I haven't had a chance to go out but once, I had to have my new Xi5 replaced. ( Motorguide did it and paid the shop to do it so I'm pleased with the customer service...) But I'm really not sure. It comes right on most of the time. But when I was messing with my trolling motor I didn't think it was working but looked up and it was on.... So maybe I was just getting impatient. Either way if I shut it off and back on it comes on.