An update to this old thread for people who, like me, get queasy about opening up avionics to fix sticky buttons:
Bevan Aviation in Wichita will refurbish a 430 or 530 (including buttons, memory battery, software update, etc.) for less than
half the $1,868 that Garmin charges as a "flat fee" to work on these units. (Note Garmin alternatively charges a lovely $500 "assessment fee" if it turns out your unit is not repairable.)
I sought Bevan out after my 430W's buttons became so far gone that the classic sticky-button technique (pressing them repeatedly for 20 minutes...) wasn't bringing them back to life. My unit got entirely new buttons, software update, comprehensive testing, and a new memory battery, and is now working perfectly. Very happy with Bevan's service.
I suspect that Bevan, like Garmin, may no longer have access to replacement 430
display modules, but who knows. I was intrigued to learn that the screen part that breaks or gets messed up the most, which is the clear plastic in front of the display module,
is still available.
With any luck, I'll get a second 17 years out of my 430. Such a hugely cost-effective gadget, especially when you consider what Garmin wants for a replacement IFR GPS/Navcomm. I was encouraged to see recently that Garmin intends to support the 430 and 530 for "
decades." Should keep the resale value up.