Hand-Control Models with a Control Board

Updated August 29, 2024 13:25

Click here to download the Hand-Control Models with a Control Board Repair Manual PDF

Jump to:

Part I. Conventional steering models
- Part I - Case II. Motor runs intermittently (cuts in and out, fails to run in either forward or reverse, or kicks from forward into reverse).
- Part I - Case III. Motor fails to operate properly.
Part II. 3X steering models
- Part II - Case I. Directional Indicator always stays lit.
- Part II - Case II. Steering is squeaky.
Disassembly / Reassembly Procedures
- 3X Disassembly
- 3X Reassembly

Part I. Conventional steering models

Part I - Case I. The motor runs at full speed when switched “on” regardless of the speed handle speed setting. Motor will also run at full speed even when the speed selector at “0” or “off”.

Cause: This is an indication of a control board failure requiring replacement of the control board assembly. However, if the board was just replaced and the new board being tested is found to be running at full speed when switched “on”, the cause could be the inadvertent reversal of the black battery negative (B-) wire and the black motor negative (M-) wire. If these two wires are accidentally reversed when installing the new replacement board the motor will run at 100% (full power) when switched “on”. If this occurs, re-check the wiring by comparing it to the diagram included with the replacement control board. Correct any wiring mistakes and re-test the motor for proper operation.

Corrective Action: The corrective action for the motor running at full speed when switched “on” is replacement of the main control board assembly located in the footpedal, base extrusion, or control box (depending on the model being repaired). Be sure to follow the wiring diagram and any special instructions for the board installation that are included with the replacement control board. (There is a video of this procedure in the Service Videos/Motors Service Videos titled Traxxis Control Board Replacement.) Test run the motor to confirm proper operation.

Part I - Case II. Motor runs intermittently (cuts in and out, fails to run in either forward or reverse, or kicks from forward into reverse).

Check to ensure proper voltage and polarity at battery (red +, black -). Inspect all battery connections, trolling motor plug (if installed), and any butt splice connections in battery leadwire for corrosion and security.
Check to see if lower unit runs properly.
1. Connect battery lead wire to battery.
2. Disconnect the black battery lead from the control board and connect it directly to the black brush lead.
3. Disconnect the red battery lead from the control board and touch it directly to the red brush lead. The motor should run.
  1. If motor does not run, a problem exists in the lower unit. Check the lower unit for voltage at the brushes, water in the lower unit, worn brushes, or an open or shorted armature.
  2. If the motor does run, replace control board. (There is a video of this procedure in the Service Videos/Motors Service Videos folder titled Traxxis Control Board Replacement.)

Part I - Case III. Motor fails to operate properly.

Check to ensure proper voltage and polarity at battery (red +, black -). Inspect all battery connections, trolling motor plug (if installed), and any butt splice connections in battery leadwire for corrosion and security.
Check to see if all wires are securely attached to the proper control board terminals. Check for corroded connections.
Check to see if lower unit operates.
1. Connect battery lead wire to battery.
2. Disconnect the black battery lead from the control board and connect it directly to the black brush lead.
3. Disconnect the red battery lead from the control board and touch it directly to the red brush lead. The motor should run.
  1. If motor does not run, a problem exists in the lower unit. Check the lower unit for voltage at the brushes, water in the lower unit, worn brushes, or an open or shorted armature.
    C-2. If the motor does run, go to Step 4.
Visually check control board.
1. On Traxxis-style models if the potentiometer shaft is broken this is a sign that the handle was forced into the down position with the switch not in the “O” or “off” position.
  1. If the connecting wire from the control board to the potentiometer is a flat ribbon cable, then replace the control board. (There is a video of this procedure in the Service Videos/Motors Service Videos folder titled Traxxis Control Board Replacement.)
  2. If the connecting wire from the control board to the potentiometer has three individual connectors, then replace the potentiometer with potentiometer replacement kit (p/n 2888411) and test motor for proper functionality. (There is a video of this procedure in the Service Videos/Motors Service Videos folder titled Potentiometer Replacement.)
2. On models prior to the Traxxis-style control box configuration (tilt-twist tiller handle), replace the control board.

