Garmin GPS 400W Manual

The Garmin GPS 400W is a panel-mounted aviation GPS navigator featuring WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability, providing precision approach capability to LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance) minima. It includes a high-resolution sunlight-readable display, integrated COM and NAV radios, terrain awareness, traffic information compatibility, and supports flight planning, direct-to navigation, and holds. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Flight Planning & Navigation 8. Approaches & Procedures 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, Integrated COM/NAV radio, High-resolution display, Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS), Traffic Information Service (TIS) compatible, Flight planning database.

FeatureDescription
WAAS GPS ReceiverProvides LPV approach capability and enhanced accuracy
Integrated COM Radio25 kHz/8.33 kHz spacing, 760-channel communication
Integrated NAV Radio200-channel VOR/LOC receiver with glideslope
Sunlight-Readable DisplayHigh-resolution, adjustable brightness/contrast
Terrain Awareness (TAWS)Class B TAWS with terrain and obstacle alerts
TIS CompatibilityDisplays traffic information when connected to compatible system
Flight Planning DatabaseIncludes Jeppesen NavData (updated via data card)
Audio Panel InterfaceConnects to aircraft audio system for COM/NAV audio
Power Input14/28V DC aircraft power
Antenna ConnectionGPS antenna and COM/NAV antenna ports

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Installation must be performed by certified aviation technician.

  1. Mount unit: Secure in instrument panel using provided mounting tray and hardware.
  2. Connect antennas: Install GPS antenna with clear view of sky; connect COM/NAV antenna.
  3. Connect power: Wire to aircraft 14/28V DC bus per wiring diagram.
  4. Connect audio: Interface with aircraft audio panel for COM transmit/receive and NAV ident.
  5. Connect optional devices: Interface with transponder for TIS, terrain system for TAWS.

WARNING! Installation must comply with aircraft manufacturer and regulatory guidelines. Ensure proper grounding.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initialization prompts.

  1. Initialization: Unit performs self-test and acquires GPS position (may take several minutes).
  2. Database activation: Insert current Jeppesen NavData card to load navigation database.
  3. System configuration: Set up units (nm/km), time format, display brightness, audio levels.
  4. COM/NAV setup: Set COM frequency spacing (25/8.33 kHz), configure squelch.
  5. Sensor configuration: Calibrate internal magnetometer if installed (follow on-screen prompts).

CAUTION! Do not use for navigation until GPS position is valid and database is current.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: Large rotary knobs for frequency selection, concentric knobs for COM/NAV, Direct-to button, Menu button, FMS knob for cursor control.

Display Pages: NAV (moving map), COM/NAV (frequency page), WPT (waypoint info), AUX (system setup), NRST (nearest airports).

System Setup: Units, time, brightness, contrast, audio levels, alert volumes. COM Setup: Frequency spacing, squelch. NAV Setup: CDI sensitivity, course selection. GPS Setup: RAIM prediction, approach mode. Database: Load/verify database, expiration date.

Connecting Devices

Antennas: GPS antenna, COM/NAV antenna. Audio: Audio panel interface. Optional: Transponder (for TIS), terrain computer (for TAWS), external CDI/HSI.

  1. Ensure aircraft power is OFF before making connections.
  2. Use approved aviation connectors and wiring.
  3. Configure interface settings in AUX menu for connected devices.

Tip: Verify all connections are secure and properly shielded to prevent interference.

Flight Planning & Navigation

Supports VFR and IFR flight planning.

  1. Create Flight Plan: Press FPL button, select "New Flight Plan", add waypoints from database.
  2. Direct-to Navigation: Press D-> button, enter identifier or select from nearest list.
  3. Modify Route: Insert/delete waypoints, reverse route, activate leg.
  4. Hold: Select waypoint, press HOLD, enter inbound course, turn direction, leg time/distance.
  5. Nearest Information: Press NRST for nearest airports, intersections, VORs, with bearing/distance.
  6. Fuel Planning: Enter fuel flow and quantity for fuel remaining calculations.

WARNING! Always verify flight plan against current charts. GPS is supplemental; maintain situational awareness.

Approaches & Procedures

Select and fly GPS, VOR, LOC, ILS, and LPV approaches.

  1. Select Approach: Press PROC button, choose airport, select approach and transition.
  2. Load Approach: Approach loads into flight plan; verify waypoints and altitudes.
  3. Activate Approach: Press ACTIVATE; unit sequences to initial approach fix.
  4. Fly Approach: Follow CDI guidance; for LPV approaches, follow vertical guidance to DA.
  5. Missed Approach: Press SUSP to suspend sequencing, then follow published missed approach.

CAUTION! Monitor raw data (LOC/GS for ILS). GPS approaches require RAIM availability.

Care & Maintenance

Keep display clean with soft, dry cloth. Ensure cooling vents are unobstructed.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners. Ensure power is off during cleaning.

Regulatory Information

FCC ID: IPH-00273. Complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Jeppesen data provided under license. For support, visit www.garmin.com/aviation or contact Garmin Aviation Support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No GPS positionAntenna/initializationCheck antenna connection; ensure clear view of sky; allow time for acquisition.
COM transmit/receive issuesAudio panel wiring/squelchVerify audio panel connections; adjust squelch; check antenna.
Database not loadingData card/expirationEnsure data card is properly inserted; check for current database.
Display blank/dimPower/brightness settingCheck aircraft power; adjust brightness/contrast settings.
RAIM not availableSatellite coverageCheck RAIM prediction function; may be unavailable due to satellite geometry.

Reset: Power cycle unit. For persistent issues, contact Garmin support.

Service: Contact Garmin Aviation Support or authorized service center.

Garmin GPS 400W Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025