Garmin 2012 Map Update

Garmin GPS systems are great if you don’t know how to find your way to an address but their maps often get outdated in a few years as new infrastructure is developed in your city.

Find the $99 update somewhat of a pinch? Here is a solution for you!

Using this guide you will be able to update your Garmin GPS system to the latest (2012) map data for North America, all you need is a little bit of patience and careful reading. This guide can also be followed to update maps from other countries but you will need to locate the map files of your country on your end.

What will you need?

• Garmin City Navigator 2012.40 (torrent)
• Garmin Unlocked IMG File | 2012.40 (torrent)
• A file archiver/extractor like 7-Zip
• Garmin Unlocker (Pass:haklabs.com)
• A GPS device plugged into your PC

Method 1 (MapSource Install Instructions)

Based on feedback from our visitors, we have worked on simplifying this method for an easy install process. The instructions for 2012 MapSource install now look different from previous releases.

The 2012.10 MapID is 2425 | 2012.20 MapID is 2484 | 2012.30 MapID is 2508 | 2012.40 MapID is 2584

Note: The downloaded files contain map source, lane assist full (all areas), and 3d map unlocked full (all areas) in individual compressed archives, so select only what you need, Garmin MobileXT users don’t need the 3d map or the lane assist files.

Once the files have been downloaded, extract them as you will need to choose the appropriate folders based on your choice below.

Choose one of the following options:

Option One (Unlocked Maps)

1. Extract the contents of the torrent you downloaded using 7-Zip or any other unrar-tool

2. Open the folder “…/2012.10 Source/” and run “install.exe”. This will install the maps to: “C:\Documents and Settings\(USER)\Application Data\Garmin\Maps”

3. Once it finishes unlocking all maps, MapSource will automatically open (be sure to wait until command prompt window closes)

4. From the toolbar, select “map tool” (it’s to the left of the magnifying glass with a ‘+’ sign)

5. In the main map window, select the areas you want to transfer to your device. (left click on each area you want to copy to your device, it will turn a pink color signifying it has been selected)

6. Once you have selected all the areas you want copied to your device, go to the options menu and left click on “Transfer”. Scroll down to “Send To Device” and click on it

7. Connect your device to your computer (if you have not already)

8. Click on the button “find device”. Once your device shows up in the select box, choose “Send”.

Option Two (Unlock using *.UNL file)

1. Copy the folder “\2012.10 Source\City Navigator North America NT 2012.10.gmap\” to “C:\Documents and Settings\(USER)\Application Data\Garmin\Maps”

2. Run the install.exe file from  ”\map source 6.15.6.0\install.exe”

3. Launch MapSource and choose the maps that you would like on your device on follow the on screen instructions

4. Use “\garmin map unlocker\unlocker.exe” to generate your maps unlock code. Alternatively, you may also use the Garmin Unlocker provided at the beginning of this guide.

Once completed, if you want to remove Mapsource files from your system:

Delete > C:\Documents and Settings\(USER)\My Documents\My Garmin
Delete > C:\Documents and Settings\(USER)\Application Data\Garmin\Maps

Method 2 (Unlocked IMG Instructions)

Use either Part A or Part B depending on your choice:

Part A – Internal Memory

1. Connect your device to the computer.

2. Go into the Nuvi files and backup the file named “gmapprom.img” to your computer.

3. Delete the “gmapprom.img” file from the device. (note: make sure you empty the recycle bin after this step)

4. Copy the unlocked “gmapprom.img” file that you downloaded into the device. If the downloaded file is named something else, rename it to “gmapprom.img” and then put it on your device’s internal memory.

5. Restart your device and check your map info via : Tools>Settings>Map>Map Info.

Part B – SD Card

1. Get a 2GB SD card (OR SDHC if your device supports it) and format it FAT or FAT32

2. Create a folder on the memory card called “Garmin”

3. Copy the downloaded IMG file into the Garmin folder on your SD card.

4. Make sure the IMG file is named “gmapsupp.img” on the SD card.

5. Insert the SD card into your Garmin GPS, and browse to your map information on your Garmin GPS and you should see the new maps selected. This can be found on the device via : Tools>Settings>Map>Map Info. (Note: The SD card must remain in your device if you want to use the maps.)

Why is the file name important?

This must be done because this is not the primary mapset as it is being used from the SD card. The primary mapset is the one on the GPS’s internal memory.

Extra Requested Files (Only works on devices that support this feature)

We love to hear feedback! So drop us a line if you found this helpful. Enjoy the savings!