Minnkota 55PD--no right turn

[EsaysFISHON]

I'm only finishing my second full season with a bow mount Minnkota 55PD Powerdrive and went to use it last weekend only to discover that I can't turn it to the right with the foot pedal. It still has complete power range and will turn to the left. Anyone know if this is a common problem with these, and more importantly, if the "common man" can do anything more to try and fix? The previous usage was in dry conditions and it worked fine, then sat for a week and suddenly didn't work. Replaced in-line fuse to no avail and no issues with any wiring. It would almost seem as though some kind of contact isn't working in the pedal--curious if that's something I should open up to look at or leave to the electronics experts. Anyone experience the same thing or have any advice? Thanks in advance! --ERIK

[solbes]

I'm no expert by any means, but I have heard of the pedals not working as a somewhat common occurence. If you know anyone else with a powerdrive, swap pedals to test the theory.

Could be much less costly than servicing the motor and finiding out it was indeed the pedal.

[Sutty]

I had mine go dead. There is a place in bloomington that services them. They have a thing rigged up so they can test the foot pad when you walk up and will sell you a new one if thats all it is. I don't remember what I paid for a new one but it was reasonable. I think it was called motor something they are on shakopee road and I tracked them down at minkota's web site under authorized service shops.

[rosspj59]

Fish electronics on university south of 694 can take a look at it and most likely sell you a new foot pad for 65 bucks. It is common for them to go out. My first one lasted 3.5 years. You may want to check your book to see how long your warranty is. I believe mine was 2 years originally.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Your problem also could be a broken wire in the coiled power cable.

I have had to have at least6 cables replaced in the past 2 years!

Cliff

[EsaysFISHON]

Thanks for the tips folks. Will check and see if it's a 2 yr warranty and then hook up w/ another's and see if prob still exists, then off to experts if need be. -E-

[stayman79]

The Motor Clinic is the place in Bloomington. I had the same thing happen, no warranty by then. To replace the part cost the same as buying a new foot pedal, approx $50. They told me for my problem (can't recall what was broke) I needed to keep it free of sand. If I was using it where there was a lot of sand present (that would then get in the boat and on/in the foot pedal) I should dunk the foot pedal in the lake to keep it clean. That's my tip!