View Full Version : Trolling motor problem
Slameye
04-02-2001, 11:34 AM
I have a MinnKota 44lb thrust AutoPilot that is messing up. When I use the foot control paddle to rotate the trolling motor it responds. When I push down on the paddle to turn the prop, nothing happens. Any suggestions? It doesn't turn the prop when it is on either the mommentary or the continuous setting. Thanks. I will try to get ahold of someone at MK also.
Slameye, had a similar problem with my minn kota power drive although mine does not have autopilot. The brushes in the electric motor had rounded off. I took it apart and filed the brushes flat and it has been working great for 2 yrs now. You just have to be carefull when you pull the motor apart that you do not damage the rubber O rings. After I got mine back together I ordered a brush kit and O ring kit from minn kota just in case I have this problem again. Remember to unplug the motor before working on it and good luck. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me and I will try to help.
Bye-Golly
04-02-2001, 12:50 PM
Slameye - Every spring I have to clean both plugs (pedal control & Batt) with contact cleaner on my AutoPilot. I spray them & wiggle them & give them another shot & I'm good for another year!
BG
Slameye
04-02-2001, 03:49 PM
Jim, Thanks for taking the time to help me out! When you had faulty brushes, was the head making noise. Could you tell that the prop was trying to turn? When I depress the button to turn the prop on, I hear nothing. It makes me think that the head is not getting the signal to turn. I tried to email, but it was returned. Thanks a ton. Chris
Chris, My motor did nothing, I thought that it was not getting power also but that wasn't the case. The funny part was that once in a while the motor would turn and then the next time it was just dead. Hope this helps, Good Luck again, and the reason the e-mail would not work was that I was not correct with it, it should work fine now.
Jim
Chris, When I thought that the motor was not getting juice I used a test light on the printed circut board going out to the motor and found that I had juice going that way.
Jim
Cangl
04-03-2001, 06:11 AM
Step one borrow a like pedal, try it if it works......
Foot pedal may not be making contact, disassemble the foot pedal and wipe dry all contact areas and accesable areas I have found that all contacts are cleanable stiff small paint brush, tooth, Q tips dry cloth do not OIL!!! If your constant and momentary dont respond it still could be continuity check with pedal slightly dissassembled from pedal contacts to leads on the plug in end of pedal cable.
Power on contacts are pretty much indestructable in Kotas the steering problem is a common sympthm of maximizer burn out,(charging well plugged in), battery arc,
New pedal 70 to 80 dollars
service to motor 180 TO 200 dollars
Slameye
04-03-2001, 12:21 PM
I have already taken apart the foot control and everything checks out okay there. I have cleaned the connections on everything. I'm starting to think that I may have the problem Jim suggested. I am a little scared to take apart the head though. I am not going to put any money into it for repair, so I guess I can't do any harm anyway. Thanks for the suggestions anyway! Chris