How to Unlock Garmin Traffic

Certain Garmin GPS models come equipped with a traffic receiver. A receiver can also be added to other units. When the receiver is connected to the GPS unit, it will recalculate the route based on current traffic conditions. Traffic conditions could include slow-moving traffic, accidents or road construction. An annual traffic subscription is required to use the receiver, which provides current area traffic information on a continual basis.

• 1

  Visit the Garmin website and select the "Extras" tab from the top of the page. Select "Services" from the drop down menu, and select "Traffic." Select the "Activate or Renew Service" option under FM Traffic.

• 2

  Purchase a traffic subscription service for your area. Services are available for a variety of different countries.

• 3

  Connect the Garmin GPS unit to the traffic receiver by inserting one end of the receiver's cord into the GPS unit. Insert the other end of the receiver into the vehicle's power outlet. The traffic features will not work unless the traffic receiver is connected to the unit.

• 4

  Touch "Next" on the Garmin GPS unit. Enter the unlock code provided with the purchase of the traffic subscription service. Select "Done" or "OK."

• 5

  Touch the "Tools/Traffic" icon on the GPS screen. This will indicate any traffic problems in the immediate area.

• 6

  Select the "View by Road" option to see traffic problems on a certain road or select "On My Route" to see traffic problems on a certain route.