Thread: Have you ever seen this on a MinnKota Terrova ??

Well after doing several internet searches & counsulting with boat rigging guru Wannabe, I have found what may be the problem. Im running two seperate systems in my boat a 36volt for the TM and a 12V for cranking and accessories. What I have found out is that you need a common ground between the two systems, a wire connecting the low voltage neg terminal on the 36v system to the neg terminal on the 12v system. There was also mention of grounding the TM to your battery by attaching a wire from the skeg of the TM to the low voltage neg terminal side of your 36v system.

MinnKota also suggested I check the fuse on the ground wire inside the TM head .... I think i'll start with that one first !!!

Keep your fingers crossed and lets hope it dont start leaking SMOKE !!

Just curious, are you running an onboard charging system that charges both the 36 system and the 12 system off the same charger? Suxs either way. I would have bet saltwater, but learn something every day.

Shine, they are on two different chargers.

Ill give ya $250 for it as is.

Call if you need somebody quick with a fire extinguisher. I specialize in electrical fires.

That's interesting now could someone explain it?

Stray voltage from faulty wiring searches for a ground. In the case of Slabo, the most readily available ground seems to be the steel housing on his TM foot. Has the effect of a tiny arch welder working on exposed surfaces. Some voltage is always present, which is why the foot on motors have sacrificial anodes to attract the voltage, but in this case, it's excessive indicating faulty wiring or maybe a chaffed wire somewhere.

Wannabe...

WOW...I think the poo-flinger missed his vocation.

Good info Chris. Thanks.