Common problems with Vexilars?

[AsianSensation89]

Hey Guys,

Hope fishing is well for everyone enjoying the cold weather we've had for the past couple of days. I just thought I'd post up a question I had about my Vexilar Fl-18. Bought it from a guy this past summer and it seems he's had it for a few years but for the most part it's ran beautifully. However, a few weeks ago when I took it out in in single digits/negative temperature, it seems like after a while my Vexilar would "glitch" up. With that, I mean once after it sat out on the ice and got wet for a while, it seems the screen spinning all the vibrant colors just stalls and eventually the whole screen just kind of goes bezerk (you no longer get crisp lines and color flashes all over the water column). However, if I put it back in the car to warm up, it seems like it runs fine again after a while.

I ran into a guy on the ice and he says that if the temperature gets cold usually the transducer likes to act up? I'm not sure how true this is though. Also, I accidentally left my Vexilar out in the car a few weeks before this incident and realized my battery wouldn't charge right away unless I warmed it up a bit. Battery looks like it's pretty old, but seems to still run okay (if not in freezing low temperatures). What could the problem be?

Thanks!

[Traxxx]

Sounds like the battery to me. When the battery is low on charge, it will do what you were describing. Might be time for a new one.

[tsande00]

There is a good chance that your battery is causing the problems in cold temps too. Buy a new battery and I bet all your problems go away.

Also - bring your flasher inside when not using it and only charge the battery when it has warmed up - not good for battery to charge when it is ice cold. I ruined a good battery doing this.

[bobbymalone]

If it's 32 above or -60 below the temperature of the water your ducer is hanging in is still the same so I doubt it's the transducer in the cold.

I think battery issues are to blame for the vast majority of problems. Strange things happen when there is a battery problem.

[NoWiser]

Almost certainly a battery problem. I've fished outside all day with mine in -20 to -30 temps without any problem at all.

In 20 years of owning a vex I've had exactly two problems. The first was after deep sixing my atv, trailer, and myself in Leech lake. I had to drain the water out of the vex (which had sat at the bottom of the lake for 18 hours) at which point it resumed working, but just not the same. Took it to Bloomington and they fixed it for about $30.00.

Second was a transducer cord that got broke after snagging on a step when my dad was carrying it into a cabin for me.

You have a good unit there, I sure love my FL-18.

[AsianSensation89]

Wow. Thanks guys! I'm impressed with all the help I'm getting. Actually just joined this site last night and it sure looks like I will have a bright future here.

Again, thanks! I'll try a new battery. Till then, good luck and be safe out on the ice!

[Roomylegend]

Sounds like tranducer problem , or it could be a bad battery. Call vexlar and they will help you with no problem. Since u bought it used he could have got water in it also. Very unlikly cuz their built like tanks. Either way it's an easy fix. If your getting a new tranducer wait for the tri one. Good luck to you.

[AsianSensation89]

Lol, you sure put your Vexilar to the test having in the lake for 18hours. Guess that just proves to us how durable they are. And yes, definitely! I love my Fl-18 and has definitely put a lot of fish in my bucket this year compared to previous years!

[ozzie]

most definatly from what you described it is a battery problem.....the ducer is not the problem unless it had the problem in warm temps also...good luck and enjoy the Vexilar and this site

[slipperybob]

When battery juice runs low...weird things happens.

[Northlander]

Im betting its a bad battery. I doubt its a ducer issue because that would show up quickly.

[Ed Carlson]

The most common issue when troubleshooting a Vexilar is voltage, specifically low voltage supply to the unit somewhere in the power lead and/or battery.

1- Check connections and terminal leads.

2- Check battery maintenance procedures and battery condition.

3- Check charger connections and check to see if it is performing properly.

[AsianSensation89]

Figured it out! New battery definitely did the trick and now the battery meter actually reads more effectively instead of just turning off after staying in the 100% mark for a while. Thanks guys!

[Ed Carlson]

The old adage "When You Hear Hoof Beats Think Horses Not Zebras." is very applicable to sonar difficulties.

As a general rule, with any sonar on the ice, fallow the power circuit first as the logical issue to be producing difficulties.

Then once eliminated, on to possible transducer damage, then start listening for Zebra's on the rise.