Part II. 3X steering models

For the one-time procedure to initially orient “straight ahead” on bowmount 3X models go to page 12 for BowGuard 360° models or page 14 for units with latch & door brackets .

Part II - Case I. Directional Indicator always stays lit.

Early models used a magnetic reed switch attached to the control board and a magnet in the handle pivot assembly. (Later models did not utilize a reed switch.) This reed switch is usually open. With the handle bar magnet in close proximity to the reed switch, the reed switch contacts will close and disengage power to the PWM circuit. Removing the bar magnet from close proximity to the reed switch will open the switch contacts, energize the PWM circuit, and light the directional indicator.

Check to ensure that the magnet is in place in the handle pivot assembly.
Check to ensure that the sensor bracket and on/off reed switch are in the proper position.

Part II - Case II. Steering is squeaky.

Replace the gear carrier (P/N 2072210) and gear carrier bearing (P/N 2077320). See disassembly / reassembly instructions below.

Disassembly / Reassembly Procedures

The complete disassembly / reassembly procedures listed here will aid the repair center when repairing any 3X Minn Kota motor. We suggest that this entire 3X repair section be read prior to starting a 3X repair procedure.
NOTE: The basic disassembly / reassembly procedures outlines in this section apply to both transom and bowmount, freshwater and saltwater (RipTide) 3X motors.

