If this information is cleared it could take much longer to acquire in the first place. We tried this method on an old GPS 90 and, because the drift was so far out of spec after 6 years the unit had to be re-calibrated in a temperature chamber before it would acquire again. On the other hand, we used an old GPS 38, turned it on with fresh batteries, DID NOT use autolocate mode. In 4 hours the GPS 38 had healed itself through patiently looking for satellites. Truthfully this situation is no worse than a user throwing his GPS in a drawer for 6-9 months and then trying to use it again.
Similar things can happen if the alkaline batteries are removed for many months.
Its just part of how GPS works. 12 channel units are much more suited for the challenge. Joe, In all of my conversations, I am recommending that the customer with a GPS 55 perform the master clear sequence. This method does not affect your user data. This method does not effect your user data.