Thread: I Pilot Remote Issues

I-pilot remotes are notorious for going bad. Co-pilot remotes don't have near as many issues.

I have a buddy that has gone through 3 remotes. Not saying it is the issue in this case (might be something in the power head). That same guy purchased a second remote and had his first one fixed. He is a charter captain and cannot afford to have a trolling motor go down in the river with a 4mph current and a trolling motor is manditory to stay verticle.

As for leaving it plugged in while charging? I wouldn't do it. Most boats have a quick disconnect for a specific reason. Minnkota obviously recommends their brand charger but they are no different than any other onboard charger. A spike in amperage could potentially go through the battery line and up to your trolling motor (if plugged in). Unlike other electronics, there isn't an inline fuse for your trolling motor to mitigate this issue.

Lastly, the way you store and transport your remote has a lot to do with it. Unfortunately, they are pretty finicky. They don't like a lot of water (even though they are for boats that float on water), they don't like dust, abrasion, bouncing, or anything like that. I have found two places that I like to carry mine. One is the front pouch of my tackle bag (stored under the helm during transport). The second one (found this year) and my new favorite, is my soft plastics bag. This bag has about 20 or 30 different plastic pouches that contain rubber minnows, twisters, and so on. I store it in my forward storage compartment. Nice and soft, cushioned ride.

Wish they could make em bomb proof but, that isn't the case. One more thing.... I have a wired foot pedel as a back up. I just don't trust the wireless as a backup. Especially since it is supposed to backup a wireless product.

Good luck

Originally Posted by stratos87

I got a new Terrova 112 back in March used it a couple of times with no issues then all of the sudden the remote started acting up and only working intermittently and sometimes when I go to turn the motor does nothing, then all of the sudden it will swing all the way around. I thought maybe it was a weak battery in the remote so I replaced it still having the same issue. the guy where I bought my boat told me to call MinnKota and tell them I needed a new remote just wanted to see if any of you have had similar issues as well before I did that.

Two things with iPilot. Most problems are caused when the trolling motor batteries get too low and the other is to "relearn" the remote. Press the learn button and hold it, then press any button on the remote, you should hear 4 friendly beeps which means it is ready to go.
HTH
LarryB227

Originally Posted by mlhare

I had exact same problem. I have two remotes and got the same result with both remotes. I contacted MK and they said to first check the connections in the head to make sure they are good. If that was not the problem, it was probably the control board in the head. The remote is not the problem in my case. Not fun when trolling and tap a button to make a slight course correction and the thing swings all the way around. Mine also would not respond at all at times. I haven't done anything yet. Still busy fishing for now. When that cools down, I'll probably deal with it then.

This just happened to me last Sat.Also tried spare remote. But funny thing it didn't do it with the autopilot on. I shutoff the breaker and turned back on and it was OK

I had mine do that only one time where it just went nuts. Like Wilbur I finally unplugged it and plugged it back in and everything was fine.