3X Disassembly

Start by removing the extension handle from the inner handle by pressing down on the handle by pressing down on the handle latch / detent button located on the top side of the handle near the control box. With latch button depressed, slide the extension handle off and clear of the inner handle. (see Fig. 3)
Remove the six Phillips, pan head screws (#6-20 x 5/8”) located on the underside of the control box assembly. (2 screws at front, middle, and rear of control box) (see Fig. 3)
1. With the cover screws removed the control box cover can be lifted up and tipped to the side to access the battery meter wires. Disconnect the red and black battery meter leads from the speed selector (on 5-speed models) or the red and black wires exiting the control board on variable-speed 3X motors.
Lift up the inner handle assembly along with the handle pivot, handle bearing, and potentiometer (variable-speed motors) or speed selector switch (5-speed motors). Disengage the inner handle assembly from the “D” shaft on the potentiometer/switch, remove the inner handle, and set it aside for reassembly. (see Fig. 3)
At this point prior to further disassembly, note the routing and positioning of all electrical wiring. When reassembling the 3X motor the wires must be placed back in the same position to avoid getting the wires in the circular rack and pinion steering gear mechanism.
1. Disconnect the motor wires, battery leads, and directional indicator light leads from the speed selector switch (5-speed motors) or control board (variable-speed motors).
  1. On 5-speed 3X models, the switch can easily be separated from the control box when the wires are disconnected.
  2. On variable-speed 3X models, loosen the Phillips pan head screw (P/N 2073414, #6-32 x 3/8”) holding the P/N 2071905 sensor bracket in place. (Sensor bracket is located in control box along side the potentiometer support.) Loosening the screw allows removal of the magnetic on/off reed switch attached to wires exiting the control box. (On/off reed switch is the small 5/8” long, 3/16” diameter black cylinder with 2 small black wires attached.) Then remove the two P/N 2073416, #8-32 x ½” socket head cap screws (located in recessed openings on the underside of the control box) using a 9/64” allen wrench/driver. The control board is then free to be removed. (see Fig. 3)
Once again, prior to further disassembly, note how the 3X motor wires are routed and held in position by the wire clamp located on the coupler socket retainer / indicator light bracket assembly P/N 2992900. (see Fig. 4) Also note how the directional indicator light wires are twisted and wire tied to the motor wire to prevent the indicator light wires getting in the circular rack and pinion steering gear mechanism.
1. Remove the P/N 2372100 Phillips head screw (#8-18 x 5/8”) holding the retainer / light bracket / wire clamp assembly P/N 2992900 in place.
2. IMPORTANT – With the control box parallel to the motor lower unit, note how two sides of the hexagon ID of the coupler socket (P/N 2070800 black coupler socket for bow mount motors, P/N 2070801 white couple socket for transom mount motors) are parallel to / in-line with the control box pivot screws (P/N 2073408). When reassembling a 3X motor, the coupler socket (which drives the directional indicator) must be repositioned in this exact same manner for proper orientation of the directional indicator arrow. (Directional arrow is parallel to the motor lower unit pointing towards the direction of boat travel when in the water with the motor running.)
3. After removing the retainer / light assembly, remove the coupler socket, idler gear, idler plate, and preload ring (P/Ns 2070800/2070801, 2072215, 2071900, and 2073000). (see Fig. 4)
Remove the two P/N 2332101 #8-32 x ½” tilt stop bracket / detent block retaining screws, then remove -the P/N 2072815 bracket and P/N 2072810 detent block. (see Fig. 4)
Remove the two soft plastic pivot knob covers (P/N 2070117 or 2070118) to expose the two ¼-20 x 7/8” Phillips head screws (P/N 2073408) that hold the pivot knob and control box assembly on the gear carrier (P/N 2072210) / pivot yoke (P/N 2071512 or 2072513) assembly. (see Fig. 4)
A. Removing the two P/N 2073408 screws (these two screws go in to two nyloc nuts located inside the gear carrier) will allow the control box assembly, pivot knobs, and bushings to be separated from the gear carrier and yoke pivot assembly. (see Fig. 4)
With the control box assembly removed, unscrew the 5/16” x ½” socket head, shoulder shank cap screw (P/N 2073400) that is located in the center of the gear carrier (P/N 2072210). (A 5-32” allen wrench / driver is required.) (see Fig. 4)
1. Remove the cap screw along with the washers, then remove the two P/N 2303412 #6-20 x 5/8” Phillips head screws and P/N 2071714 washers that serve to guide/retain the gear carrier on the pivot yoke. (see Fig. 4)
2. With the cap screw and 2 Phillips head screws removed, the gear carrier can be removed from the pivot yoke followed by the gear carrier bearing. For reassembly, note that this bearing is split and that the split ends key onto a rib located on the inside circumference of the pivot yoke.
Remove the collar halves (P/N 2261622) clamped around the motor inner tube (1-1/8” diameter tube). The collar halves are located just below the lower collar (P/N 2071500) on the outer tube of either the transom mount or bowmount 3X motor. (A 3/16” allen wrench / driver is required.) (see Fig. 5)
With the collar halves removed, the motor lower unit and inner tube assembly can be pushed / lifted up to expose the 4-hole collar (P/N 2071560) and four #8-32 x 7/16” Phillips flathead countersunk screws (P/N 2223468) that hold the pinion gear assembly into the inner tube. (see Fig. 5)
1. Remove the four screws (P/N 2223468) to allow removal of the pinion assembly (P/N 2992205), upper bearing (P/N 2077305) and 4-hole collar. (see Fig. 5)
  NOTE: The four pinion assembly retaining screws are held in place with LocTiteTM during assembly. Removal may require heat application to the screw head. When reassembling a 3X motor, LocTiteTM primer and #603 compound MUST be reapplied to these four retaining screws.
2. With the four retaining screws removed the pinion assembly, upper bearing, and 4-hole collar can be removed.
With the pinion assembly, bearing, and 4-hole collar removed, the motor lower unit / inner tube assembly along with the lower collar (P/N 2071500) can be slid down and out the bottom of the outer tube.
To remove the pivot yoke from the upper end of the outer tube, loosen the ¼-20 socket head cap screw and nyloc nut that serves to clamp the pivot yoke on to the outer tube. Loosen the steering tension knob (P/N 2070105).
1. With the screw and nut loose the pivot yoke (P/N 2071512 or P/N 2071513) can be lifted up and off the outer tube.
  NOTE: When removing the pivot yoke, note its position / orientation on the outer tube.
  1. On transom mount 3X motors, the steering tension knob is positioned towards the bracket clamp screws.
  2. On bow mount 3X motors, the steering tension know is toward the boat when mounted and positioned for installation of the bow mount orientation collar.
  3. Also, note that a tube key (P/N 2076700) is used to properly position the pivot yoke in relation to the slots / grooves in the outer tube.
For further disassembly / replacement of the transom bracket or BowGuard 360º assembly, the outer tube (or outer tube and pivot yoke assembly) can be slid out of the transom bracket hinge or BowGuard 360º.
1. On transom mount 3X motors, note that a tension block (P/N 2072800) is located between the outer tube and the orientation collar on the transom bracket. This block will fall out of place when the outer tube is removed from the bracket hinge. Be sure to re-install this part when reassembling a 3X transom mount model.

