MinnKota I-Pilot remote sleep issues

**M R Dux** · 07-27-2017, 09:27 AM

I have a remote for my RipTide I-pilot that works great when it is "awake" but once it goes to"sleep" it doesn't want to "wake up". Since my motor runs almost constantly any time we are fishing, I depend on it. Recently my remote has been shutting off after a couple of minutes of me not making changes on the remote. Once it cycles down or "goes to sleep" the dang thing won't wake up at times no matter how many buttons I push, cuss words I throw at it, or banging it in the palm of my hand. I've had to run to the bow and unplug the motor more than once to keep from hitting buoys, bank, or heading into shallow areas. I keep several spare batteries in the boat as well as a spare remote that has also decided to die on me. Changing batteries in both makes no difference.
I contacted MinnKota to ask if they have a simple fix for this. My reply back was to try this before getting my warranty involved and get a new remote.

Take the battery out of the remote and make sure the charge is good. If not , replace it.

Turn the battery over so polarity is reversed

Leave the battery in this position for 20 seconds

Replace the battery to its normal position

Try the remote operation

Apparently there is a capacitor in the remote that overloads and the reverse polarity allows it to unload.

My 70s era electronics training didn't cover that so I'll take their word for it. I haven't tried it yet on either of my remotes (I have 3 but one works flawlessly and is for my spare Terrova I-Pilot)) that have issues. Since MinnKota replaced one of the two several months ago and apparently this is an issue more folks than me have, it looks like they would address it more thoroughly. If this doesn't work, I'll be boxing the 2 up and expecting warranty replacements.

Worth a try.

**Alphahawk** · 07-27-2017, 09:36 AM

I have an 1st gen Ulterra. I have used the reverse battery deal to get remote going again on two separate occasions....it works. That has happened only twice in a 2 year period so I can't complain too much about it.

Regards

Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com

**wicklundrh** · 07-27-2017, 01:25 PM

Doug,

I've also done the same thing when helping a buddy out on his remote. I actually learned that trick on CDC awhile back.

Sometimes, with computers, we have to "discharge" power. Normally, the best way to do that is simply remove the battery and then hold the power button for 10 seconds. Was working on one yesterday (brand new computer) at work, and I actually had to take the computer apart to get at the battery. Discharged power and was able to get done what I needed to.

I think the trick will work for you. Worst case is that you have to send them back! Nothing to lose at this point I guess!

**sfw1960** · 08-02-2017, 07:02 PM

Hmm, interesting....

**M R Dux** · 08-07-2017, 09:00 AM

I did the battery trick on my inop remote and it works like new. I haven't tried it yet on the one that is going to sleep.

**tahoe 50** · 08-07-2017, 08:00 PM

Ok this is very interesting. As mine goes to sleep also and I have went into panic mode as a result. Usually it recovers ok. As I am an auto Tech, I have been told by engineers to remove both of the battery cables, hold them together for 30 seconds. They call this"global reset" . Our computers in our vehicles "LOCK UP" I will have to keep this trick in mind.

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