Motor Guide Xi5 GPS Module Replacement | Curly Cable Replacement Too

[@PondamnsOutdoors]

Who needs a boat shop when you have the knowledge and skills you do. The cost of the parts are ridiculous. Love listening to the doves while you work. Great video brother. May I suggest A&J Boat Specialist for the name. LOL Love ya bro

[@AJOutdoors1]

LOL Thanks brother, and be safe!

[@StanleyOrchard]

Man I tell you what that project is a labor of love! I don’t know many people that could accomplish this!

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you Sir, you gotta do whatcha gotta do to save some $$. Plus I do enjoy doing this stuff some times. Don't tell Pondamn. ;)

[@axscdvfb]

Thank you so much. My power cable is all cracked up. I am replacing it tomorrow. Your video is a great help!

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you, I'm glad it can help you.

[@lostrevinos]

Thanks for the video! I successfully replaced my coil power cable today. It was pretty dry rotted. Wasn't too bad to replace. I'll be looking at replacing the pinpoint module and control board someday. Changing the cable showed me the other parts are pretty easy to access and replace. Thanks again.

[@AJOutdoors1]

I'm glad the video helped you.

[@skunkedagain]

Nicely documented. Mine went out but was under warranty, I’ll use this video if it does it again, my first batch of connectors melted really well. My next batch is like yours, where it never felt like it melted all the way... Amazon.... thanks for sharing, tim

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you Tim, I appreciate it.

[@JohnAmes]

Thanks for the great video my friend stay safe 👍😷

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you John, you stay safe too.

[@IBreathFishing]

What size shaft is that? I’m swapping to a longer shaft and curious if I might need a longer curly cable. Going from 36 to 60” lol

[@AJOutdoors1]

It a 60" shaft.

[@IslandLifeFishing]

Very useful video! Thank you for sharing!

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you.

[@FOXTheCutestDogintheWest]

Great job fixing this! You sounded like a little mouse! Full view friend! I hope you will come watch a long one of mine! Don’t forget...smiles guaranteed 👍🏻😁🦊❤️

[@diyertime]

I had to replace the main control board. I suggest you take lots of photos of how the cables are routed because it won't go together properly unless you duplicate their exact routing.

[@AJOutdoors1]

Great suggestion, I always take photos or video so I have something to refer back to.

[@buganoramones]

could you help me, where is the sensor that turns off the automatic engine when retracted? mine is connected directly. Thanks

[@AJOutdoors1]

Man I don't have this boat anymore, but I believe it is tied in the motor retainers when it is pulled all the way into the stowed position.

[@buganoramones]

@@AJOutdoors1 Thanks bro, I'll try to solve this, thanks, hugs from Brazil

[@AJOutdoors1]

Good luck, I hope you figure it out.

[@markdevins]

Are you also using this integrated with a Lowrance unit as an autopilot. Curious as to how the new GPS is performing in a networked setup.

[@AJOutdoors1]

Yes it is link, but I am having more issues with the motor, may be motherboard. I just haven’t had a chance to dig back into it.

[@dennisgoosney9891]

Hi,I had the same trouble with my xi5 trolling motor,called mercury marine and they told me I had to replace the gps module,replaced the gps module and that didn't work.called them again and they said will it must be in the circuit board.i replaced the circuit board and it still didn't work.i called them back again and they said I must have gotten a faulty gps module so they sent me a new one on warranty and it replace it and it still don't work.it works fine on Manuel mode,do you have any suggestions that I could try to fix it?

[@AJOutdoors1]

I wish I had something for you Dennis, but mine is not functioning properly again. Its about 5 years old so I plan to just replace it....

[@ashk8834]

Very nice job 👍🏼

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you!

[@realAlexEden]

Awesome video bro!! Keep it up! New supporter here!

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you!

[@antoniosperrakis8247]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Have you tried updating the trolling motor software? Mine is connected with a Lowrance unit via NMEA network and I am frequently prompted to update the trolling motor but I was never able to complete the update process. Screen always freezes as soon as I push the OK button to begin the update. Any help on that will be highly appreciated. Thanks

[@AJOutdoors1]

I have not done that, but I’ll look into it, thanks.

[@antoniosperrakis8247]

@@AJOutdoors1 Thank you. Waiting for your input.

[@AJOutdoors1]

Well I am having another issue with the trolling motor. May be the "Motherboard". I may have to replace the motor all together. Sorry I couldn't help you with this. If I do replace it, I'll look into updates for you. I do have one question, when you get these update notices, is the Lowrance linked to wifi? You might need to have it at the house and linked to wifi to complete the updates.

[@antoniosperrakis8247]

@@AJOutdoors1 the trolling motor is connected with the Lowrance unit via NMEA network (special cable - gateway sold by motorguide). No wifi or any other network connection. Just trolling motor and HDS Lowrance unit.

[@lmo1986]

@@antoniosperrakis8247 This is a well known issue with the 2019 and newer motorguide Xi5 trolling motors. In 2019 MotorGuide started using the new design of gps module that was installed in this video. I had the same issue where it kept prompting me to do the update and then the Lowrance would freeze until I turned it off. To resolve this I had to install my NEMA system with its own power switch. When on the water, I power up my Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2 first and let it aquire a gps signal. I then power up and deploy my Xi5 letting it acquire a gps signal. Last I turn the switch on to the NEMA system allowing the trolling motor and Lowrance to network.

