Minnkota AutoPilot problems

[bearslayer]

Took boat out yesterday and was having problems with my trolling motor. If I hit autopilot button and set a course, it will hold the direction for a minute or two and then just starting turning me in a circle. I bought boat used last year and this is the first time I have tried the autopilot. A buddy I was with said it's common that the internal compass go bad on these. Anyone else have any experience with this?

[PerchJerker]

Agree, it sounds like the compass board needs to be replaced. Or just don't use the autopilot, I assume everything else with the motor works okay?

[Big-Al]

Most likely compass. I have replaced mine twice, once under warranty once I paid for. I could not possibly be without it.

[bearslayer]

Thanks for replies. Big - Al, are they hard to replace? About what did the part cost you?

[Big-Al]

I must first ask, did the motor just start turning in a circle and eventually quit turning because the AutoPilot tuned off? That is how mine acted. Sometimes it would run normally for a while, other times it would go wacko right away.

If I remember correctly the part was about $60. The installation was a tad less than that, again if my memory serves me correct. The compass needs to be calibrated or you could probably do it yourself. There are several voltage checks at different positions and soldering required. If you do enough searching on the net you may find what you need to do it yourself, but I am not that handy with electrical stuff. It may even be possible that calibration is all that is needed but I don't think so. I took mine to an authorized Minnkota service center.

[bearslayer]

Big Al- Exact same scenario. Turn in circle randomly and just turn off. Sounds like easier to just bring in. Thank you for your help and information.

[401TE]

FYI, you may want to look into finding a used Auto-Pilot. My auto-pilot went out last summer and I was quoted $150 to fix it. I found a used one (guy was upgrading to I-Pilot) for $50 shipped. Just a thought.

[Surface Tension]

If this continues after your sure the battery is in good condition and fully charged, the shaft of the motor is plumb when the boat is in the water then I would say the compass/board are bad or needs to be calibrated.

They can be calibrated by a authorized Minnkota service center if that is the fix but depending on the year there are upgraded compass/boards and a replacement would be best.

[Farley]

Just replaced ours, not enough fluid in the little thingy. Our bill was $300 but we also fixed the motherboard and got a backup foot pedal as well.