Trolling motor problem

[Bass Seeker]

I have a strange recurring problem with a Minn Kota Powerdrive with a handheld remote.

On three occasions when I hit the "on" switch the motor won't respond. I hear a "click" at the motor when depressing the switch but no power to the prop. I can turn the motor left and right with the remote but cannot turn it on. On these occasions I've tried using the foot control, doesn't work.

On the previous two occasions the motor has started the following day. Right now is the third occasion so it remains to be seen.

I'm going to contact Minn Kota but thought I'd check in here to see if anyone has experienced something similar. Sort of seems like it's a relay or some such. The motor is less than a year old.

Thanks
Mike

[MLR]

If its under warranty, let an authorized Minn Kota service center crack it open. It would really suck to show up there and have them void your warranty. Sounds like something is getting wet / shorting out and when left to sit over night it drains/ drys out.

So far my new minn kota with I-Pilot has worked flawlessly, and believe it has helped me catch more fish

[troutnmuskiehunter]

Check your battery connections....undo them, clean the terminals with a wire brush, and use a lubricant when putting everything back together...make sure you really tighten down the connectors or wing nuts and not just finger tight....get some vice grips and give it a good nudge..

[Mike M]

Don't mean to sound insulting, but are you pressing the + button several times on the remote after turning the motor on? When you switch connections from the foot control to the remote, the motor always starts in the lowest setting so you have to step up the power. The foot control won't work until you switch the connection back.

[Bass Seeker]

It's under warranty but the service center is a couple hours away and it's fishing time. It will still be under warranty come snow season so I may limp along until then.

Btry connections are fine, the power is there just that the motor won't respond.

Not insulting at all, I've been known to have those sort of DUH moments.

This afternoon I checked it and it ran, so this is the third time this has happened and then ran the following day. The really weird thing is the fact that it only happens at one particular body of water called East Creek Lake and always along the shore furthest from the launch. Maybe the East Creek Lake Triangle

Thanks for the replies!

[Flipper]

I agree with Steve, re-do the battery connections so they are tight and clean. Finger tight does exactly what you are describing.

[Bass Seeker]

I use standard nuts rather than wingnuts and tighten with a wrench, I also keep the terminals clean. As I mentioned power is reaching the motor, it steers but does not turn the prop. I'll have to pull it off the boat and take it to the service center, was just hoping to avoid that. I've also heard that problems with remotes on Minn Kota and MG are fairly common.

[troutnmuskiehunter]

I use standard nuts rather than wingnuts and tighten with a wrench, I also keep the terminals clean. As I mentioned power is reaching the motor, it steers but does not turn the prop. I'll have to pull it off the boat and take it to the service center, was just hoping to avoid that. I've also heard that problems with remotes on Minn Kota and MG are fairly common.

I had the same issue!...used the foot control and was able to steer no problem....prop would NOT TURN....I could see the prop move a 1/16 of an inch but that's it....I removed both the leads from both batteries (24V) and cleaned them up along with the battery terminals, used lube and re-tightened everything with a wrench....problem never re-appeared..HAve you check the battery with a meter???

[Bass Seeker]

It's an Everstart Maxx, forget what series but it's the big yellow/black one, about 4 months old. Yes I've had a meter on it and it's fine.

I'm guessing it's some sort of frequency problem with the remote. I'll plug in the foot control, use that and see what happens.

Thanks everyone.

[Yannick Loranger]

I had similar problems with my pedal. What happens, to me anyway, is if I try to go too fast in a hurry, it won't work. Maybe some type of safety to keep you from falling on your butt. When I hear the click, I bring it back down to 0, and then up to say speed 3 or 4, and then up to the speed I want.
Or maybe it is a malfunction...but try not going full speed right away.

[Bass Seeker]

Thanks Fisherguy, it's been fine but I'll keep that in mind.
Mike