Topic: 24v unit only utilizing one battery

[steelebob]

I'm not sure when this started, but seemed I was running out of power too soon on my 24v minn kota. I start the day with 2 full charged batteries. When I checked on the batteries after fishing one AM, one was still fully charged the other was around 3.0. I've triple checked the wiring at the batteries and no problem there.

 Please make your comments simple, I am tech challenged.

[hays47]

Pull the discharged battery and do a load test. Here is how will make step by step

Charge the removed battery.
Beg , borrow or buy a Multimeter
Hook up a load to the battery. I use a 12 volt headlight assembly like  they use for night fishing.
While light is on measure voltage across battery terminals.
If voltage falls below 12 volts and continues to fall your battery is bad. Light will go dim and dimmer as voltage continues to fall. Batteries must be tested individually.

Testing a known good battery will give you an idea as what to expect.

Normally when a battery goes bad it is a result of a dead or shorted cell. That's why it will not hold a full charge and will discharge rapidly. Lead acid batteries normally have a life cycle of around 5 years.

[steelebob]

The problem is not the battery--I'm run it for a few hours....

[ITGEEK]

If your unit is wired to one of the two trolling motor batteries,
then you need to get yourself a dedicated small battery that is
only for your sonar.

Also, trolling motor interference is very common.
You may not be able to do anything about it.
Contact Humminbird customer support,
and let them walk you through
each thing to try, step, by step.

[rdstair]

You can a multi meter pretty cheap at a store or similar store. I think I paid something like $20.

[Fishndav]

Is you TM a straight 24V or is it a 12/24? Maybe your switch is bad.

[steelebob]

Problem Solved!! It was a loose battery connection.