The Minn Kota Ultrex is known in the market because of its steering responsiveness. It is more efficient in demanding conditions that can even maneuver through rough water conditions.
Even though the thrust on this unit maxes out at 80 pounds, it will feel much smoother on water.
The trailing motor is also equipped with a powerful GPS that allows fishermen to check where they are going.
This can be linked with the One-Boat Network from the brand that allows people to follow depth contours automatically. On top of this, you also have the option to connect your mobile phone.
So, you should use this option if the water conditions are rough in your local fishing region. While Minn Kota Ultrex is pretty great overall, you will still deal with some performance issues every now and then.
There are quite a few minor issues that you will experience down the road.
So, go through this comprehensive list of common Minn Kota Ultrex problems that you can run into along with some relevant troubleshooting methods.
Going through the information should not only help people in getting rid of the problems but also ensure that these are prevented.
7 Solutions to Common Minn Kota Ultrex Problems
- Low Thrust From The Motor
Even though the Minn Kota Ultrex unit is known for its better power, you will find a ton of reports of anglers complaining about poor performance from this unit.
Most of the time, this low thrust from the motor is caused by issues with the battery connections.
So, if you’re sure that the unit is not damaged and there is nothing clogging up the prop, just check the quality of the connections on your unit.
The process is simple as the only thing people need to do is ensure that all the wirings are connected tightly.
In some cases, users report that the terminals on the battery were covered in corrosion.
This is a common issue that comes from the frequent use of the batteries on your vehicle. People should note that it is best that they deal with this problem as soon as possible as it might be causing the low thrust.
If the corrosion is recent, it can be scraped off by applying a little pressure on the terminals.
If you notice that the corrosion is still not coming off, then your only option is to pour warm water on top of the connectors. This allows the corrosion to soften so that it can be removed easily.
There is a good chance that removing this corrosion can allow people to get consistent power from the motor.
If you don’t want to use warm water, another solution you can go with is getting a bit of cleaner from the market or a diluted vinegar solution, which is enough to fix the motor.
- Spot Lock Problems When Using Autopilot
Spot-Lock features and the autopilot system are pretty convenient when you’re using the motor for an extended period.
However, some complaints have recently mentioned issues with the Spot-Lock disengaging without any input from the users.
This issue can be traced back to defective sensors and interference issues in the motor. When fixing the problem, there are several things that can be tried.
You can either try to remove any magnetic equipment that is stored close to the heading sensor.
Make sure that these are at least 2 ft of the distance between the sensors and the ferrous material. That should fix the Ultrex Spot-Lock issues in most cases.
However, if you notice that the problem is still present then there is a high chance that the sensors might be clogged.
This mainly happens when the sensors have been catching dust for long periods. People can usually remove the dust from the sensors to fix them.
However, this should be done carefully as the sensors are quite fragile Applying too much pressure can result in them breaking or getting damaged.
In some cases, the problem can also be from the sensors being damaged. If this happens, then your only option is to get the sensors replaced with new ones.
These can be ordered directly from the customer support team of Minn Kota, just remember to provide them with the exact model of your vehicle.
- Excessive Vibration from the Motor
If you’re in a situation with excessive vibration from the motor or the system is too noisy, then the motor is likely unbalanced.
These balance-related issues in the motor are linked to a damaged prop. So, you need to properly inspect the prop for possible damages.
You can usually confirm if the prop is damaged by checking its condition. Hence if the part is faulty then replacing it is the only real solution.
However, if you’re sure that the prop is in good shape, then you have to remove excessive weeds from around the prop to get the system working again.
These might have gotten stuck inside the propeller while you were roaming around. The problem is common, but this is why it is recommended that you keep the prop clean.
Clearing out any clogs from the device after your trip can help in avoiding these problems and prolong the health of your prop.
- Loose Foot Pedal
The condition of the steering cables plays a huge role in keeping the motor responsive to input.
Ideally, the foot pedal should feel firm, and the motor should respond to input immediately. However, users did mention issues with a loose foot pedal and poor control over the steering of the motor.
These issues are linked to a damaged steering cable, and you need to check the tension on the cable to isolate the issue.
Carefully observing the cable is essential as there might be small cracks or breaks on it. These identify that the cables are broken and have to be replaced with new ones.
If the cable is not damaged, then tightening up the screws should fix the tension.
Make sure that you don’t tighten the screws too tightly as this can also prevent problems. Having a cable that has too high of tension can make the foot pedal harder to control.
- Erratic Operations
There have been a ton of reports where users are struggling with erratic operations from Minn Kota Ultrex. Owners pointed out that the motor will turn on even in the stowed position.
This problem with the Minn Kota Ultrex is often related to a defective control board.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about fixing this issue yourself. You can try opening up the device and then check its connections.
If any wire has come off or is damaged, then repair it carefully to fix the problem. Though this is difficult for most users to do on their own.
So, just call the experts and have them repair the device for you. Alternatively, you can take the defective control board to a nearby electrician and ask them to check it for you.
Depending on your feasibility one out of the two solutions might suit you better.
- The Motor Does Not Turn Off
Minn Kota Ultrex is also known to run into issues with the power switch. The community forums are loaded with reports on the motor not turning off after using the power switch multiple times.
There is also a possibility that the control board on the unit is damaged.
As mentioned above, the solution is the same. Trying to fix the control board on your own can be a difficult task.
Only people who have prior knowledge about the system can attempt fixing the part on their own. Hence, contacting a specialist will always be the better option in cases like these.
- Faulty or Damaged Parts On Minn Kota Ultrex
Finally, people should note that the problems provided above are some of the most common issues that they will run into.
As long as you go through the troubleshooting steps, fixing the problems should be a lot easier. These can also be prevented as long as you are cautious.
However, some other parts can get damaged. When it comes to them, identifying the problems can be quite technical.
You can try finding the reason on your own, but this will most likely take a lot of time. Considering this, a better solution is contacting the support team for Minn Kota.
That way, you won’t have to spend much time isolating the issue with Minn Kota Ultrex and the customer support should find the problem on their own.
They might ask you a few questions regarding the problem so make sure that you answer these carefully.
This helps in speeding up the process so that your problem can be dealt with quickly. People also have the option to claim their warranty service here which can be quite useful.
This allows users to get free discounts and repairs as long as the service is still active.