Minn Kota Maxxum Pro 80# quit today?

[pinsandfins]

Yesterday I noticed a few times that when I had my motor pointed straight ahead and hit the button it wouldn't do anything and then it would kick in if I turned it to the right or left some. Then today it did the same thing. Then at one point it would kick in if I turned it to the right but not left or straight. Then of course it quit working all together and it wasn't the best of times in those strong winds today. Anything in particular I should check out? I know it's not the breaker or batteries. And pretty sure there is nothing wrapped around the prop. Circuit board maybe? Any help would be much appreciated! Or who should I contact? Thanks!

 

[rsimms]

Closest authorized Minn Kota repair is John Swallows, but he told me the other day that he is swamped.
ETM SPECIALTY CO
251 MORGAN RD NW
CHARLESTON, TN 37310
423-336-5438

or:

SWAFFORD TROLLING MOTOR (Authorized Minn Kota Service Center)
Rick Swafford
6441 Friendsville Rd.
Lenoir City, TN 37772
865-986-4455

Sounds far away, but it really doesn't take that long to get there. He's close to Ft. Loudon Dam. He <a href=http://www.chattanoogafishingforum.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=87660&posts=3&start=1>got me fixed up</a> earlier this week.

 

[spotsticker]

sounds like it maybe a loose wire or a bad connection is where I would start looking anyway. maybe it's nothing bad.............

 

[chillerman69]

I second the bad connection. Pull the top of the head off and check your first connection coming in or you might just wiggle them. Unless you've hit something in a crazy way, the wire from pedal to motor head should be good. Wires from battery got to foot pedal and if pedal is screwed down, I don't see the movement you described causing anything in there to act that way but, it's possible. If foot pedal is not mounted to deck, definitely check those. To have motor worked on by tech, you must remove and checking connections is easier than removing, at least to me.

One mechanic was mentioned and I'm sure he's good. If you have to get it worked on and live near Cleveland, John Swallows is our area guy. I think he still does it

 

[basscrazy]

Definitely sounds like a circuit board problem. Mine was doing that exact same thing and it was the wire running from the circuit board to the speed control knob. I'm not sure about that model but on mine you have to replace the whole circuit board just because that wire messed up.

 

[pinsandfins]

Good deal, thanks for the info. I'll check into that. I talked to John swallows today and he is super busy but can fit me in next week if I can't figure it out. I checked all the connections and ran a voltage test in the pedal and the head. I have power there. So I'm thinking maybe a bad connection in the foot maybe?? I'm not that comfortable taking that apart tho. Any recommendations? If not John said he could fit me in next week. I hate not being on the water tho with these fish getting on beds. What do you think about it?

 

[chillerman69]

John told you how to pull T/M didn't he? He recommended putting trolling motor down as if using it, if possible, before taking it off. The springs are under tension and can damage boat.

Nobody asked and you didn't say but if yours has a plug in connection, that would be likely area to have bad connection.

 

[djsmarinelectronics]

Swafford is a little further drive but he is in 5 days a week and you will get it done much quicker, whereas Swallows is a part timer and can take a while. Both guys are very good

 

[pinsandfins]

Thank you to all who replied to my post! Especially fishheadspin! I was able to track power all the way to the foot and found the negative wire disconnected. It is now reassembled and running great! So excited to save some money and to get back on the water tomorrow! Hope all is well, thanks again!

 

[EricM]

emoWorthy emoWorthy