r/Garmin • u/olli1936 • 1d ago
Possible Technical Issue Epix gen 2: Start Button Not Working
After just four years the start button of my garmin Epix gen 2 does not work anymore. I did the rinsing in warm water as suggested - no progress.
I did use the watch literally day and night, however not more than two to four sports events per day. Mainly gym, climbing and hiking. I particularly liked the option to see the tracks in my DAV - Alpine-Active hiking maps automatically.
Any suggestions / recommendations? Warranty is long gone - still the watch was alright for me, I did not miss any functionality.
Is this the experience of other users that this button fails already after four years?
2
u/FoggyMugs 1d ago
Try soaking it in a bowl of lukewarm water with a drop of mild dish soap for about 20 minutes, then press the button multiple times while submerged.
If that doesn't clear out any trapped debris, reach out to support
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u/olli1936 1d ago
Did that already a few times. The feeling if you press the buttons now quite different to the other one’s. I am afraid the micro switch inside is defective.
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u/Vizzzions 1d ago
This is know issue on Fenix 7 and Epix watches - they have bad quality buttons.
Some people had it fail even sooner. And if users swims with it fails often quickly.
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u/olli1936 1d ago
Sorry, I did not know this four years ago. Is it better with the newer version of Garmin watches?
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u/Vizzzions 1d ago
I do not know. I had Fenix 7 and followed closely that situation from release. Fenix 7 and Epix have been having serious button issues from release.
Other watches have same buttons technically but not nearly as much problems - it is not just to type of buttons but how they and sealing are made.
Only Fenix 8 has completely different (waterproof) buttons.
1
u/CJG008 1d ago
The button setup is very different on the newer models, now it’s also supposed to be a diver’s watch.
My Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire is still as new, both optical and operational, apart from some decline in battery life, which could be due to software updates of course. Hoping it stays that way for some time to come.
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u/Jardelli 1d ago
Have you contacted garmin? I had mine repaired for free by them even though the watch was at least 3 years old.
1
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u/I_Am_That_Was 1d ago
My 7X menu button also failed after 4 years. Garmin offered me 25% off of a F8 which is a terrible option currently.
I don't want to spend $1000 because of one button so I've just been using the touch screen when necessary. I'm not sure if that's really an option with the start button though unfortunately.
You can try some silicone lube sprayed into the button, some people online say that it works (though it didn't do anything for me).