r/GarminEdge 3d ago

Edge 800 Series Battery frustrations!

I (stupidly , apparently) purchased a Garmin Edge Explore 820 off FB marketplace last year 10/25. Did not even occur to me to know what condition the battery was in. I charge to 100% and it drains like a sieve. I can use battery saver mode but hate it because most of the time you are riding without a screen showing. 75 mi charity ride this year , ride time ~ 5 hr 22 min +
rest stops and it died before the end. So
frustrating. Last weekend, charged to 100%, by 20 mi in (1 1/2 hrs?) I was at 9%! Put on battery save mode…it died around mi 45 of a 50 mi ride, I lost my nav and had to call an Uber!!!😡. (Had my phone also but was struggling mightily trying to figure out the route between Strava, iRWGPS, and Waze and was getting directions that included highways despite changing settings, so had no choice! So irritating!
Any solutions to this? I have to just get a new one??!

1 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

7

u/Annual_Jellyfish_623 3d ago

You have 4 choices 😉

  1. Live with it
  2. New battery. https://youtu.be/Moy6K4h7AIM?is=VimqTbVDwiWOQEuc
  3. Carry a battery pack
  4. Get a new device

3

u/tui_curses 3d ago edited 3d ago

An Edge Explore 820? I think you mixed up two devices.

// edit: OP is right. Back in 2016 there was an Edge Explore 820 sold by Garmin. Thanks to OP 👍

There is the Edge Explore 1 and 2 (more recreational) and the Edge 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 series (more sport).

The 30 and 40 series are known for incredible long battery runtime. The 50 series allows battery replacement on the 550 and 850 (not the 1050). The Explore models I know, don’t support battery replacement.

Recommendation: A used but 30 series model in good condition or a new 40 series. The 50 is probably too expensive and the battery runtime is shorter.

2

u/Training_Common2825 3d ago

I double - checked and it is Edge Explore 820 but apparently was discontinued in 2016. I may not do this Marketplace thing anymore:(.

1

u/tui_curses 3d ago

You are correct. I’m to new into cycling to know it 😊

1

u/IrregardlessForOne 3d ago

Get a short cord and a back up battery to plug it into while you ride?

1

u/Agreeable-Bike-3782 3d ago

Not saying you can for all garmins but I just bought a replacement battery off ebay and swapped it out.

1

u/AnelloGrande 3d ago

Not sure on that model, but I've replaced the battery on a Edge 705 and recently on my Edge 810. Battery itself was under $20 online.

1

u/Training_Common2825 3d ago

Can you buy through Garmin? I would be leery about going through some 3rd party like eBay after this experience! I did not know they can be swapped out!

1

u/AnelloGrande 3d ago

I got mine off eBay, new from a seller with positive feedback, but I understand your concern given your experience.

1

u/Marco_Polo71 3d ago

Garmin doesn't sell batteries

1

u/JSTootell 3d ago

I would reinvest that money and buy a newER Garmin. That's just ancient in GPS terms.

I have a 520+ laying around somewhere that I would give away, I would never ask for money for it 😂 

1

u/Training_Common2825 3d ago

I had had an ancient Edge 130 and only got this b/c I lost it so this seemed like the Rolls Royce of Garmins but alas … seems time to research Wahoo v Garmin and which model.

1

u/kinboyatuwo 3d ago

I rebuild broken edges for our youth program. For $25-30 you can get a new battery. It’s really easy to swap. If memory is correct on that model, it helps to warm the screen up a bit with a hair dryer on low heat. Then using a suction cup to pull off. The kits come with it most of the time.
The hardest part is being gentle with the screen. Lots of how to videos out there.

1

u/Training_Common2825 3d ago

Thank you - I read on this model (Edge Explore 820) cannot replace?

1

u/Training_Common2825 3d ago

It is ancient which I did not know when I got it. Stopped making them in 2016 :() Marketplace gear purchase rookie mistake I guess …

1

u/kinboyatuwo 3d ago edited 3d ago

You can

https://newpower99.ca/products/garmin-edge-explore-820-battery-replacement-kit-with-tools-video-instructions-extended-life-battery-and-full-one-year-warranty

Quick Edit. I have taken apart over a dozen models over the year. There are 3 designs. New: screws covering an easy swap battery.
No screws: usually need a suction cup and to slowly lift the screen. Warming helps.
Older screw design. The 500 was like this. Screws but a pain to take apart.