If your Ulterra is having an issue, we recommend taking the motor into an Authorized Service Center. If you want to try troubleshooting the Ulterra yourself, the most common issues are listed below. We also have a step by step guide to help you troubleshoot your Ulterra.
Click here to download the Ulterra Troubleshooting PDF
Most Common Issues
- When deploying the Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra, the prop will not turn and the motor steering does not work
- The Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra motor will not stow due to the motor not aligning with the motor mount
- Resetting the trim position of the Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra when it is out of alignment
- The belt is too tight or too loose
- The Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra motor does not turn on
- The Ulterra seems to lose power
- Manually stowing the Ulterra if it will not stow
- Remote says Motor Error
- Cold Weather Ulterra Trolling Motor Care Tips
- Resources
When deploying the Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra, the prop will not turn and the motor steering does not work
If the motor is deployed but not trimmed far enough down into the water the propeller and motor steering are locked out for safety. Once the motor is trimmed down further into the water the motor functions will become active again.
The Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra motor will not stow due to the motor not aligning with the motor mount
There is a stow/deploy realignment procedure to realign the motor position to properly stow.
Resetting the trim position of the Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra when it is out of alignment
There is a calibration procedure to realign the trim position of your motor.
The belt is too tight or too loose
You want to be able to place 1 finger between the lift belt and the shaft for proper tension. If the belt is too tight or too loose, you can adjust it. On the underside of the head of the motor is a tensioning screw for the lift belt. As you tighten this screw the lift belt will be tensioned to remove belt slack. As you loosen this screw the lift belt will be released and will have more belt slack.
The Ulterra or Riptide Ulterra motor does not turn on
When attempting to turn on your motor and the green power indicator light does not light up that is stating no power is getting to the motor. In this case, battery voltage levels and circuit breaker should be checked for proper operation. If the green light comes on but then goes back off soon after that means the motor is not getting enough voltage to operate. In this case, batteries should be checked to ensure they are fully charged and wire connections should be check ensure they are tight and clean.
The Ulterra seems to lose power
The Ulterra will cut back on the prop power as the voltage from the batteries drops. Note: The low voltage value for Ulterra brushed motors (24v and 36v motors) is 18V.
Manually stowing the Ulterra if it will not stow
You can use the Emergency Manual Stow to stow the Ulterra if it will not stow on it's own.
Click here for a printable version of the Emergency Manual Stow.
Remote says Motor Error
There are several reasons for a motor error. Usually it means the motor has something blocking it from doing what you have asked it to do. The video below will walk you through why motor errors happen and what to do.
For additional information, you can watch our Ulterra Troubleshooting Playlist on YouTube. Subscribe to our Minn Kota Tutorial Channel to see more how-to videos.
Cold Weather Ulterra Trolling Motor Care Tips
- Properly charging Batteries and completing proper Battery maintenance.
- Inspect the Trim Belt to see if it needs to be tightened.
- Clean and Lubricate the Trim Belt and Shaft using a water based silicon spray.
- Pledge or Armor All are water-based silicon spray you may already posses.
- We do NOT recommend using an Oil-Based Lubricant.
- Pledge or Armor All are water-based silicon spray you may already posses.
- Minimize the amount of water on the Lower Unit, Trim Belt especially during extreme cold temps.
Resources
- Load Testing Batteries
- Click here for Ulterra Trolling Motor Owner's Manual
- Click here for Riptide Ulterra Trolling Motor Owner's Manual
