TROLLING MOTOR PROBLEM PLEASE HELP!!!

[Kja0008]

I have a Minn Kota 70 edge and have never had any problems. This afternoon the button all of a sudden became hard to press in. The only way I could get it to run was by stomping on the button and then it ran fine until I took my foot off of it. I was thinking the button may not be making a good connection. Also the motor was very hot. Does anyone know what the problem may be?

 

[fhhuber]

Might be 2 issues at once...

Button could be failing.

Very easily could have old fish line and such wrapped on the motor shaft slowing it causing the motor to overheat. Amazing how much I just removed from my trolling motor...
Pull the trolling motor prop at least once a year to check in there. Only takes a few minutes.

 

[gm280]

Sounds like it is time to replace the foot switch. Do a search for the trolling motor model number and locate the part number for the switch. Buy it and replace it. As for the motor getting hot, fhhuber's idea is a very good one. Check it out and see if there is some monofilament wrapped around the prop shaft. Also clean all the contacts to shiny metal... JMHO!

 

[Silvertip]

Yup! Stomping on the foot pedal is a good way to fix a jammed "go" button. What very likely happened is that sand or other debris became wedged in the area around the button making it hard to press. Stomping on it has now damaged the switch that the button actuates. This is a common issue for heavily used foot pedals. Had you just picked it up, looked at it carefully you would have seen the issue and been able to free up the button. And you may still be able to do that if you are lucky. At least have a look before you dash out and buy a new pedal.