I broke it!!!

Wow, I sure didn't expect this to happen! I had bought a GPS through CostCo and finally received it a few days ago (had been on backorder for like a month). Anyway, it comes with a MSN Direct subscription, so I went to plug in the power adapter (the antenna for the MSN Direct is built in to the 12V power adapter) to initialize my subscription, but it sure is a tight fit for the plug in the outlet under the center compartment.

I quickly regret having plugged in the plug under the center console as I have an incredibly difficult time pulling the plug back out, but eventually manage to do so. I then plug it in to the outlet by the front passenger. However, the unit still can not find the MSN signal.

On the phone with the help people for MSN, they recommend I move the unit to a different car to figure out if the problem of the unit not finding the MSN signal is the GPS unit itself, the antenna in the plug, or the car outlet itself. When I reach down to unplug the plug, it is again very tight. I rotate and pull, gently but firmly, and then feel a sudden release. To my astonishment, the outlet has completely pulled out of the dash, plug still firmly seated inside, wires dangling from the dash. I drive to the dealer's, who manages to set the outlet back in there, but it still pulls back out, so they are going to order a new outlet and replace it.

Has this ever happened to anyone? I did try the plug in my Honda Accord, and although the fit is firm, it is no where near as tight as it was in the Prius (both outlets), meaning that the plug would much more easily pull back out of the outlet in the Honda than in the Prius. Are the outlets undersized? I am concerned that when the dealer replaces the outlet, this will be a problem that will repeat itself because, again, I found that both outlets were very tight. Thoughts?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Grasshopper 01 @ Oct 19 2007, 08:33 AM) [snapback]527711[/snapback]</div>

Yes, mine is a Garmin, too. I asked the dealer mechanic if the plug was oversized and he said no, that it was just because the springs are so tight and not worn in yet. I had the dealer mechanic put the plug in himself to feel it, and he agreed it was very tight. That's when we discovered that it would still pull back out. I wonder if there's some kind of way to wear those springs in... When I push them in, there is no way that I can get them flush with the body. I suppose I can squeeze them with pliers to soften them up a bit...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(David Beale @ Oct 19 2007, 11:26 AM) [snapback]527783[/snapback]</div>

Yes, I am aware of that... I did actually drive around town for about 45 mins looking for a signal prior to calling the MSN people (and had spoken to them the day before and been assured that we should have strong signal in my town).

About the bead of glue... I kind of feel it's a new car and should not have this problem. I mean, when the thing fell out and I could see the back end of it, it has a tiny little plastic tab thing that looks like it's intended to 'snap' behind something to keep in place. Well that thing is pretty flimsy. Really seems like a cheap design.