Re: Minn Kota #40 Edge Trolling Motor: NEED OWNERS MANUAL
The foot switch should have a CONT (continuous) and a MOM (momentary) switch on it as well as a another button that you step on to make things go. If you set the switch to CONT the motor will run all the time depending on what speed you have selected with the SPEED control. If you have the speed switch set to ZERO -- she won't go. Do you have a "good" battery (as in are you positive it is a serviceable battery)? Have it load tested.
Lastly, I think you are mistaken about the Edge and Autopilot. You either do not have an Edge or you do not have Autopilot. Edge trolling motors are not available with autopilot. These are tiller or cable steer motors with five speeds. The autopilot feature can only be installed on electric steer motors like the Power Drive or Terrova. You may be confusing autopilot with the built-in sonar feature which is merely a transducer for a fish finder. Or you may be thinking about the Co-pilot feature but again, that is only available on Terrova and Power Drive models. So -- what is it you really have?