Garmin Force trolling motor is one of the most popular units on the market because of its durability. However, every once in a while, you will come across anglers complaining about Garmin Force trolling motors needing to turn on.
There can be a ton of factors that can play into this situation, and most are related to power connections.
The following details on why your Garmin Force trolling motor won’t turn on should improve your understanding of the motor. Hopefully, you can fix the unit yourself if you ever get into the same situation.
Garmin Force Trolling Motor Won’t Turn On Fix:
- Check Battery Status
The trolling motor battery status indicator will help you keep track of the voltage levels at all times. If the motor doesn’t turn on, you must ensure that the battery is in good shape.
Almost every angler complaining about this issue with the Garmin trolling motors pointed out that their batteries were drained out.
So, you need to either make use of the display panel or get yourself a multimeter to check the voltage output from the battery, especially when the motor refuses to turn on.
You can try using an external battery charger if you have one.
Ensure that the connectors and wires remain tight while connecting both devices to avoid any issues in power output from the battery source.
If you don’t have access to a multimeter or charger, then your final resort is getting professional assistance. Call your local dealer to send a technician for troubleshooting. You could also try checking the hardware yourself.
You can take out the battery from the motor and test it individually with another item, such as a flashlight or portable lamp. A strong battery will emit a stable light when connected to either device.
If you have verified that the battery is in good shape, but the motor still won’t turn on, it could be a problem with the wiring or other internal components.
In this case, you should remove the trolling motor from your boat to inspect it more closely. To do this, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the wires and take out the propeller.
- Remove the bolts and screws that hold the motor in place.
- Take out all components, such as cables and wires connected to the motor body.
- Inspect all parts for any signs of damage or corrosion, especially around the contacts you usually connect to other items via wires.
- If everything seems alright, carefully put the motor back together. Ensure you reconnect all wires and connectors in their proper positions to avoid any issues with voltage or power output.
Now, it’s time to try turning on your motor again. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to contact a professional for further assistance.
- Inspect Power Cables
If the battery voltage is sufficient and matches the requirements of the motor, then you need to inspect the power cable for possible issues. There is a good chance that the power cable has frayed sections or is kinked at a weird angle.
You will need to inspect the power cable for any signs of damage carefully.
If you notice any indications of damage, then you need to replace it immediately.
You may find a replacement cable from a parts store or online, but if this is not an option, you can consider having the motor repaired by your local mechanic or an authorized dealer.
If the power cable looks in good condition, you should check that it is properly connected to the battery and motor. Again, you will need to carefully inspect these connections for any signs of damage or corrosion.
If there are any problems with either connection, you will need to clean them off and reconnect them securely.
So, before anything else, you need to check the condition of these cables and then get them replaced if they are indeed damaged.
You will get performance out of the machine once the power connections are managed appropriately, and the motor receives a sufficient voltage supply.
If the power cable seems to be in good condition and properly connected, you should next check the motor itself for any signs of damage or wear. You may need to remove the motor’s cover and look at the internal components.
If you see anything worn, damaged, or faulty, you will need to have the motor repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Once you have checked all these components and addressed any issues, your Garmin trolling motor should be back up and running like normal.
Be sure to regularly inspect and maintain your trolling motor, so it continues to operate effectively for years to come.
- Check For Obstructions
At this point, you need to ensure that nothing is blocking the propeller from rotating. If the display panel powers up and you’re only dealing with responsiveness issues related to the motor, then you need to check the propeller.
Ideally, servicing the propeller should get the motor working again..
You should check for loose connection points further and try to power cycle the motor again. The experts on Garmin customer support are responsive and help customers through any and every issue with the trolling motors.
So, if the issue still needs to be fixed after servicing the propeller, then you need a new unit.
- Stow & Deploy Motor
Sometimes, the fix is as simple as stowing and deploying the motor. It is common for anglers to interfere with the unit’s deployment, and the motor will turn on once it is fully deployed.
So, to stay ahead of this complication, you need to stow the motor and deploy it completely. Make sure you’re not in shallow waters, which should be enough to start your system.
If your Garmin Force is not defective, it should start without further complications. However, if you’re still stuck in the same problem, it might be better to claim a warranty on your device.
- Trolling Motor Settings
Trolling motors are no longer just a luxury used by fishermen. Many recreational boaters use trolling motors because they provide more control over the boat while moving at low speeds.
But getting it to work correctly every time is not always easy, especially if you need to learn how to use it properly.
First, make sure that you are using the correct settings for the conditions you are operating in.
For instance, if you are fishing in deep waters, you may need to adjust your speed accordingly so that your boat doesn’t run aground or hit underwater objects.
Additionally, pay close attention to the battery settings on your trolling motor. Some models come with built-in charge indicators that will let you know when it is time to recharge, while other models may require more frequent monitoring of the battery level.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced boater, taking the time to understand and properly use your trolling motor is essential for getting the most out of it.
If you are having trouble getting your motor to work correctly, try reviewing the settings and troubleshooting tips before taking your boat out again. With a little practice and patience, you should be able to get your trolling motor working like a charm in no time!
How to prevent Garmin Force Trolling Motor not turning On?
Garmin is a leading and innovative company that manufactures marine electronics for various purposes.
They provide a huge collection of high-quality instruments like fishing lines, depth finders, and advanced features such as trolling motor operation, speed gauges, GPS, etc.
If you have recently purchased a Garmin trolling motor and are facing issues turning it on or if it needs to be fixed, there could be several reasons for that.
This post will discuss some of the common causes behind this issue and provide possible solutions to fix them.
The first thing to do is check the power and speed controls of the trolling motor. Make sure that both these controls are turned on; if not, turn them on and try again.
If the controls are already turned on, but your motor is still not working, there may be a glitch in your trolling motor’s wiring, and you will need to get it checked by a professional.
In addition, there might be instances where your trolling motor might need to be calibrated properly with your fishing boat. To fix this issue, make sure that the trolling motor is installed on the right side of your boat before starting to use it.
To prevent such issues in the future, it is always recommended to keep the trolling motor cleaned and properly maintained. This will ensure the efficient functioning of your equipment and help you avoid any unwanted issues or glitches.
These tips and tricks will help you prevent any future issues with your Garmin trolling motor and ensure the efficient functioning of this high-quality instrument.