Save it to your 'downloads' folder if you don't have one, create one either on your C drive or on an external drive. Here's the link click the green 'Visit Site' button and follow the links to download the free program. You can download a torrent program from CNET the one I used is uTorrent.
This requires you to know how to use a torrent program and an uncompressing program. I've successfully tried it with an 8GB SDHC card I don't know what the upper limit is. You can also use a larger SDHC card because you upgraded your Nuvi's firmware just above, but you don't actually need anything larger than a 2GB card. You might even have one sitting in a drawer.
You can usually pick up a 2GB SD card for free or extremely cheap, as they're generally too small to be of use in current digital cameras. No problem, the Nuvi's can accept an SD card. However, the new CN 2013.20 is about 1.7GB in size, which requires more RAM than you have available! The actual amount of free space will vary, depending on your Nuvi model, how many language packs you have, any JPEGs saved, etc.
Now, the RAM that these older Nuvi's come with is 2GB, and some of that is used by the Nuvi software, leaving around 1.5GB of space left for your City Navigator (CN) map. MAKE SURE you delete the correct file! If you delete the wrong file, you can always replace it via the backup you made earlier. This is the old map, and the file size will be around 1.1GB to 1.4GB depending on the version that you have.
Go back to the Nuvi, go into the 'Garmin' folder, where you will see a bunch of other folders such as DIAG, EULA, etc., and a bunch of files ending with. On the hard drive again, create another folder inside the 'garmin' folder called 'new map' or similar. Create a folder on your hard drive called 'garmin', then create a folder inside that called 'nuvi backup', and copy everything from the Nuvi into this folder. You can plug the Nuvi into your USB port, and it will come up as a removeable drive. Once that's done, you should make a complete backup of your Nuvi. The instructions and download link are at
The very first thing you should do is go to Garmin's site, download Webupdater, and update your GPS firmware to the latest version. Save the gmapsupp.img file to the 'garmin' folder on the SD card. Make a folder called 'garmin' on your SD card. You will have extracted a file named gmapprom.img Un-rar just the map file (the filename is 'Garmin Full North America NT 2013.20 Unlocked IMG.rar') I think there are 4 updates per year the next one will be 2013.30.ĭelete the old map from your Nuvi (filename is 'gmapprom.img' in the 'Garmin' folder).ĭownload the unlocked CN 2013.20 map via a torrent program. It will say something like 'CN North America NT 2011.10'. To find your map version, from the main screen press Tools - Settings - Map - Map Info. The map in use is Garmin's City Navigator North America.
The good news is that it's relatively easy to update the maps, and you can do it for free if you don't mind a bit of computer work. However, the maps for these units will likely be out of date as they are older discontinued models. T=traffic receiver (which is a special power cord a nice bonus if you can find a WT model) W=widescreen (might as well get the widescreen version the non-widescreen models aren't any less expensive)
There are newer series Nuvi's, but they will cost more and you really don't need the extra features if you're on a budget. The 265WT is the one I bought it was $50 and while the box had been opened, everything inside the box was still sealed. There are older models which will also work, but they aren't any cheaper. Suitable models include Nuvi 255W, 265WT, 275W, 285WT, etc. The widescreen models are easily found on Craigslist in near-new condition with all accessories, or even BNIB, for $40-$60. If you don't have a built-in nav system, you can inexpensively purchase an older Garmin Nuvi GPS. Read through the entire procedure before commencing! Ensure that you have the ability to perform all steps. NOTE: THESE INSTRUCTIONS APPLY TO A PC/WINDOWS ENVIRONMENT. How to Update Your Old Garmin Nuvi Map - For Free!
This tool will download and update the correct Garmin Nüvi 255W driver versions automatically, protecting you against installing the wrong Nüvi 255W drivers.
Recommendation: If you are inexperienced with updating Garmin device drivers manually, we highly recommend downloading the Garmin Nüvi 255W Driver Utility.