repairing the device (usually works). Tried cycling the Avionics master which also works.

The panel was professionally installed by an approved Garmin shop. Hope there above helps to troubleshoot.

Hom
F1 Rocket
C-FGXB