Below are the most common issues for Bluetooth i-Pilot Remotes and Legacy i-Pilot Remotes. For further troubleshooting assistance, click the button below to access the Bluetooth i-Pilot® and i-Pilot Link Systems Troubleshooting Guide or the Legacy i-Pilot® and i-Pilot Link Systems Troubleshooting Guide.
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Bluetooth i-Pilot Remotes | Legacy i-Pilot Remotes | Replacement Options | Resources
Bluetooth i-Pilot Remotes
Remote will not turn on | RF Error | "Motor Not Found" Error | Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Common issues for Bluetooth i-Pilot Remotes include connectivity problems, pairing difficulties, or unresponsive controls. Addressing these challenges may involve checking battery levels, ensuring proper device pairing, or resetting the remote. For further assistance, refer to the Bluetooth i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link Systems Troubleshooting Guide above for detailed solutions.
Remote will not turn on
- To turn on the remote, press and hold the
button for 3 seconds. The remote should then turn on. Click here for additional information
- If the remote does not turn on, replace the batteries. The remote uses 3 AAA batteries. Click here for additional information
- Verify the batteries are inserted correctly.
- If the remote will not turn on and has 3 brand new batteries and they are inserted correctly, the remote will need to be replaced.
RF Error
If your Bluetooth i-Pilot remote is displaying "RF" on the screen, this is a fatal error for the remote. It will need to be replaced.
"Motor Not Found" Error
If your Bluetooth i-Pilot Remote shows "Motor Not Found" the i-Pilot remote is not able to communicate with the i-Pilot Controller built into the trolling motor. Click here for additional information for "Motor Not Found".
- Verify the i-Pilot Controller has power.
- For PowerDrive Motors press the “Push-to-Test” battery meter to verify voltage to the motor and check the connection to the foot pedal plug is secure.
- For all other motors verify the motor is turned on, a system ready or power light will be illuminated (on the base of the motor on all Terrova/Ulterra Models, on the foot pedal on Ultrex).
- Re-pair/re-learn the remote to the Controller.
- Turn the system OFF and then back ON (for PowerDrive models, disconnect then reconnect power).
Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Corrosion on the battery terminals can be caused by batteries leaking. The leakage is battery acid and very corrosive. Battery acid is very alkaline. You should always wear protection when cleaning the battery terminals for safety.
- Use vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the acid. Put a drop or two on the corrosion and wait for it to stop fizzing. You can spread the vinegar or lemon juice around with a cotton swab.
- Once the fizzing stops, you can clean the terminals and wipe away any residue. If you need to scrub the terminals, you can gently scrub them with a cotton swab or a toothbrush.
- After cleaning the terminals, clean any residue from the battery area and replace the batteries with new batteries. Do not reuse old batteries.
Legacy i-Pilot Remotes
Remote will not turn on | Remote shows all Icons and then turns off | Remote displays "F" on the screen
Common challenges for Legacy i-Pilot Remotes include unresponsive controls, pairing issues, or connection errors. Troubleshooting often involves checking the battery, ensuring proper connections, or resetting the remote. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Legacy i-Pilot and i-Pilot Link Systems Troubleshooting Guide above.
Remote will not turn on
- To turn on the remote, press any button. The icons on the screen should light up. Click here for additional information if your remote shows all of the icons for a few seconds and then turns off.
- Verify the battery is installed correctly with the positive side of the battery facing out.
- Check the tabs on the left and right sides of the battery cavity to make sure they are present and not broken.
- If the battery is installed correctly, remove the battery and flip it upside down, CAREFULLY put the battery in the remote upside down with the negative side facing out. When inserting the battery, make sure you do not break the tabs on the left and right sides of the battery cavity. Hold the battery in place and press a few buttons. Then take the battery out and put it back in the correct way with the positive side out and try turning on the remote.
- If the remote does not turn on, try replacing the battery. The remote uses one CR2450 coin-cell battery. Click here for additional information on remote batteries.
Remote shows all Icons and then turns off
If your i-Pilot Remote shows all of the icons for a few seconds and then turns off, the i-Pilot remote is not able to communicate with the i-Pilot Controller built into the trolling motor. Click here for additional information if your remote shows all of the icons for a few seconds and then turns off.
- Verify the i-Pilot Controller has power.
- For PowerDrive Motors press the “Push-to-Test” battery meter to verify voltage to the motor and check the connection to the foot pedal plug is secure.
- For all other motors verify the motor is turned on, a system ready or power light will be illuminated (on the base of the motor on all Terrova and Ulterra Models).
- Re-pair/re-learn the remote to the Controller.
- Turn the system OFF and then back ON (for PowerDrive models, disconnect then reconnect power).
Remote displays "F" on the screen
If your Legacy i-Pilot Remote shows an "F" on the display, the remote is not able to find the motor. the i-Pilot remote is not able to communicate with the i-Pilot Controller built into the trolling motor. Click here for additional information if your remote screen shows "F" on the screen.
- Verify the i-Pilot Controller has power.
- For PowerDrive Motors press the “Push-to-Test” battery meter to verify voltage to the motor and check the connection to the foot pedal plug is secure.
- For all other motors verify the motor is turned on, a system ready or power light will be illuminated (on the base of the motor on all Terrova/Ulterra Models, on the foot pedal on Ultrex).
- Re-pair/re-learn the remote to the Controller.
- Turn the system OFF and then back ON (for PowerDrive models, disconnect then reconnect power).
Replacement Options
Bluetooth i-Pilot Remote Replacement Options
- If the remote came with your trolling motor and the motor is still under warranty, the warranty covers the remote. If the remote is under the trolling motor warranty, please call 1-800-227-6433 with your remote, trolling motor serial number, and proof of purchase available. We will determine warranty eligibility and if under warranty, assist in replacing the remote.
- If the remote was purchased separately from your motor as an accessory, the remote has a 2 year warranty from the date of purchase. If the remote is under warranty, please call 1-800-227-6433 with your remote and proof of purchase available. We will determine warranty eligibility and if under warranty, assist in replacing the remote.
- If the remote is not within the warranty period for the motor or from purchasing it separately, you will need to purchase a new remote. Click here for purchase options for a Bluetooth i-Pilot replacement remote (item number 1866550).
Legacy i-Pilot Remote Replacement Options
- Click here for purchase options for the Legacy i-Pilot replacement remote for the PowerDrive or Terrova (part number 2994170).
- Click here for purchase options for the Legacy i-Pilot replacement remote for the Ulterra (part number 2994171).
Resources
- Bluetooth i-Pilot
- Legacy i-Pilot
