Minn Kota Terrova 55 w/ i-pilot problem

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10-01-2012, 10:45 AM
SlabDog

Minn Kota Terrova 55 w/ i-pilot problem

My 2007 year Minn Kota Terrova with an i-pilot addition I bought new and installed in November of last year, has developed an issue and will not run correctly. It simply runs for a couple of seconds then clicks and dies. The problem began a couple of days ago. I had fished for about 3 hours and everything worked fine, but then the motor would not stay on. I would push the ON button and the motor would run for maybe 3 to 5 seconds and then the motor would “click” and turn off. This sequence was repeated several times.

I noticed that the i-pilot controller showed the following:
1. No bars on the satellite icon
2. The motor speed setting was visible
3. The prop showing the motor was visible.

After several tries with the same results, I noticed that in addition to the above icons, the LOW BATTERY symbol had appeared. I wrapped it up for the day, having no spare battery for the remote controller.

I changed the battery [Odd brand, apparently the original was still in the remote] with a fresh EverReady CR2450 and when I turned it on, all of the icons lit up fine and I thought the problem was solved. Next morning I went back to the lake to find that I had the same problem, but no “LOW BATTERY” icon on the remote. I placed another fresh EverReady battery to try it, but had the same results. I could not use the motor so I came back home to check things over again. I tried the motor again this morning to see what it would do. The motor worked fine, the remote worked fine on all speeds for about 3 or 4 minutes then the same symptoms came back. I let everything sit for about 30 minutes and it worked fine again for about 2 minutes this time before resorting back to the symptoms. Something seems to be heating up but I can't find it. The motor is not in water, but it did the same thing when it WAS in the water, so I don’t see this as the cause. There are no service centers anywhere in my area, only dealers and I would like to see if there is anything I can try, has anyone had this problem, or should I get the i-pilot system replaced under warranty from Minn Kota.

What I’ve tried:

1. 2 new batteries in the remote.
2. Visual inspection of the remote circuit board. Everything looks normal
3. Tried to recalibrate the remote to the motor using the i-pilot manual instructions.'

Anyone have any ideas? They would be much appreciated!!!
10-01-2012, 12:11 PM
Rip a Lip

I had similar issues with my 55 powerdrive v2. When I would press the battery check button on my trolling motor at home, my trolling battery would show fully charged. On the lake, after a short while, I would lose my sat bars on my remote and my motor would barely run or quit all together. My problem ended up being a bad trolling motor battery. The first indication of a low or bad trolling battery is the loss of sat signal, at least on my powerdrive. Hope this helps.
10-01-2012, 12:51 PM
CarolinaJim

This sounds just like what happened to a friend of mine. Turned out to be a bad receptacle, there is a single screw on the back that holds it all together that stripped. When the plug was put in it pushed the innards backwards and the tm did not get good connection.
10-01-2012, 01:37 PM
crappielimits

I have been experiencing the same problems! I changed the deep cycle battery and just eliminated my receptacle/plug. No other connections along the way. I checked wires going into trolling motor control board and found one a little loose and with very little corrosion. It seems to be working in the yard, but will have to spend another $50 in gas to drive to the lake and see for sure. I have made 3 trips and fished without autopilot, it seems to lose voltage when I use autopilot. Caused alot of tangles and lost alot of jigs as fish are holding tight to cover and when boat turns jigs drop when longlining. I have too much invested in this trolling motor to be dealing with these problems.
10-01-2012, 01:42 PM
jimp

Try another brand (not panasonic) of the same battery, and possibly look for the CR2450N model of this battery. There was a thread just the other day about this same issue, think it was in the VA forum with someone having the same problem. Apparently some IP remotes just gotta have the "N" designation on the battery. I haven't had this problem yet, but some others have.
10-01-2012, 01:43 PM
crappielimits

Also the Minnkota center said the reason I have went through 2 control boards is because I left the trolling motor plugged in while on the onboard charger. Beware of this! $120 part. This would have been good info to be told upon purchase. Just as losing the foot pedal upon adding I-pilot would have been good info to pass along.
10-01-2012, 02:28 PM
jimp

Quote:

Originally Posted by crappielimits

Also the Minnkota center said the reason I have went through 2 control boards is because I left the trolling motor plugged in while on the onboard charger. Beware of this! $120 part. This would have been good info to be told upon purchase. Just as losing the foot pedal upon adding I-pilot would have been good info to pass along.

I have accidently left the TM plugged in to the power socket a couple times when I returned from a trip but no ill side effects yet. Assume you have the PD, as on the Terrova, you have the option of keeping the foot pedal or removing. I have a Terrova and use the foot pedal when I sit up front and the remote when I sit back at the console.
10-01-2012, 02:49 PM
crappielimits

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimp

I have accidently left the TM plugged in to the power socket a couple times when I returned from a trip but no ill side effects yet. Assume you have the PD, as on the Terrova, you have the option of keeping the foot pedal or removing. I have a Terrova and use the foot pedal when I sit up front and the remote when I sit back at the console.

This not the case, on the powerdrive yu lose the foot pedal. Canepole makes an aftermarket adapter, but already have over $1200 plus 250 for two control boards and extra 100. Just not justifiable at this time. If you leave trolling motor plugged in while charging on a regular basis I promise it will fry your board. Just warning! I been running these motors for 20 years since they were white and they are still the best, but cost too much to still have the problems. I have a border line lemon on my hands.
10-01-2012, 02:55 PM
SlabDog

Great response! Thank you for all of the replies. Here is what I've done:

I did check my receptacle for the TM and it is good with no voltage drop even under load.

My TM is a 12 volt and I have 2 Interstate TM Batteries in parallel bought less than a year ago. They are fully charged and maintained proper voltage under load and tried them both separately and they still maintained voltage, also under load.

I found the OEM battery that was in my controller when I changed them the other day: Renata 3V number CR2450N manufactured by Interstate Battery and available on their website for $3.99 each or on AMAZON for $3.64 ea. I found a statement online at Battery Mart that said: "This CR2450N Lithium Coin Cell Battery is 3 volt. These cells have a special groove on the negative side of the battery that is required for certain devices." So....I ordered a couple of them and will give them a try since I couldn't find anything else wrong.

I have charged my TM with it plugged in a few times however. This is not common practice for me however since I usually unplug it after loading the boat. That may be my next order of business if the Renata Battery doesn't do the job.

Thank you all for the replies and if anyone else thinks of anything please respond. I'll will post the fix when I find it.