Minkota Autopilot With a Mind Of Its Own

[stick]

Seeing the post for the questions on the Maxum made me think about posting this question. I have a Minkota Autopilot bow mount, and sometimes when it should be tracking straight, the motor starts spinning around. I haven't been able to pattern it, and it happens in all sorts of conditions. Anybody else experience this, and anyone have a remedey?

[slick814]

Have had it happen and seen it happen to other guys too.

Also heard the they pulled them off the market because of this problem.

You might want to contact MInnkota about it. I've found that at times when the batteries on the co-pilot are low, cold, damp, whatever, it causes problems, and having a spare around might be the way to go for you, just in case. Haven't heard of any real solution for it, but maybe Minnkota might have one?

[cjromano]

This happened to me with a brand new 55 Autopilot. It was a hassle and I ended up bringing it back to the dealer, then to a authorized Minnkota repair center. Had to make a couple of trips because it was not acting up in the shop. Finally figured out that it was a faulty compass unit in the motor head. The repair guy said that Minnkota was having problems with this. He replaced the compass unit and it works fine. Minnkota does have a 3-year warranty on their motors. I'd bring it in.

[efgh]

I was told, that using too small gague wire was the cause, use no. 4 strained for back to trolling motor, reason, too much voltage drop, their isn;t enough voltage too run the rest of the giro and compass.

[zepman]

I live in Mankato and have also had the same problem with my 74 lb. autopilot. The problem is simply a chip they need to replace in the compass mechanism. If you have an authorized dealer in your area just have them call Minn-Kota and I'm sure they will just send part out. I brought mine in to the shop here in Mankato and explained what the problem was and they fixed it right there on the spot. They are aware of the problem and are more than happy to fix or replace as many of these as they can. Mine has worked flawlessly since the chip was changed out.

[Dennis Steele]

I have had trouble with two of the Auto Pilots I've had.

The first one I bought when they first came out worked flawlessly for me for several years.

The second one I had went hay wire and they replaced the compass. I sold that on a boat shortly after.

My third and the one I know have, a 74lb, I had the chip replaced and it still goes haywire. I don't even use the Auto Pilot anymore.

I then bought the Co Pilot and that is now acting up as well.

Remote doesn't always work.

I hope they get the problems worked out because when working properly, both the Auto Pilot and Co Pilot really can make your fishing effective and easier!

Motor guide made a similar product to the Auto Pilot, and I tried that one as well. I wasn't immpressed with that one either. If you went off course more than a few degree's it would automaticlly shut that feature down. Wasn't very effective when you needed it the most, on windy days!

[bmc2b]

I had an old ap55 that worked great. I bought a new 65lb with copilot. The autopilot did what you described. New compass fixed that. The connection between my copilot and base gets loose, so sometimes I can only turn right. I have to go up to the bow and tighten the connection.

[leechlake]

the remedy is to bring it into a dealer and have them fix it. I have the copilot and after taking my foot off of the foot pedal I count one, two, three and the spin o rama starts. I've had two non copilot autopilots that were perferct. My co pilot remote quit working last Spring and I started using the foot pedal. Good luck to all of us.