Minn Kota is a famous brand that is mostly known for its amazing lineup of motors that can be used on boats.
The company has a wide range of devices that you can choose from and each of them is equipped with unique features. The Ulterra model is one of the best options that you can go for.
The LED indicators on the Minn Kota Ulterra motor are a great feature that helps keep anglers updated about the current situation of the motor.
If the unit is in good shape, the red light should only be on when the motor is stowed or is in the middle of deployment.
The flashing red light is often linked with the deployment of the motor, and it turns off once the motor is fully deployed.
However, some issues with the motor can cause the red light to keep flashing. So, it is not that rare for customers to deal with Minn Kota Ulterra red light flashing.
Minn Kota Ulterra Red Light Flashing
Luckily, these solutions have helped countless users fix the flashing issues. This is why make sure that you go through the troubleshooting steps provided carefully.
The process should help you in understanding what might be causing the issue as well as how it can be fixed.
- Service Minn Kota Ulterra Motor
If you’re dealing with this situation with the red light flashing on Ulterra, then you need to service the unit immediately.
This issue only presents itself when the motor is not deploying properly. So, you have to check the pivot points and remove any excess debris caught between the pivot points.
Just make sure that the motor can freely move to deploy and stow using the power from the battery.
That will help you get ahead of these red-light flashing issues with the Minn Kota Ulterra installed on your boat.
The debris can be easily removed in most cases but there are some additional things that should be noted.
Some people might wonder why dust can prevent the motor from deploying. When it comes to this, you should note that the clogs might be preventing the fans from moving.
It is mostly recommended that you keep your motor maintained as it helps in prolonging its life and avoiding issues like these.
However, if you had not been doing this then a lot of dust and debris might have entered the motor, causing the internal parts to get clogged.
This not only prevents the device from working but also has a chance of damaging the internal parts.
This is why it is best that you clean the device as soon as possible. Depending on how much debris there is, some people might have to remove the parts and then clean them.
The process is slightly technical as you have to first remove the different parts and then put them back together.
If you are having trouble with this, then one recommendation is that you consult the manual provided along with your Minn Kota Ulterra.
This should contain step-by-step instructions on how you can take apart the motor and then clean up the parts.
People can also search for videos online that can be followed to complete the task. Though, there are also some users that might feel hesitant to do all of this on their own.
If you are one of them then it is best that you take the motor to a specialist instead. They will clean the device for you and even teach you how this can be done.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay a small fee, but it is mostly worth it as you no longer have to go through all the hassle.
- Remove Obstructions From The Motor
It is not that rare for obstructions in the movement path of the motor to create these issues.
Even when the power from the battery is optimal, you need to check the movement path and make sure nothing is blocking the movement.
Otherwise, the motor will keep showing you the red status indicator.
Try to completely remove the power connections before checking the obstructions in the motor, as your finger can get caught in the pivot points if the motor comes on randomly.
The process is similar to the maintenance mentioned above but this is generally easier as you can remove most stuff without having to open the motor.
Just keep in mind that stuff entering the motor can sometimes damage its blade.
This is why you should also check the condition of the blade and ensure that it is not faulty or broken.
If the blades are slightly bent, then try moving them back to their original position. This should help you in avoiding tons of problems later on.
On the other hand, if the blades are broken then make sure that you get them replaced with new ones. The blades being faulty can result in tons of issues including lack of performance.
- Check the Wiring and Battery
Checking the power is the next thing that you need to do with the Minn Kota Ulterra.
There is a good chance that the device is not functioning properly because of insufficient power from the battery.
So, if you’ve not checked the battery in a while, now might be a good time to do so.
If the output from the battery doesn’t match the demands of the motor, then replacing the battery is the only real option.
You won’t be able to fix this issue with Ulterra until proper power is supplied to the trolling motor.
The battery has wirings attached to its terminals that are supplying current to the motor. Start by testing the wires using a voltmeter.
If you don’t already have this device with you then try borrowing it from someone else. Though it is mostly recommended that you purchase one as it comes in handy.
You can now test the connections and then compare the results with the standard current.
If you notice any fluctuations, then the wirings might be damaged or faulty.
These should be replaced with new ones to fix your problem. Some people might wonder how the wires got damaged.
When it comes to this, people should note that improper routing is the main reason behind faulty wires.
As long as you keep the cables routed properly, problems like these can be avoided. Moving on, the next thing that you can check is the terminals on your battery.
If the wires were in perfect condition, then there is a high chance that your terminals are clogged. These can gather dust and form corrosion over time which cuts off the connection.
Usually, the current can be restored by removing debris and corrosion from your battery.
The process is simple and the only thing you need to do is remove the connection from your battery.
Now carefully clean the terminals and take off all the dust gathered. People should also fill up the battery with water as it might be running low.
This is another reason why your battery might be causing problems. Some users report that the corrosion on the terminals is stuck.
This can be annoying, but you can usually remove it by using a strong cleaning solution. This helps in softening the layer of corrosion so that it can be taken off.
After this is done, the battery should be left to charge for some time. If you notice that it is still not working, then your battery might require a replacement.
These should be changed after every few years. However, the life of your battery usually depends on your usage.
- Call Minn Kota Support
If the issue with the Minn Kota Ulterra red light flashing is not fixed at this stage, then the only thing left for you is to call the Minn Kota support.
The possibility of damage to the internal control board is always there, and you can’t fix the internal board yourself. So, try to call the excerpts as soon as you run into this issue.
In most situations, the two-year warranty on the Minn Kota Ulterra will cover these types of problems.
So, if the Minn Kota Ulterra red light won’t stop flashing and you’ve tried every basic fix, then call the Minn Kota support.
The team might ask you some questions regarding the problem so make sure that you answer them carefully.
This should help you in getting rid of the issues easily as they can isolate them. Sometimes the problem can simply be fixed using troubleshooting methods.
Although if this does not work then the team will ask you to send your motor back to them.
They will then replace the faulty parts for you so that the same problem does not appear again.
Make sure that you check the warranty guidelines beforehand to avoid further issues.