Trolling Motor Problem

[schr0563]

I have a Minnkota Auto Pilot trolling motor. The other day when I was out on the water I couldn't get the motor to run on low power (it would only respond on 10). The battery had just been charged and registered 4 lights on the tester. The turning capabilities of the motor worked fine. It was simply a lack of drive power. On 10 it worked, if I scaled back it would not turn the prop. Anyone seen this before and have any quick fixes? I'll take the prop off tonight and see if there are any obvious problems there. I need this fixed because I am going to leech on this Saturday for a whole week of fishing!

[MuleSkinner]

Look carefully for corrosion on battery connections. Sometimes what doesn't look like much corrosion can cause wierd electrical troubles. Cleaning up corrosion is the only real use I have for Baking Soda.

[ChuckN]

Do you have 24V? I had this happen on my 24V AP when one of my two batteries died. It only worked on the highest setting.

If not, then your foot pedal is faulty. Take it apart and try cleaning it. It's an easy task.

[This message has been edited by ChuckN (edited 07-07-2004).]

[snapjigger]

I second the footpedal. I had 1 that had gotten a swivel inbetween the slide and pc board would only work at certain speeds.

[schr0563]

I have a 12V system. Cleaning the leads to the battery seemed to help a little, but I will also open up the foot pedal to see if anything is out of place in there.

Thanks for the advice!

[gofishingtom]

had the same problem on mine few years back and the problem was moisture om the board..Took it n house and used the blow drier on it to dry it off..worked fine and then evey time it rained hard and my footfeet was not in storage had same problem. So were you fishing with it in the rain or did it get wet somehow or moisture get into it...my next step was to get an extra footfeet for my boat so when i was fishing in the rai i always had a back up...hope this helps you out