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No GPS Fix

Raymarine Chartplotter

Severity: Moderate

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Raymarine Axiom No GPS Fix — How to Restore Position

What it means

Raymarine 'No GPS Fix' (sometimes shown as 'No Fix' or a crossed-out satellite icon) means the chartplotter isn't receiving enough satellite signal to calculate a position.
Your boat's position arrow either freezes or disappears, and any route guidance stops.
On an Axiom with a built-in GPS, it's usually a sky-view problem; on a system with an external GPS sensor, it's usually a cable or power issue with that sensor.

Affected Models

  • Raymarine Axiom / Axiom Pro / Axiom XL
  • Raymarine Axiom 2 and Axiom 2 Pro
  • Raymarine eS Series and gS Series
  • Raymarine Element with built-in GPS

Common Causes

  • Built-in antenna blocked — plotter mounted under a hard top, arch, or flybridge with metal above it
  • External GPS sensor (RS150, Raystar 150) lost power or its cable came loose
  • Cold start after weeks unpowered — first fix can take several minutes
  • GPS source set to a device that's switched off (engine instruments, AIS with internal GPS)
  • Heavy cloud or a marina with tall buildings/cranes shadowing the sky

How to Fix It

  1. Give it a few minutes outside.

    If the plotter has been off for weeks, or the boat has moved a long way since last use, the first fix takes time — sometimes 2-5 minutes.
    Move the boat into open water away from sheds and buildings, leave the plotter on, and wait before assuming a fault.

  2. Check the GPS source.

    Go to Settings > This Display > GPS, or Settings > Boat Details > GPS source depending on your LightHouse version.
    If the selected source is an external device (an AIS transponder, an engine gateway) that's currently switched off, the plotter has no GPS feed.
    Switch that device on, or change the source to the plotter's internal GPS.

  3. Look at the satellite status page.

    Open the GPS status screen — it shows the satellites in view and their signal bars.
    Zero bars on everything points to a blocked antenna or a dead external sensor.
    A few weak bars means the antenna can see sky but something is shadowing it — reposition the boat or, longer term, relocate the antenna.

  4. Check the external sensor's cable.

    If you have a Raystar or RS150 GPS antenna, trace its cable to the plotter or to the SeaTalkng backbone.
    Reseat the connector.
    A green LED on the sensor body (where fitted) confirms it has power — no LED means a wiring or fuse problem on that branch.

  5. Power-cycle the plotter.

    Hold the power button to shut the unit down fully, wait 30 seconds, and restart.
    This forces a fresh GPS acquisition.
    If 'No GPS Fix' persists with a clear sky view and a known-good sensor, the GPS receiver itself has failed and the unit needs Raymarine service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the fix drop out only at certain spots on the river?

Bridges, lock walls, tree canopy, and tall riverbank buildings all shadow the sky.
A plotter with a built-in antenna mounted low in the cockpit is especially prone to this.
If it's a recurring nuisance in places you transit often, fitting an external GPS antenna up high on the arch or radar mast gives a much cleaner sky view than the internal one.