My Minnkota goes crazy at times!

[Fawkinnae]

Doing a bit of trouble shooting here. My Minnkota Power Drive, 65lb. trust - front trolling motor acts up on me occasionally. It has an autopilot button on top of the unit which will keep it running in a particular direction.

It will at times suddenly loose its track and begin to slowly spin out of control. I haven't contacted Minnkota yet to ask about it but thought I would start here. Wondering if any of you have had this problem and if so were you able to correct it. Not sure if it's related to the foot control or the unit itself.

Any feedback you can provide would be much appreciated and yes I'm still fishing.

[MNRealtree]

Ours does this once in awhile as well, but its when the battery is getting low....when the battery is dying, it seems it doesn't have the power to turn when the thrust is on, especially at a higher level. when I shut off or lower the thrust, it then has power to turn the head and goes nuts. Once I switch the battery it works fine again.

[dew2]

Doing a bit of trouble shooting here. My Minnkota Power Drive, 65lb. trust - front trolling motor acts up on me occasionally. It has an autopilot button on top of the unit which will keep it running in a particular direction.

It will at times suddenly loose its track and begin to slowly spin out of control. I haven't contacted Minnkota yet to ask about it but thought I would start here. Wondering if any of you have had this problem and if so were you able to correct it. Not sure if it's related to the foot control or the unit itself. [/b]

  I've never had it happen to me,but have read of many with the same problem.
 Most times it was a remote and a foot pedal used solved the problem.When the pedal didnt it was the compass in the unit going out.Minnkotas have so many problems I often wonder why the other major brand isnt used more (Motorguide)
 I do have a working compass here just 1,If you need one I'd need the model # of yours to see if they are interchangable. If you find thats the problem contact me.
 It runs fine without AP Right?? My guess then would be the compass in the head of the unit.
Any feedback you can provide would be much appreciated and yes I'm still fishing.

[Fawkinnae]

Doing a bit of trouble shooting here. My Minnkota Power Drive, 65lb. trust - front trolling motor acts up on me occasionally. It has an autopilot button on top of the unit which will keep it running in a particular direction.

It will at times suddenly loose its track and begin to slowly spin out of control. I haven't contacted Minnkota yet to ask about it but thought I would start here. Wondering if any of you have had this problem and if so were you able to correct it. Not sure if it's related to the foot control or the unit itself. [/b]

  I've never had it happen to me,but have read of many with the same problem.
 Most times it was a remote and a foot pedal used solved the problem.When the pedal didnt it was the compass in the unit going out.Minnkotas have so many problems I often wonder why the other major brand isnt used more (Motorguide)
 I do have a working compass here just 1,If you need one I'd need the model # of yours to see if they are interchangable. If you find thats the problem contact me.
 It runs fine without AP Right?? My guess then would be the compass in the head of the unit.
Any feedback you can provide would be much appreciated and yes I'm still fishing.

You guys are great. Thanks.
Dew2 - serial # is MKAD2603382
Minnkota Power Drive 65 thrust Auto Pilot

Not sure what it needs. I just called Minnkota and he listed 3 things
1. Low Battery power (or batteries starting to fail)
2. Coil cord (that seemed unlikely)
3. Auto pilot board (I assume that is the compass).

[deadeye]

There is an adjustment for that issue.  I have the same motor and it did it all the time (most often in rough water) until I set the adjustment.  You will need a meter to do the adjustment. 

[deadeye]

Here is the proceedure from the Minn Kota Service Manual

http://tnhatlfs01.thenethouse.com/striperpics/mkrepair.pdf/Minn%20Kota%20Repair%20Manual.pdf

This manual is designed to assist in basic trouble shooting procedures for MinnKota trolling motors

AutoPilot Compass Control Board
Trim Pot Adjustment Procedure
(2001 AND LATER MODELS ONLY)
Note: You must use a non-magnetic screwdriver and a good quality digital V.O.M. in order to properly perform this
procedure. Use a V.O.M. with a sharp probe on the red V.O.M. lead, as you will need to pierce through the
humiseal coating on the compass control board to obtain accurate voltage readings. In addition, the compass
must be in a level position and away from any ferrous metal/steel objects or strong magnetic fields. A small
fixture such as the one shown in the accompanying diagrams will allow you to perform these adjustments on
your bench top or, if you wish, the compass control board can be left in the motor control box. Be sure to
follow the wiring connections as outlined and shown in this procedure.
2 Variations of compass boards:
Diagram 1-A
(NOTE: The diagrams show this procedure being performed with the compass board assembly removed from the
AutoPilot control box for clarity. This procedure can be done without removing compass assembly.)
 Diagram 1-B  AutoPilot Repair Manual 05/14/03
 4- 12
(NOTE: The diagrams show this procedure being performed with the compass

[dew2]

deadeye thanks for the http.I have searched many times for minnkotas service manuals!! I never found any, I thought only their Reps and licensed repair shops had access.
 After a few years a local repair guy in his garage shop started to share, But only my questions no manuals.

[Fawkinnae]

Deadeye thanks so much for your help. Can't wait to see if I can get this thing purring.

[deadeye]

No problem.  Just remember there is a different procedure before and after 2001 models.  Also make sure you use the diagram for your PC board.

[Boar]

I dont hwve a trolling moto. YES IM STILL FISHING TOO!

[Fawkinnae]

Update on my crazy trolling motor. Was out fishing last weekend and noticed at times when the motor was not responsive - wiggling the connection where foot pedal plugged into motor improved performance. Soooo... thought I would clean connection with a wire brush. Had motor unplugged the first time, cleaned it, plugged it in, cleaned again (forgetting it was plugged in), shorted something, probably the control board...

Faw-kinn-ae!

I'll be visiting Capra's tonight.   

[Lee Borgersen]

Update on my crazy trolling motor. Was out fishing last weekend and noticed at times when the motor was not responsive - wiggling the connection where foot pedal plugged into motor improved performance. Soooo... thought I would clean connection with a wire brush. Had motor unplugged the first time, cleaned it, plugged it in, cleaned again (forgetting it was plugged in), shorted something, probably the control board...

Faw-kinn-ae!

I'll be visiting Capra's tonight.   

My condolences on your misfortune. On the other hand it's refreshing to see that I'm not the only one that's become mentally challenged as the ageing process begins to set in.

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[DDSBYDAY]

   My technique is to hit faulty stuff with a hammer a few times.  Sometimes it works and other times it's a trip to Capra's.