Thread: Humminbird problems

My 788ci hd di was running, blinked twice and then went off. Can't get it back on. It has done that four or five times over the 14 months I've had it, but each time it would go out, I could simply power it back up. This time that didn't work. Check the power cord and its getting the juice. After repeated attempts by email and phone to Humminbird, I finally got to talk to a live person today. The fella asked for my name and looked up when I bought it. Before I could even tell him what was happening he said, "It will be $170.00 to get it fixed." I asked to speak to his manager, who was out, but at least he did give me her name and said I could try to call her on Tuesday.

I guess I'm just griping a bit, but what I really wanted to do was talk with someone "live" about the problem I was having....not have someone say, "Send us $170 and the unit and we'll look into it." Look, I know the warranty has been out 2 and 1/2 months, but I now realize the depth finder has been heading toward this for months. I'm wondering if anybody else has experienced this problem. I've been a Lowrance guy for years and tried Humminbird because of the good things I've heard about them....but...honestly, if I'm gonna have to fork over $170 for something that has been inherently wrong with the unit for a long time, then I'm going back to Lowrance.

I'm gonna give the manager a call Tuesday. I have heard that Humminbird stands behind their product. I hope so, but I may be heading back to Lowrance at the price of an expensive lesson.

I have the same problem with mine .I bought a new power cord and rewired the unit and it has worked fine. The wire from battery to unit had green build up on wire this end up being my problem.The tech group at humminbird help me with the problem .I had great service with them so far.I used the web site for humminbird call the 1-800 number and they help me hope this helps you out

Thanks Longliner. I will buy another power cord and try it, but I've checked the cord I have and know that power is coming thru it (though I haven't checked the voltage). My 788 sit at the bow of my boat and is wired in to power exactly as the Ranger dealer installed the Lowrance unit that came on the boat. But....I did take the 788 and power cord and wire it directly to a new battery and still it did not work. It must be the unit somehow. I'd love to talk with a tech person at Humminbird, but so far have not been able to get in touch with one. I've called a dozen times and each time I've been put on hold. Once I held for nearly an hour and other times for 30 to 45 mins. Only yesterday when I called again did I finally get to talk with a real live person and he was not a tech person (or at least he never gave me a chance to tell him what was wrong with the unit.) I've heard good things about Humminbird, and am really trying to give them a chance. I've had four Lowrance units previous to this and never had but one to give me the slightest glitch....and when that happened Lowrance took care of it in good order. I have a new 998 SI Humminbird on the dash of my boat.....but it may soon be up for sale if I can't get this 788 working.

Originally Posted by Longliner43

I have the same problem with mine .I bought a new power cord and rewired the unit and it has worked fine. The wire from battery to unit had green build up on wire this end up being my problem.The tech group at humminbird help me with the problem .I had great service with them so far.I used the web site for humminbird call the 1-800 number and they help me hope this helps you out

This could very well be your problem. The contacts are a pin and barrel connection. IF any corrosion has built up on either or both contact points, you will see the correct voltage, BUT the corrosion causes a CURRENT drop (resistance), which will cause the voltage to drop within the head. You can't read the voltage within the depth finder head unless you disassemble the unit.
Before hooking up the new power cord make sure that the mating connection is clean of corrosion.
Post back to let us know what the final fix was.

Email Greg directly and explain your situation...
[email protected]

Rickie

Thanks, Rickie. I will do just that.

Please check your voltage on the unit under load. Low current flow to the unit can cause the unit not to power up. See below on how to do this. If you still have problems after checking the voltage under a load, please let me know.





L


Thank you,

Deborah @ Humminbird

Sounds like you are never gonna be pleased with anything other than Lowrance. I'll take the H-Birds. They been great to me. Find a friend with a 500/700 and put your head on his mount, if everything works then it is your wiring. It doesn't sound like a problem in the head. No one wants to hear you down their product and praise another when calling for their help. The Humminbirds guys are great to us on this site and easily reached, be patient.

Send me a PM if you decide to sale the 998... Sounds like you'd let it go for cheap.

Pm me I'll do better than cheap...

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