terrova problem!
glog
Posted 5/19/2009 7:25 PM (#379321)
Subject: terrova problem!


Hey everyone I have a question on what to do here. I have a two month old terrova 80lb, universal sonar with autopilot. The problem that I am having is when I turn on the autopilot on the motor turns in circles and shuts off. This happened in the wind and in calm water. This was very upsetting because I was fishing the Petenwell Musky Challenge last weekend when this started. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME I HAVE USED THIS UNIT!!!! I called Minn Kota and they said to find a service person or to send it to them to get fixed.
The problem that I am having is do I ask for a whole new unit or do I just get it fixed seeing that this unit is only two months old and see what happens???
Any input on what to do would be appreciated.
lambeau
Posted 5/19/2009 10:08 PM (#379358 - in reply to #379321)
Subject: Re: terrova problem!


it sounds like the compass probably needs to be calibrated, something that a service tech can accomplish. sometimes even new equipment has it's snafu's. i'm sure they'll take good care of you.

here's the link to the authorized service locator page to find the one closest to you:
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/service/asclocator.aspx
TJ DeVoe
Posted 5/19/2009 10:16 PM (#379363 - in reply to #379358)
Subject: Re: terrova problem!




Posts: 2323


Location: Stevens Point, WI
I agree, you have a warranty for a reason. Issues like this are nothing too uncommon. If it continued to proceed over and over, then perhaps returning the motor would be the best bet, but I'll bet a authorized service center can take care of you very easily.
fishyj
Posted 5/24/2009 6:09 AM (#380110 - in reply to #379321)
Subject: RE: terrova problem!


Do you guys know if the sideplate add-on to make a powerdrive unit cordless will attach and work on a terrova?
Windburn
Posted 5/24/2009 5:52 PM (#380159 - in reply to #379321)
Subject: Re: terrova problem!




Posts: 115


Location: Birch Run
Mine has done that a couple of times, I just hit the autopilot button on the pedal and restart it and it went away. Its happened probably 3 times in 2 years. In rough water anytime the head of the unit comes out of the water they lose their bearing and any autopilot will do that.
Top H2O
Posted 5/24/2009 10:26 PM (#380186 - in reply to #380159)
Subject: Re: terrova problem!




Posts: 4080


Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion
I know on the older ones they used an oil that would freez in the winter and the compass would not work the next spring.... Is this a possibility ?

that's what happened to mine.

20 to 30 below zero is pretty hard on oil filled compasses.

Jerome
ap
Posted 5/24/2009 11:00 PM (#380192 - in reply to #379321)
Subject: RE: terrova problem!


that auto-pilot is awesome!
glog
Posted 5/26/2009 7:52 AM (#380345 - in reply to #380192)
Subject: RE: terrova problem!


I spoke to a service technician from mosinee and and I guess it is the compass that is bad. Also found out that in bigger waves and if the motor is going up and down from the waves it throws the compass off. Seems kind of strange because isn't this when you really need the auto pilot!! Thank you for the input on this problem.