This concludes the basic disassembly procedures for 3X transom and bow mount, fresh and saltwater motors. 3X motor lower unit trouble shooting, disassembly, and repair procedures are the same as all other Minn Kota 5-speed or variable speed motor units.

3X Reassembly

With the outer tube and pivot yoke properly positioned and slid into the transom bracket hinge or BowGuard 360º assembly (reference Disassembly Procedure Step 12), slide the motor lower unit, inner tube assembly, and lower collar (P/N 2071500) back into place in the outer tube with the upper end of the inner tube extending out the top of the pivot yoke. (see Fig. 5 on page 6)
Re-install the 4-hole collar, upper bearing, and pinion assembly on / in the inner tube.
1. Prior to installing the pinion assembly, examine the upper / top end of the pinion gear teeth. Two of the gear teeth will have small raised bumps.
  1. On transom mount 3X motors when looking straight down at the control box area and lower unit assembly, rotate the nose of the lower unit into the 12 o’clock position (prop in the 6 o’clock position). On the pinion assembly, the two teeth with the raised bumps need to be oriented towards approximately the 9 o’clock position.
  2. On bow mount 3X motors the two teeth with the raised bumps need to be oriented toward the prop end of the motor lower unit when installed in the inner tube.
2. Examine the four pinion assembly retaining screws (P/N 2223468) for any damage. Replace them with new screws as needed.
  1. Re-apply LocTite primer and LocTite #603 compound, then insert and tighten the screws securely into the 4-hole collar, inner tube, and pinion gear assembly.
Place the outer tube / pivot yoke assembly and inner tube, upper bearing, and pinion gear assembly back into their normal assembled positions. (Normal assembled position is with the upper bearing supported in its recessed area of the pivot yoke.)
1. Slip the lower collar (P/N 2071500) up into place on the lower end of the outer tube.
  1. Re-install the collar halves (P/N 2261622) on the inner tube using the two ¼-20 x 1” socket head cap screws.
  2. Slide the collar halves up against the bottom of the lower collar and tighten the collar screws to secure the collar in place.
Re-install the gear carrier bearing (P/N 2077320) in the pivot yoke.
1. Use care to line up the rib in the pivot yoke with the ends of the split gear carrier. (see Fig. 5, page 6)
Transom mount motors -
1. Align the motor lower unit with the transom bracket. Position the lower unit with the “nose”
  of the motor towards the transom bracket clamp screws. Block or hold the motor lower unit in this position.
2. Place the gear carrier (P/N 27702210) into position in the pivot yoke with the tilt detent spring (P/N 2072705) towards the prop end of the motor lower unit.
3. While looking at the two pinion gear teeth with the raised bumps, count five teeth clockwise and you will see a raised rib / dash.
  1. The tooth with the raised dash must line up with the timing mark in the gear carrier.
    NOTE: The timing mark used for transom mount 3X models is a small raised rib located at the 1:30 o’clock position on the inside circumference of the gear carrier. (see Fig. 6, page 9)
    Bow mount motors –
    1. Align the motor lower unit with the prop end on the same side as the steering tension knob in the pivot yoke. Block or hold the motor lower unit in this position.
    2. Place the gear carrier (P/N 27702210) into position in the pivot yoke with the tilt detent spring (P/N 2072705) towards the “nose” of the motor lower unit.
    3. Align the two pinion gear teeth with the raised bumps (on bow mount 3X models these two teeth will be oriented toward the prop end of the motor lower unit) with the timing mark in the gear carrier.
      NOTE: The timing mark used for bow mount 3X models is a raised bump on the gear tooth. (Located in the 12:00 o’clock position when the gear carrier is held with the detent spring towards the viewer and viewed from above.) (see Fig. 7)
