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I need some help. I purchased a new Terrova and Ipilot a few weeks ago. First time out, the motor wouldn't turn left or right. It has been in the shop for a week now and the authorized service shop says the main board is fried. I don't feel I should have to settle for a repaired motor, because the thing hasn't worked since day one.
Can anyone give me a good contact and number to get some help? I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jeff
Why didn't you just take it back to where you bought it and get another motor?
Sounds like you may have had a bad board from the get-go? Doesnt sound like the motor is hurt any. I bought a PD that had a bad board. Everything that worked off GPS wasnt working. A MK SC replaced the board and no more problems.
I did take it back to the dealer I purchased it from and he took it to the repair shop. The dealer installed it on my boat, etc. when I purchased it. I guess I should have faith it will be fine, but the reason I bought the new Terrova is because the guy working on it, repaired my PD last summer and it was never right. He wouldn't stand behind his work and now he is working on my new Terrova. I'm just not confident it will be fixed properly. I guess I should have taken it some place else, but there are no others close to me.
Where are you located?
Use this page to find the MinnKota authorized service center near you. My recommendation would be to use one of these centers, as their work will not void the warranty on your unit:
Minn Kota Motors
For any other concerns relating to your motor, here is the MinnKota customer service number:
800-227-6433
The motor is at the only authorized repair center within 50 miles of me, but thanks for the number.
You didnt take it to Stricktly Fishing did you?
No, my dealer took it to the guy in Dekalb. My biggest fear is that it won't be right, based on my experience last year. I had a PD that needed major overhaul and the same guy rebuilt it. It was out of warranty and cost $210, which wasn't bad. Problem is that the motor still wasn't right. It acted like it was overheating and would shut off. I'd bang the housing with a hammer and it would start up again. He recommened that I just run it and maybe it would straighten itself out... The guy said that he'd look at it, but have to charge me.
I suppose I should have faith the Terrova will be right...
If it would "overheat" and shut off, it may have had nothing to do with the motor, but instead be an issue with the wiring and/or breaker in your boat. It is not uncommon for small breakers (40A or so) to be installed by boat builders, and these breakers can't accommodate the high current flow associated with running a troller at full tilt for long periods of time. They will overheat and trip, and then the motor stops working. After cooling down, they reset, and you're back in business. Banging the housing with a hammer may have done nothing to fix the actual problem, other than give the breaker a chance to cool down and reset.
How big is the breaker in your boat? Is it the size recommended by MinnKota? I believe they recommend a 60A breaker.
What gauge wiring are you running from the trolling motor batteries to the troller power plug? It is heavy enough to carry the current load at full thrust?
I deleted my post, because it could easily been misinterpreted.