Trolling motor needs a push.

[setterguy]

Trying everything out for the first time of the year and my trolling motor is getting moody. When I press the pedal, I can hear a click then nothing, but if I give the prop just the tiniest push it will spin without resistance...I checked inside and there is no line or anything else obstructing the prop. Could my actual motor be going? Anyone have any advice?

[Thomas]

I would rule out tighting the nut on the prop first.

[prov1900]

I am no expert, but if you have a Minn Kota Powerdrive it could be your pedal. I had a similar occurrence on my old boat and had to replace the pedal. At least that was better than replacing the motor.

[BassPatrol]

I second prov1900's idea of a faulty pedal. I had a new Power Drive unit pedal go bad in 3 months and had it replaced under warranty. I would make sure that all of the electrical connections are clean of debris before replacing the pedal. If you have a buddy that has the same type of trolling motor, swap the pedal controls to see if that makes a difference. If you have a Minnkota Power Drive and need a new pedal control, check out Fishlectronics. Even if you don't they could probably service your motor there.

[slick814]

Third on the pedal. Had one go bad last summer, cleaned it up, made sure the contacts, etc. were good, had it work for the rest of the weekend, but then needed to be replaced. Hopefully it's still inder warranty for you!

[Surface Tension]

Clean the battery connections and the plug. If that dosen't do it then I have a sneaky feeling the motor brushes are getting hung up or maybe water intrusion into the motor.

[katoguy]

Does the steering work and the prop not spin?

The click is the relay in the main board energizing.

Please clarify and reply with model and/or serial number.

[setterguy]

Yes steering works but prop doesn't spin unless given a little push...it is a 50# powerdrive motor. And no its not under warranty.

[Dave]

Take the prop off and check for fishing line or other obstructions.

[katoguy]

Take the cover of the motor off and hook 12 volts directly to the wires that run down the tube. If the lower unit doesn't run, then my guess is water is in the motor. If not, you have 2 possibilities: foot pedal or main board. Try a buddy's pedal to isolate this.

Because you hear the relay click, I would guess you have an issue in the lower unit.

[JohnMickish]

I'm going with brushes or armature. Either way there is a place on University just south of 694 that will do a bang up job fixing it.

[Havin' Fun]

Same motor, probably same year and "similar results". My foot pedal went first: no left turn, than last week the motor would "click" but not spin. Never tried to give it a spin first, but everyone on here and Minn Kota suggested new board. My suggestion would be to call Minnkota and see what their techs say as well. Minkota lead me straight with my issue but a second opinion is nice. BTW, my Minnkota guy in the area was going to upcharge me 50.00 for just the part and another 100 or so to troubleshoot and install. What a racket! Hmmm. Maybe a new part time job had come to mind!

[BassPatrol]

You can get a used pedal control at Fishlectronics for around $49 with a warranty. They have HSOforum also if you need contact info. Just type in Fishlectronics (dot) com.

[setterguy]

Thanks for all the replies, I took it to Fishlectronics today and he said he thought it was the bushings as they looked as though they had seen some water. Clean the bushings and new seals and I should be ready to go...I just had the board replaced last year, so it SHOULDN'T be that.