Tom, I think they are very sensitive to a voltage drop. Why I use my V2 I-pilot on a trolling motor only lake, it gets goofy when the voltage drops. It wraps around itself, won't respond etc. I sometimes have had to steer the motor manually to get back in. How are you powering all your gear, and how many batteries are you using? Maybe the steering actuator for the gas motor is drawing off too much power. Even some corrosion on the T/M plug can rob off the voltage needed. I'd make sure you aren't losing power somewhere before pulling my hair out looking for another cause.