Need Trolling Motor Help

[Luke512]

Was fishing the other day - got hung up in very shallow water near the bank - trolled over closer to the lure to try to work it loose. Got the bait loose and then began trolling away from the bank. As I was trolling away from the bank, trolling motor was on high (5) and set to momentary (not constant). I was trolling and hit a tree under the water with the trolling motor. It jarred the boat so I let off the trolling motor foot pedal - but even after I took my foot off of it, it continued to run for about 3-4 seconds (it was still on momentary, so should have quit running when I took my foot off of it). After it kept going for 3-4 seconds - it stopped. I thought it was weird what it did, so I put my foot on the pedal again and tried to push the foot pedal - but it wouldn't turn on. It wouldn't do anything when I pressed the foot pedal. Then I tried to switch the switch to "constant" and it worked (in all 5 speeds). But won't do anything in "momentary". I definitely don't want to fish with it like that (running in "constant") all the time. But it won't do anything in "momentary" now (on any speed). Just wondering if anyone knew what it could be? I have looked and found several parts for the MinnKota Maxxum online (which is the type of trolling motor I have), but don't know what is wrong with it so I don't know what part to order. I was thinking it could be the momentary switch (that engages when you press on the foot pedal), but don't know for sure. Could anyone help me out?

[pastorbass]

Over at bass boat central, Jones Trolling Motor service is a board sponsor and also a moderator on the trolling motor forums. He answers private messages and responds to threads regularly. May want to try over there. Also, last time I talked to Sam Loveless from Somerset, he was getting ready to become a certified Minn Kota Warranty rep I think. If you know of Sam, may be worth giving him a call.

[LJP]

My guess would be a bad switch on you foot pedal.

[Luke512]

Thanks guys, I ordered the momentary foot pedal switch box (it's the small box attached to the underside of the foot pedal that has the button that sticks up on the foot pedal that you push to make it run). It was only $17, so I'll try that first. It looks fairly easy to install (just 3 screws and 2 wires). Guess I'll find out if that's what it is when it gets here in the mail and I change it out. Hopefully I didn't just waste $17. Thanks!

[Havacman]

Thanks guys, I ordered the momentary foot pedal switch box (it's the small box attached to the underside of the foot pedal that has the button that sticks up on the foot pedal that you push to make it run). It was only $17, so I'll try that first. It looks fairly easy to install (just 3 screws and 2 wires). Guess I'll find out if that's what it is when it gets here in the mail and I change it out. Hopefully I didn't just waste $17. Thanks!

My guess is that will fix your problem. The sticking on can be caused by the contacts in the switch (which are tiny) building enough heat in them to "stick" or kid of melt themselves together on, then when it finally opens there is enough damage to prevent contacts from making a connection. I have a motorguide and the momentary switch is common failure after awhile.

[Luke512]

Thanks Havacman, I'll try it when it comes in the mail and let everyone know. Thanks for all the help.

[JUSTINHALL]

It's easy to test the switch with a volt meter. All you have to do is test for continuity on the leads where the wires plug in on when you press the switch. You should have continuity when you press the button and no continuity when you release. Just remove the 3 screws to get the switch out and disconnect the wires and test. If the switch is good than it is on the other selector where you toggle back between constant and momentary, which also can be tested the same way.
If you are not good with a tester and the read out values just put it on beeper. Touch your leads together and it will beep, any time you have continuity it will beep. Put each line on a lead and press the button and listen for the beep its very simple. I know you already ordered the part but next time it might not be $17 you may need to diagnose first.

[Luke512]

Got the new momentary switch box in the mail and put it on, it worked. Thanks for the help guys.