Another Problem With New Terrova

So I've only had this unit for a week, been on the water with it twice, and I've had two separate problems. I already posted about it shearing off my xducer cable. Yesterday while fishing, the motor, at times, wouldn't shut off! The only way to turn it off was to either pull the plug or put the speed control at zero. I checked to see if the iPilot was running it, or I had hit the "constant" or "auto pilot" buttons, but everything was turned off.

Anyone have any ideas? It is an intermittent problem, which can be a real bugger to diagnose. I suspect it's in the foot control, but won't know until I can get the problem to happen again and start unplugging things. First I'll disconnect the iPilot, then disconnect the foot control plug. Yesterday I disconnected the power plug to the battery(panic mode!!)

Any help, ideas would be appreciated....hate it when something brand new doesn't work the way it should:(

vic

I know when they first came out with the Co-Pilot is was critical that the shaft be within 5° of being vertical. This is with the TM deployed and everyone in their normal fishing positions. If it wasn't it could cause those type turning problems. I don't know if that still applies to the i-Pilot or not. I hope to find out soon when Brian gets some in with a 45' shaft.

Make sure your batteries are in good condition and fully charged. Also check to see if you are getting any kind of voltage loss between the batteries and the motor. Those MinnKota I-Pilots and Auto Pilot motors do crazy things with low voltage. Sounds like you might have a bad connection either at the batteries or the trolling motor plug.

I would check the connection plug for the foot control to the TM making sure its tight, and all the pins are in good condition, not bent, etc. then check the connection plug for the Ipilot as well. I would also check the connections at the battery and make sure they are clean, tight, etc. and check your fuse or breaker as well. Might even check the wires/connections behind the plug up front as well. Sounds like a bad connection to me as well.

I'll check all connections, but I went from a PD to the Terrova, and never had any trouble with the PD. Battery is always well-charged, but I can take a meter with me and check voltage the next time it won't shut off.

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Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill

I know when they first came out with the Co-Pilot is was critical that the shaft be within 5° of being vertical...I don't know if that still applies to the i-Pilot or not.

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No, it doesn't. I've run mine at 70 degrees off vertical (hand held to get over heavy grass) and it still responds perfectly to L/R and speed controls from the iP handheld remote.

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Originally Posted by Shellback

Make sure your batteries are in good condition and fully charged. Also check to see if you are getting any kind of voltage loss between the batteries and the motor. Those MinnKota I-Pilots and Auto Pilot motors do crazy things with low voltage. Sounds like you might have a bad connection either at the batteries or the trolling motor plug.

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Yes, this is very likely the problem. I've experienced trouble due to loose connections and corrosion--both lowering voltage. Once corrected, everything is normal again. My other source of trouble has been accidental activation of the foot pedal. I'm always using the handheld and the pedal is stowed (sort of) under the front deck. Occasionally, I'll push something into the foot control & that overrides the hand control.

In every instance of this happening, I have checked the iPilot as well as the pedal buttons. I can assure you that the iPilot was off and there were no buttons activated. The only indicator light on the Terrova was the "ready" light. No lights on the pedal.

Un plug the foot pedal and try it with just the remote.....if it does not do it anymore then its a foot pedal problem....if it still does it then its gonna be another problem. I have only used my foot control one time and that was just to try it out. It stays unplugged and in one of the storage compartments on my boat, all I use is the remote.

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Originally Posted by "G"

Un plug the foot pedal and try it with just the remote.....

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I'm hoping to do that when it is acting up to really prove to myself (and Minn Kota) that the problem is with the foot pedal

I hope you find what fixes it so MK can replace the defective part. Theyve been nothing short of great customer service for me.

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Originally Posted by gabowman

I hope you find what fixes it so MK can replace the defective part. Theyve been nothing short of great customer service for me.

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That's what I've heard, bowman, and I haven't even called them yet until I can really pin down the problem. If it's a battery problem, that's on me...so I'll do as much troubleshooting as I can before I bother them.

It's awesome that there is a resource like CdotC where members can bounce ideas around for help.

On cutting the transducer wire. If its done right there's no way to let the motor cut one. But it has to be done right. Checkk out this link and you will never have that issue again.
http://youtu.be/G54WQVtErZ0