Minn Kota PD 55 lb Trolling Motor Problem

[Surfnsnowboard3]

While out on the lake, there was smoke at the main control circuit board (not the foot pedal) for a few seconds while using the trolling motor. I turned everything off and unplugged everything. After a few minutes, I turned everything back on/plugged in.

Now the speed of the foot control will not change, it only goes high speed. Also, the battery on the trolling motor has the light for "Recharge" on when pressed to test (I don't know if this is related). The troling motor is hard wired to the boat.

Can you help on what to do? I want to do the repairs myself as the nearest Authorized Minn Kota repair is far away from me.

Thank you

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Minn Kota PD 55 lb Trolling Motor Problem

http://tnhatlfs01.thenethouse.com/striperpics/mkrepair.pdf/Minn Kota Repair Manual.pdf

 

[Surfnsnowboard3]

Re: Minn Kota PD 55 lb Trolling Motor Problem

I'm thinking about replacing the foot pedal for $82 from Amazon because that is the easiest item to return if it does not work.

If that does not work, I am going to try to order the circuit board (which is non-refundable).

Anybody like that idea or have others?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota PD 55 lb Trolling Motor Problem

You very likely will not be able to return the foot pedal since it is an electrical item. Besides, if the first one burned up and you didn't determine WHY, you may just toast the new one. This is why diagnosis is so important when doing electrical work. The foot pedal is not complex. Take it apart and look at the board to see what went up in smoke.

 

[Surfnsnowboard3]

Re: Minn Kota PD 55 lb Trolling Motor Problem

You very likely will not be able to return the foot pedal since it is an electrical item. Besides, if the first one burned up and you didn't determine WHY, you may just toast the new one. This is why diagnosis is so important when doing electrical work. The foot pedal is not complex. Take it apart and look at the board to see what went up in smoke.

The smoke did not come from the foot pedal, it came from the circuit board on the motor. I looked at the motor circuit board and nothing is burned.

The fact the only current problem is the trolling motor won't change speeds is why I went with buying a new foot pedal first. And the foot pedal is refundable on Amazon, I checked before buying.

 

[Daddypleo]

Re: Minn Kota PD 55 lb Trolling Motor Problem

Look at the wiring as closely as you would the control board. There are as many
problems with wires and connectors as with defective control boards. Check the
coil cords on AutoPilot models. An open wire here will look like a bad board.