trolling motor

[jmw642]

Have a min kota trolling motor. In rough water or fast trolling speeds the auto pilot has a mind of its own. Just takes off one way or the other. Realy have to keep a close eye on it. Is this a comon problem or is something maybe wronge with the auto pilot?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: trolling motor

[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]Step 1.
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][/FONT][/FONT]Make sure motor is mounted within 5 degrees of level (the compass card with the graduated markings must be
floating level) and there are no ferrous metal objects near the motor that may be affecting the compass
(including screws/nuts). While maintaining a level compass, spin the control box and observe the compass
card. The card should remain stationary (i.e. card should not have lost its magnetic north reference) as the
control box is turned. If the compass card sticks or “hangs up” it is faulty, and the compass assembly needs to
be replaced.
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]Step 2.
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][/FONT][/FONT]Check motor for excessive vibration. Inspect propeller and propeller shaft for damage. (Excessive vibration
can cause the AutoPilot compass to oscillate causing erratic operation.)
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]Step 3.
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][/FONT][/FONT]Check for proper voltage to motor while motor is under load. AutoPilot steering is susceptible to erratic
operation in low voltage situations. (Use of adequate wire gauge in boat or any leadwire extension is critical to
avoid voltage drop / low voltage to the motor; as can inadequate or a corroded plug / plug receptacle.)
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]Step 4.
[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][/FONT][/FONT]Check continuity of brown, red, white, and black small gauge wires in the coil cord with the coil cord stretched
out to length. If you find a break in continuity in any of these wires, the coil cord is defective. Replace coil
cord, if required.

 

[Star]

Re: trolling motor

Talk to Minn Kota directly!!!
My 7year old AP55 developed this problem due to moisture getting into the AP control board. It was a well known problem. They were very good about a warentee repair. The newer boards are dipped in epoxy, but moisture can still get in at connection points. I guess if you soak the thing you might create the same problem. I think the board costs about $75 and is an easy swap out (take pictures before you start. For $150 more you can add a wireless control that I find invaluable!!! The phone and serial number is on the head of the motor.

 

[sschefer]

Re: trolling motor

LOL, that gets your attention doesn't it... You're on the fish one minute and spinning in circles the next. Makes you think your in the Bermuda triangle.... LOL.... Yes, they all do it. Early on it was a defect like Star say's they fixed that problem but as you can see from bhile's response, the problem still exists. Anything less than 12v is the most common cause but my Terrova and older Powerdrive did it on a full charge.

If I turned off the autopilot and ran it for a little it would be normal when I re-activated the autopilot. Nothing applied in the trouble shooting guide or FAQ's and I had the latests upgrades. Minn-Kota support was really good but they were at a loss also. I finally gave up and bought the Powerdrive V2 with the iPilot. It uses GPS instead and although they say it can still do it in low voltage conditions or if the GPS signal is lost, they are less likely to do it randomly like the magnetic compass versions.