Trolling motor problem / question ?

[Fish Chris]

I have a MinKota Powerdrive 55. Today, I got on the water, and my t-motor decided to get totally goofy on me. It will only work on max high, or max low..... but even max low, is still full speed ?

And even goofier yet, off is on, and on is off !

As whacky as all that was, I totally expected it to just completely fail at some point in the trip, but to my surprise, it did not. So, I just left it on full high, and turned "on".... then, when I wanted to move, I'd switch it off, and get instant full high ! Doh !

So anyway, my question is, is this problem likely to be located inside of the foot control unit ? Or the head of the t-motor itself ?

I'm hoping it's in the foot control, as that was getting kind of worn out anyway, and then this evening, I found several places to buy it online for $70.......

I also know a MinKota t-motor specialist / service guy..... but didn't want to bug him on Christmas. And besides, if it is in the foot control, I'd rather just replace it, than try to have it repaired anyway.

Oh, and of course, it's about 3 1/2 years old..... with a 3 yr warranty

Anybody ?

Fish 

[fishn hard]

do a search on Google for fosters trolling motors there really good guys and will fix you up cheep   

[choupique]

I have a Minn Kota that went crazy similar to what you are describing. I found a wire in the foot control chafing into one of the terminals. I repaired the wire and rerouted it to prevent further chafing and the motor has not had a problem since.  However mine is an Edge with cable steering.

[Glenn]

I'd fathom a guess is the switch in the foot pedal.  Easy do-it-yourself fix.  Inexpensive part too.

[Fishing Rhino]

Speed control card or rheostat.  Happened to my Traxxis 55# trolling motor last year.

It took all of 15 minutes for a servicing dealer to swap out the part.  Can't tell you how much it would cost cause it was still under warranty.

[DaveSurfs]

I've had good luck w/ trollingmotorparts.com if you're in a DIY mood.

Best of Luck!

Dave

[Fish Chris]

Much thanks guys. The other thing I didn't mention.... my foot control pedal is apparently a little bit warped. So even before it malfunctioned, sometimes it would not "stay on" without actually holding the little switch with my foot.

So, I'll probably confirm the issue with the MinKota guy I mentioned, then just buy a new foot pedal, and kill two birds with one stone..... albeit, a $70 one.

Thanks again,

Fish

[Fishing Rhino]

My Motorguide always turns off when my foot is off the controller.   There is a position on the speed switch which will keep it running at all times.

I used a boat with a MinnKota and it was the same.  Foot had to be on the switch for it to run, unless you had the speed setting switch to the always on position.