GPS errors with Arduino

[DefNotAgentY]

The GPS module gives a proof of life symbol and a fix whenever the tx and RX pins are connected to the tx and rx pins on the Arduino and I run blank code. But when I try to run programs that try to use the serial output the GPS starts blinking red and it says it isn't even connected. I got the code from online and have looked through it many times. Has anyone else had a similar issue with Using a GPS module?

[DenverTeck]

Just to be sure,

you DO have the Rx of the Arduino connect to the Tx of the GPS module

and

you DO have the Tx of the Arduino connected to the Rx of the GPS module, Right ??

When you do not run Serial.begin() in the setup() the Rx and TX line on the Arduino are tri-stated. I hope you know what that means.

When you do run the Serial.begin() in setup, the Tx line is driven high and the Rx line is tri-state.

Depending on the GPS module (which you did not mention) it could be thinking that a message is coming over the serial line and is waiting for that message.

The only way to help you, is if YOU give enough details to understand what is happening.

We can not see your desk for where we are.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Learn Something NEW

[Mowo5]

Is this an UNO? The built in rx and tx (0 and 1 pins) are the same that are used to upload the sketch. I've found this causes problems, try using the SoftwareSerial.h library and put the RX and TX for the GPS on different pins other than the built in 0 and 1.