[@mattobrien6190]

What Can I do if the GPS Calibrations fails? It was working but not very well so I tired the Compass calibration and drove the two circles then nothing happened. I didn't get the audible sounds tell me it completed successfully and now the GPS light just stays off. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

[@AJOutdoors1]

Matt, how many times did you attempt it? If only once, I’d say try again. If multiple times, give motorguide tech support a call.

[@mattobrien6190]

I got it to accept the compass calibration. Still is right though. Now it won’t hold a course and after about 5 minutes on spot lock it spins around and goes full speed and twists the cable all up. There has to be an easy fix. It’s brand new

[@AJOutdoors1]

Their tech support guys are usually pretty good, I'd go ahead and give them a call. They helped me determine that mine needed to be replaced.

[@mattobrien6190]

Unfortunately I don’t have the luxury of time. I purchased it before I left for the season to guide in northern Ontario . The faulty unit has already cost me more then the cost of an terrova . Let me know if anyone wants to buy it . Embarrassing

[@lmo1986]

@@mattobrien6190 There is a fix. The problem appears to be that in 2019 Motorguide changed the design of the gps module and it is causing the issues that you have described as well as many others. Motorguide tried to blame it on Lowrance and Lowrance said it was Motorguide's fault for switching gps modules without telling them causing some sort or communitcation protocol error between the trolling motor and Lowrance unit. It is pretty obvious that the issue is with the trolling motor though because lots of people are running their trolling motors as stand alone units not networked to a Lowrance unit and are experiencing the same proplems. The only solution to date is to find a pre 2019 gps module( like the one that was removed from the trollling motor in this video) and replace the new design module with the old design module. I live in Manitoba and my local MotorGuide/Mercury dealer wants $1350.00 Canadian for a new gps module and they can't guarantee me if it will be the new or old design.

[@caseyhowell8213]

Where did you buy the GPS module?

[@AJOutdoors1]

Here's a link. trollingmotorparts.com/motor-guide-pinpoint-gps-module-xi3-xi5/

[@caseyhowell8213]

Thanks a bunch!!

[@AJOutdoors1]

@@caseyhowell8213 no problem, you’re welcome.

[@Doc.Holiday]

Ditto, having same problem!

[@MCVLOG903]

Good job bro

[@AJOutdoors1]

Thank you.

[@jordanverh202]

do you live in florida? could I pay you to replace my cord?

[@AJOutdoors1]

I'm sorry, I wish I was in Florida, but I'm in Texas.

[@michael476b]

I replaced the gps module on my xi5 and now when I start up my lowrance units it ask for a trolling motor Update. Of course lowrance or motorguide haven't got a clue.

[@AJOutdoors1]

That is a new one to me. I would keep bugging motorguide.

[@lmo1986]

There is a firmware problem with the newer style gps modules. This is a well documented issue. The solution is to have your NMEA on its own power switch then follow a certain power up sequence. I used to get the same prompt and my Lowrance would just freeze up and nothing would happen with regards to the update. I put my NMEA on its own switch. Now when I get to the lake and launch my boat I first turn on my Lowrance Elite Ti2. While its acquiring gps signal, I plug in my Xi5. I navigate to where I am going to use my Xi5 and then deploy it. Once the led indicates that it has acquired a gps signal, then I turn on the switch to the NMEA system and I no longer get the Update prompt. I have read on a number of websites that it is bad to leave your MotorGuide constantly connected to your batteries....especially during charging of the batteries. I have my Xi5 on a plug so its not an issue for me. I always unplug when not in use out of the water. If you don't want to install a switch on your NMEA system you could also get away with just pulling the fuse and then after you power up both your Lowrance unit and Xi5 reinstall the fuse. Good news is that MotorGuide has ackowledged the issues with the firmware in these new gps modules. They have updated the firmware. Its being sent to authorized Service Centers on a USB dongle. You will have to take your motor or ship it to a Service Center where they will install the new firmware on your motor. This should be happening in the next few weeks from what I have read.

[@michael476b]

I went through a startup sequence and it worked most of the time . It finally died this weekend. I wasted my money on this xi5. Never again.

[@michael476b]

It's been 5 years and now the motor is gone. That's it for motorguide. I will never own another motorguide product. It has been nothing but headaches including the connection to lowrance.

[@trailerestatescovenantchur7652]

My xi5 will turn to the left but not to the right, also I do not have a gps signal

[@AJOutdoors1]

I would call their service department, they can be very helpful. Not turning one way is a new one to me.

[@danieldwayne1228]

How do you like the motor guide

[@AJOutdoors1]

I love it! I chose it over the minkota because it will link to my Lowrance. The minkota will link to hummingbird.

[@danieldwayne1228]

I have the Minkota ultera. I like it. But I do use . So I don’t have it linked

[@AJOutdoors1]

@@danieldwayne1228 I think they're both good systems. To be honest, the only real benefit I see with it being linked is I can control it with the graph if I had an issue with the remote.

[@stevenogle6140]

@@AJOutdoors1 I also like the way with the graph I can drive around and look for schools of fish. Then I can scroll back on the sonar to were I saw the fish. Click on the fish, go here, and I it will take me right over that school of fish and anchor there.

[@AJOutdoors1]

@@stevenogle6140 Yeah that is another great capability!

[@ron8269]

Xi5 customer support is HORRIBLE, absolutely the I've worst ever had to deal with. After a few months of problems, made a man-made reef out of my Xi5...

[@AJOutdoors1]

Sorry to hear that Ron.