jesnow

During the Fayetteville, TX stage race (M50+) I noticed on the first stage (RR) that my Garmin was full of water. It might have had something to do with the rain storm we were racing in, and the hard blast of gritty water that was blasting in my face for just under two hours. By the end I couldn't tell what speed I was going but I could still see my watts in the lower corner. The case was also cracked, no idea how that happened, I never crashed it.

I borrowed one for the rest of the race, another story, but thanks! My competitors (from other teams!) helped me out. Masters 50+ racing in Texas is cool.

Back in the B&B I downloaded it (still full of water!), but when I unplugged it, it wouldn't start. I shook out what water I could, then warmed up the kitchen oven just slightly and put it in while I was racing the TT. When I got back the water was all dried out, but it still wouldn't start. Bummer.

Back at home I got the tools:

Torx #T5 and phillipps #000 screwdrivers. Turns out these come with the battery replacement, but I didn't know that. The top two torx screws on the case were busted out, $#$%&! but the rest of them came out no problem.

I found information Here:

Garmin Edge 500 Battery Replacement - How to / DIY / Guide - Weight Weenies

and here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZfbYuKy4kY

And was able to find a battery specifically for the Edge 500 (lost the link) for $27. That's way better then $350 for a new unit. Unless of course it doesn't work.

The new battery arrived, I got it all put together with my gigantic clumsy fingers, and it now works. Ta DAH!

In the future, I would have tried the bowl of rice method for drying the thing, but I doubt it would have worked.

I used hot glue to put it back together as the screws were busted out. Now it works.

Good Luck!

Jon.