Posted 4/25/2006 7:21 PM (#188869) Subject: Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???
Posts: 255
I bought a Minn Kota Power Drive 55 with auto pilot before last season. I had very periodic problems with the auto pilot. Sometimes it would work fine other times it would keep looking for a direction. I am guessing it is tracking and looking for a a heading. WHat do you guys recommend. I heard you can take it in to a Minn Kota dealer and they can calibrate it. Do they charge for this? I made sure it is mounted level. Any sugestions would help. Thanks, Tom
Posted 4/26/2006 11:26 AM (#189020 - in reply to #188869) Subject: RE: Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???
Posts: 326
Location: Plainfield IL
There are a few things
1. Get it recalibrated
2. Check the levelness of the TM on the boat while in the water. Needs to be level.
3. Check that your TM batts are putting out the right amount of volts
4 Check your wiring from batts to TM receptacle and either replace or clean.
Posted 4/26/2006 11:47 AM (#189023 - in reply to #189020) Subject: RE: Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???
Posts: 5874
Mine would lose it's direction when I was going in a SSW heading. I took it to Ed Schilling in West Allis, and he calibrated it. $25.00. Been flawless for over 3 years now.
Posted 4/26/2006 1:37 PM (#189044 - in reply to #188869) Subject: RE: Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???
Location: The Yahara Chain
I have a 74AP that is 1 1/2 years old. Go to the Minnkota website, they list all of the people that do warranty work. Your motor should be under warranty for three years. If you have your original receipt you will get it fixed for free. They replaced my compass for free. The repair guy told me that Minnkota knows that they have a problem with how the compasses used to be sealed. They were prone to interferance from other electronical devices. He told me that they have recified this problem and he feels the new compass that he installed will be trouble free for me. I would insist on a new compass...if they recalibrate your old one you could encounter the same problem down the road.
Posted 4/26/2006 3:04 PM (#189064 - in reply to #188869) Subject: RE: Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???
Posts: 434
Location: searchin for 50
Hey isn't technology great. Went back to old school trolling motor cable drive and a locator on the front of the boat know where i'm going at all times and no techno headaches.
Posted 4/26/2006 8:38 PM (#189109 - in reply to #188869) Subject: RE: Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???
Posts: 255
Thanks guys! I will be contacting a Minn Kota dealer with my receipt to see if they can recalibrate it and make sure it does not need to be replaced. Thanks again guys! Tom
Posted 4/26/2006 10:30 PM (#189133 - in reply to #189064) Subject: RE: Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???
Posts: 1023
Location: Lafayette, IN
Raider150 - 4/27/2006 3:04 AM
...Went back to old school trolling motor cable drive and a locator on the front of the boat know where i'm going at all times and no techno headaches.
Ah, you're the guy who puts out the video, "Calves of Steel!"
IMHO you all can have the cable drives. I love both of my AP's. They're old ones too. Keep the battery stong and always unplug before charging batteries to avoid voltage spikes to circuit board. Minnkota has a reputation for good customer service too. (again, IMHO)
Minn Kota Trolling Motor Problem???