Additional Accessories Connected to Trolling Motor Batteries
Significant damage to your Minn Kota motor, your boat electronics, and your boat can occur if incorrect connections are made between
your trolling motor batteries and other battery systems. Minn Kota recommends using an exclusive battery system for your trolling motor.
Where possible, accessories should be connected to a separate battery system. Radios and sonar units should not be connected to any
trolling motor battery systems as interference from the trolling motor is unavoidable. If connecting any additional accessories to any
trolling motor battery system, or making connections between the trolling motor batteries and other battery systems on the boat, be sure
to carefully observe the information below.
The negative (-) connection must be connected to the negative terminal of the same battery that the trolling motor negative lead
connects to. In the diagrams below this battery is labeled "Low Side" Battery. Connecting to any other trolling motor battery will input
positive voltage into the "ground" of that accessory, which can cause excess corrosion. Any damage caused by incorrect connections
between battery systems will not be covered under warranty.
Automatic Jump Start Systems and Selector Switches
Automatic jump start systems and selector switches tie the negatives of the connected batteries together. Connecting these systems
to the "High Side" Battery or "Middle" Battery in the diagrams below and will cause significant damage to your trolling motor and
electronics. The only trolling motor battery that is safe to connect to one of these systems is the "Low Side" Battery.
The internal bonding wire is equipped with a 3 amp fuse. Improper connections described above carrying in excess of
NOTICE:
3 amps will blow this fuse and no further damage will be exhibited. If this occurs, RF interference from the trolling motor affecting
sonar units and other electronics will be more significant. If the fuse is blown the wiring error should be found and addressed prior
to replacing the fuse. The replacement fuse should be 3 amps or less. An intact fuse does not imply correct rigging; significant
damage can be done by incorrect wiring without approaching 3 amps of current.
CONNECTING THE BATTERIES
12-Volt Systems
1.
Make sure that the motor is switched off (speed selector on "OFF" or "0").
2.
Connect positive ( + ) red lead to positive ( + ) battery terminal.
3.
Connect negative ( – ) black lead to negative ( – ) battery terminal.
For safety reasons do not switch the motor on until the propeller is in the water. If installing a leadwire plug, observe proper polarity and
follow instructions in your boat owner's manual.
©2022 Johnson Outdoors Marine Electronics, Inc.
WARNING
CONNECTING THE BATTERIES
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