MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

[kwoolard]

This year all of a sudden when I turn power on to the unit I get a single short beep, sometimes, not all the time. And then get no response when using the wireless foot control pad, not even a beep when I turn the unit on and off. I've replaced the battery in the foot pad and disassembled and cleaned it out well. Also have tried resetting the memory and reactivating the controller ID, but do not get any audible sounds as to whether it is working or not. I've also taken the cover off of the wireless controller assembly in the base and checked voltages and I'm getting the voltage to the controller, however, when I press the battery indicator button I don't get any indication lights. I'm not sure what to do next as far as troubleshooting. Are these wireless control modules known to just quit working?

thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

They are an electronic item. Just like your TV, radio or Microwave -- they can die at any moment.

 

[kwoolard]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

understandably so Silvertip.....any advice on determining if this module is the root cause? I guess I could bypass the module and "hot" wire the motor directly to the battery, ruling out any electrical components downstream of the module.

 

[John_S]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

It sounds like it is probably the control board.

You can run 12V direct to make sure the propultion motor is working. There should be only two wires with wirenuts under the shaft head cover.

You can probably figure out which leads are for positioning motor and test that.

The control boards are sold as a complete assembly. Make sure you have your serial number. There are at least two versions of the board. One with ext antenee, and newer with internal.

 

[kwoolard]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

Thanks. I will check both positioning and propulsion....I found the wire diagram online and also notice that they don't sell the module with the external antenna anymore, which is what I have. I assume the internal antenna module would just be a direct replacement.

 

[John_S]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

I assume the internal antenna module would just be a direct replacement.

Makes sense to me. I have two W45's. Both have the ext antenna.

 

[kwoolard]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

Bypassed the module this weekend and the motor spins fine. I guess I'd like to know how to check the wireless remote other than finding someone who has a similar motor. I would assume it's a high frequency transmitter, maybe an AM radio would pick up the signal. I just don't want to spend $250 if I can spend only $90 on a remote.

 

[John_S]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

I'd assume high freq too, but don't know the specific freq. I don't know of a way to test without another transmitter. If you were close, you could borrow one of my foot controls. Mine collect dust, and keep them just in case I ever decide to sell.

The motor should always emit a short beep everytime it is connected to power. That would have nothing to do with the transmitter.

 

[kwoolard]

Re: MotorGuide Wireless 55 - Controller Not Responding

I get a short beep most of the time when connecting to the battery. But do not get any beeps at all when operating the foot control. Basically all I have ruled out by jumping the controller and module is that the motor is not locked up. I am also not getting any voltage reading on the two little wires that supposedly feed the voltage indicator. I'm leaning towards the module being cooked but want to be sure.