Minn Kota Ulterra Deploy Issue Solution

This applies to Minn Kota Ulterra models 2018 and newer experiencing issues with deploying the motor or “motor error” being shown on the remote when trying to deploy. Very often it’s a stuck magnet / spring below the right side motor mount that needs to be serviced. It’s an easy fix but took a long time to diagnose. Forgot to mention in the video you should always first check to make sure the battery has full voltage to the motor.

[@gypsyric]

Thank you so much! Mine had a dirt dauber nest in there around the spring! Problem solved, I really do appreciate you posting this, minn kota is no help at all with issues like these.

[@rodneyheupel7269]

The magnet in the cam arm sensor will be directly over the sensor when the motor is in the deployed position. Inspect the cam arm sensor mechanism for hair line cracks, there has been an upgrade to this part, the updated cam arm sensor assembly uses a plastic screw.

[@andyz1438]

This video saved my ass out in the middle of the lake! Thanks! My sensor was stuck. And would not ploy up...In an emergency sitiation, where you can't take it appart you can reach your finger behind the cover from the front of the trolling motor and touch the sensor to get it to spring back.

[@mikewilliams416]

This worked for me. I was about to take it to a service center so you saved me some money. Thank you!

[@torquedad]

So glad! It’s really a pretty simple fix but it took me hours to find the solution.

[@Geob55]

Good video and good tips, but i just noticed at the end of you video, the prop is covering most of you skeg, but it appears to be misaligned. This is a common issue with the 4" motors if you hit bottom and it rotates the brush housing and causes s leakage due to the motor thru bolts being bent and the thru bolt o-rings to leak. This video is a year old, so the resulting water damage has probably already occurred, but I thought I would point it out in case other owners may be facing the same issue. If you hit bottom, make sure that the skeg is aligned with the column. If not remove the prop, loosen the thru bolts slightly. Rotate the skeg to it's proper orientation and retorque the thru bolts to 40-50 inch pounds. Ideally you should replace the o-rings and pull the thru bolts to see if they are bent, but that would be up to the owner.

[@utubepablotx]

Big thanks. Was able fix my problem in a jiffy. Other folks comments also would be helpful for possible future issues. As in another comment a dirt-daubler my have been the root issue.

[@santadj33]

Great lesson... Thank you,

[@navyred8616]

Wow. Very helpful. My remote says stow and the motor is in the stowed position. It doesn’t give me the option to deploy. I think this is the problem. Thank you for sharing.

[@torquedad]

Glad it helped

[@56igadget]

There's a good video on KZbin from Minn Kota on how to do maintenance on the Ulterra. Minn Kota says do not put anything on the worm gear

[@codylenoard]

Thanks for the video

[@mikehill3764]

Thanks!

[@cedricstone7306]

Good and useful vid/pod, thanks a million. Can't locate any silicone based, (non hydrocarbon based) cleaner in NewZealand yet, but were working on it! DIY the only fix here too, So KZbin has some value. Minnkota (or nz agent ) would charge you mega-bucks just to open lid? Good advice to wash of everything after seawater exposure.

[@stevemclennan1257]

I'm in NZ, Cedric, and looked everywhere for a water based silicone spray but Minn Kota says Amour All does the job.

[@larryseigler9223]

Pledge furniture spray is the same thing…..water based silicone. Works fine.

[@lifeliver9000]

I’m from Whangārei NZ and about to follow this vid to fix my deploy stopping after 20cm and having to re stow 🤞also been looking for water based silicone. Pledge or Armour All looks the go. Man I hope I can fix myself…..

[@lifeliver9000]

Bugger I followed instructions and found spring working fine ….think there is a rest option, I’ll try that.

[@rds990]

Minnkota says DON'T GREASE the drive screw mechanism (that long silver screw ). Yours has grease all over it.

[@are6mr2]

Minn Kota actually says not to lube the screw rod thingy (can't remember the exact name) as the lube will cause debris to collect and clog the threads. My dealer lubed mine and has seemed to work great. I'm not even sure what's best.

[@gordontomaszewski1420]

Worm gear shouldn’t be lubed per Minn Kota !

[@ehh2cool]

How many batteries does it take to run the Minnkota Alterra is it a 24 V system?

[@torquedad]

I have the 36V 112lb version. Three batteries

[@gordontomaszewski1420]

Biggest problem with the Ulterra for the most part falls on the owners ! People don’t read the instruction manual and preform the necessary maintenance! I have a 2018 and have had zero issue! Clean and spray shaft and belt after ever use and do maintenance 2x a year! Doesn’t take but a couple minutes to prevent most problems associated with the Ulterra !

[@hulkhuggett]

Thanks for posting this. I have one of these on order and was literally about to cancel my order until I read your comment.

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Same here follow their maintenance instructions and your golden ! 👍

[@dubmcbride5952]

Minnkota mechanic for 50 years says zero lubricant for the ulterra.

[@rds990]

Minnkota states NO GREASE on the silver drive screw inside housing !!

[@joeldonnahoo4902]

Silicone spray and wipe it down when your done

[@tomsaccordion]

Can one use WD40 instead of silicone spray?

[@JeffN-A]

I would not. Water based lube only

[@tomsaccordion]

@@JeffN-A Thank You!

[@JeffN-A]

@@tomsaccordion kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5OkgYxpqpt_gNk link is from Minn Kota with maintenance details. Hope this helps

[@wertufgui9431]

Good afternoon. When turning the engine to the right, it makes much louder noises than when turning it to the left. What can it be? Here on video. kzbin.infoqCgITsiLa8g