With the gear carrier in its proper location and position (relative to the appropriate timing marks), reinstall the socket head cap screw (P/N 2073400) and washers. Blue LocTite is recommended on this screw. Tighten screw with a 5/32” allen wrench / driver.
1. Re-install the two #6–20 x 5/8” phillips head screws (P/N 2303412) and washers (P/N 2071714) that retain / guide the gear carrier on the pivot yoke.
Re-install the control box with bushing and pivot knobs on to the gear carrier pivot yoke assembly. (see Fig. 4, page 5)
1. Position the control box so that the handle end of the box is opposite the tilt detent spring in the gear carrier.
2. Examine the pivot knobs in the area where they contact the gear carrier. Note the two flat surfaces on both edges of the pivot knob shank. These two flats must be aligned with the two ribs along side the hole in the gear carrier for the pivot knob screws (P/N2073408).
3. With the control box, bushing, pivot knobs, pivot knob screws, and nyloc nuts in their proper position, securely tighten the two ¼-20 x 7/8” phillips head pivot knob screws.
  1. The two soft plastic pivot knob covers can be re-installed at this time. Note the flat surfaces on the outer edge of the pivot knob as they serve to “key” the pivot knob covers to prevent their rotation.
Re-install the tilt detent block (P/N 2072810) in the control box (teeth towards the detent spring) followed by the tilt stop bracket (P/N 2072815) and the two #8-32 x ½” phillips head screws that are used to attach both parts to the control box.
Re-install the preload ring (P/N 2073000), idler plate (P/N 2071900) idler gear (P//N 2072215), and coupler socket (P/N 2070800 or P/N 2070801). (White coupler socket for transom mount motors and black coupler socket for bow mount motors.)
1. As noted during disassembly, position the coupler socket so that any two parallel sides of the hexagon I.D. of the coupler socket are as close as possible to being parallel to the control box pivot screws.
Re-install the control board or 5-speed switch using the fasteners or parts removed during disassembly. (see Fig. 3, page 4)
1. Reconnect motor wires, battery leads, directional indicator light wires, and (if a variable speed unit) place the on/off reed switch back in its proper location. Tighten the sensor bracket screw to secure reed switch.
  NOTE: if connections were sealed with heat shrink tubing prior to disassembly they MUST be resealed with new heat shrink!
2. Re-install the inner handle assembly. Start by engaging the “D” hole in the handle pivot on the “D” shaft of the potentiometer or 5-speed switch. Then place the handle pivot, inner handle, and handle bearing in their proper location. (Note that the triangular shaped arrow on the handle bearing is on top.)
3. Reconnect the red and black battery meter leads to the appropriate wires (exiting the control board on variable speed motors or switch on 5-speed motors).
  NOTE: the red and black battery meter wires must be routed to the side of the control box cover and pushed in to the slots in the cover ribs prior to installing the cover on the control box.
4. Also prior to cover re-installation, line up the directional indicator with the motor lower unit. (The directional arrow points toward the “nose of the motor lower unit.)
  E. Position cover in place on control box and secure with the six #6-20 x 5/8” phillips head screws (P/N 2303412).
Re-install extension handle and test the motor for proper full range 3X steering function to make sure that nothing is binding or restricting the steering system.
Connect the motor battery leads to the appropriate voltage and test run for speed variation and function. Test the battery meter for proper function. Test the control box tilt adjustment for proper range and travel. Check and verify overall motor operation and function.

This concludes the basic 3X motor re-assembly procedures. Further step-by-step repair procedures will be added as needed when field service issues arise

(This is a 1-time procedure to initially orient “straight ahead” on bowmount 3X models with BowGuard 360°.)

(This is a 1-time procedure to initially orient “straight ahead” on bowmount 3X models with latch & door mounts.)

Hand-Control Models with a Control Board.pdf
(2 MB)