What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

[David B.]

Hey yall, Im having a problem with my TM and I was hoping someone might have an idea of what it could be. I was on the water and it was running fine, then I went to another spot and went to turn it on and it wouldn't come on, (prop wasn't spinning and it didn't sound like the motor was running), I pulled it out of the water and looked at it and it came on for a few seconds but then shut off again and never came back on again. everything else works fine ,it has full current going to it, it still steers, still beeps normally when I try to run it with my co pilot. won't run with the foot control and the co pilot disconnected either. I pulled off the prop and everything looks fine, it won't even spin without the prop on. Its a minn kota AP riptide 65lb thrust. it is about 8 years old and used a lot (well over 1000 hours of use). Anyone have any theories of what it could be? If I can't fix it myself I may take it to a repair shop, If it cost to much to fix I may just get a new one, could be a good excuse to get a I pilot but I'd rather fix it if I can save some money

thanks for any help!

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

it could be the brushes. i am on my second set of brushes on my endura 30. when they went it was sudden also.

 

[David B.]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

Thanks for the reply, I wish there was a way to troubleshoot to figure out what it is. I wonder if it could be the control panel or something else in the control box? I did bang that area on my bowrail earlier that day, I didn't think it was hard enough to cause damage but its possible

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

brushes would be the first place to check on a motor with that amount of run time. The fact it came back to life for a moment once it had been moved also fits with the idea that the brushes are worn out.

 

[David B.]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

I guess I'll have to take it to a service center because I don't have a clue how to change brushes, It don't sound like it should cost much if that's the problem
edit: I was just reading on an old forum that you can disconnect the red and black wire from the control board and hook it directly to a battery and if the prop spins then the board is the problem, if it doesn't then the lower unit is bad. does that sound plausible?

 

[Roberthill]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

Order Minn Kota Trolling Motor Parts Online from FISH307.com
Here is a link to parts list .

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

I guess I'll have to take it to a service center because I don't have a clue how to change brushes, It don't sound like it should cost much if that's the problem
edit: I was just reading on an old forum that you can disconnect the red and black wire from the control board and hook it directly to a battery and if the prop spins then the board is the problem, if it doesn't then the lower unit is bad. does that sound plausible?

sounds like a good way to test the motor before deciding if the brushes are the problem. Just make sure you don't connect anything to the board terminals.

 

[David B.]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

Thanks for the replies! I tested it and it seems to be something in the lower unit so I guess you guys may be right about starting with replacing the brushes. All I would need to order is the brush assembly right? I hope its something I can do myself

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: What Could Be Wrong With My Trolling Motor?

I haven't seen the break down for your motor but it should be simple to replace the brush's and the O-rings. With any motor there is a order you have to reassemble the unit starting with the rear section with the brushes then moving forward to the front. Replace any O-rings as you go.