Trolling motor stuck on high, anyone else?

[setterguy]

Last week my Minnkota power drive trolling motor got "stuck" on high, no matter where the power level is it is on 100%. Needless to say this is much harder to work with and expends the battery quite quickly. Coincidently, my dad's trolling motor did the same thing a week ago. They said it was a bad board, to the tune of 280 bucks. His is under warranty, mine is not. There is obviously a problem with the boards, has anyone ever contacted Minnkota about this? I was just thinking that someone here may have dealt with this problem before. Thanks

[Fisher Dave]

You may be able to take your foot pedal apart and see if any type of debris got anywhere to obstruct some contacts(slider type of speed control).. depending on the pedal your motor has.. some, you cant do anything about.. except for replace parts. I do know there are many minnkotas that have had the same pedal problems..

For over $200.. it doesnt hurt to look.

[BIG DS]

There was a board update on certain model motors. I do not know which ones though. Have you called the service center? If you take to motor to them to have it serviced, they may cut you a deal. If the money gets too big, check with Reel Fishing and Tackle in Madison Lake. They have some rippin' deals on model year hold overs.

[Whoaru99]

My MotorGuide with the remote control pedal did this too and it was the pedal that went bad.

MotorGuide replaced it for free three years after I bought the motor and the motor was a REFURB with only a 90-day warranty. I told 'em that and they said no problem, we'll replace it anyway.

So, there is my shameless plug for great customer service!!

Don't get me wrong, MinnKota makes some great products, but I stuck with MotorGuide because of that. BTW - the older MotorGuide is still going strong two years later....

[ZapBranigan]

Which Model is this one? The reason I ask is I just bought a 765 on hsolist cause my bracket got old and worn The motor leaned and started pulling the wires on the top hard. The connection to the steering motor then failed. So now I have a extra Foot control and a bunch of other pieces for a fraction of the cost you are stating. This may be a route to go. Or if my foot control will work make me an offer. It could offset my fix even more.

[bigdog]

I had the same problem after about 1 month of use on a new motor in 2003. Was a bad board that was replaced under warranty. Service center in Alex said they had seen a bunch fail, usually after little use and they noticed the replacement boards had a different part number.

[Genofish]

My 55PD unit went bad on Saturday. Stuck on high, wide open

I called minnkota and they told me it was a bad board.

I can order a new one from theme for $64

Hope this helps

[burl]

Fish Eletronics sells a complete new control pad for $75.00.Mine did the same thing.Burl.

[Genofish]

I just finished installing the new control board. This solved the wide open speed issue. Total cost with shipping

from Minnkota $75.00

[setterguy]

genofish - was it the board in the foot pedal or the one inside the housing that mounts to the boat? I can get one for 65 bucks, sounds like Minnkota should be recalling these, maybe I'll put a call into them...

[Northlander]

Glad you got it fixed and thanks for the heads up. I also have a Minkota 55# and my board was acting up for a bit. I took it apart and cleaned it with some alcohol and that did the trick. Im almost thinking about ordering another foot control for a just in case deal. Man I hope mine dont go in Canada next week.

[Genofish]

the board was in the base of the unit. i have also cleaned the variable speed contact switch on the pedal