How to Fix a 12/24 Tracker Trolling Motor

The Tracker is a light-weight trolling motor that is manufactured by Motorguide. Tracker series trolling motors are electric-powered motors that can run on 12 or 24-volt marine batteries. Tracker trolling motors, which are compatible with the newer Motorguide VariMax trolling motors, do not require much maintenance. However, if the trolling motor does encounter problems, there are some repairs that can be performed at home without having to bring it in to the shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital multimeter
  • Wrench
  • New battery
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn on the digital multimeter and set it to the "Voltage" setting. Place the positive meter lead to the positive battery terminal and the negative test lead to the negative battery terminal. The meter should read 12 volts if the trolling motor is running off a 12 volt battery, or 24 if it is running off a 24-volt battery. If the battery voltage is low, disconnect the trolling motor battery cables with a wrench, replace the battery and replace the battery cables.

    • 2

      Check all wire connections if the battery checks out. Tighten the battery cable connections with the wrench. Remove the motor cover and check to make sure all wires are connected. Connect any loose wires you see, then try to start the trolling motor.

    • 3

      Adjust the steering tension if there is difficulty steering the motor, or if there seems to be too much play when you steer. Turn the friction knob, which is located on the shaft just above the transom mount, to the right to increase steering tension Turn the knob to the left slightly to decrease steering tension if there is difficulty steering.

    • 4

      Check the propeller if there is loss of power or excessive vibrations. If the propeller is loose or nicked, replace it. Insert the Motorguide propeller wrench that comes with the motor into the propeller nut and turn it counterclockwise to remove it. Slide the damaged propeller off the propeller pin, slide a new propeller on, then tighten propeller nut into position.