Minn Kota Foot Pedal Control Board (2304012)

Product Description

Replacement for Minn Kota part numbers 2304012, 2774012.

This board is an aftermarket replacement that will get your motor running again!

You will need to perform a simple soldering job to connect the color coded wires on your cable to the new board. (alternatively we can do this for you for a fee if you send in the complete foot pedal to us)... ***INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS BELOW***

Does not fit the newer V2 pedals.

Wholesale inquiries welcome.

For anglers who rely on the classic Minn Kota PowerDrive or Riptide PowerDrive V1 trolling motors, a malfunctioning foot pedal can bring a fishing trip to a grinding halt. Intermittent operation, a complete loss of speed control, or a dead pedal altogether are common symptoms of a failed internal control board. Before you consider costly replacements of the entire foot pedal or even the motor itself, there's a cost-effective and reliable solution: the aftermarket Minn Kota Foot Pedal Control Board (2304012) from Mike's Reel Repair.

This detailed guide will delve into the specifics of this essential replacement part, common signs of a faulty board, and provide comprehensive, step-by-step installation instructions to get you back on the water.

This part fits the following Minn Kota Trolling Motor Series:

• PowerDrive (V1 / Legacy): Models manufactured from 1991 through 2007. This includes motors that do not have the AutoPilot feature.

• Riptide PowerDrive (V1 / Legacy): Saltwater models manufactured from 1991 through 2007.

To ensure compatibility, please refer to the serial number on your trolling motor. The first two letters of the serial number correspond to the year of manufacture (e.g., "JI" for 1998, "AB" for 2001, "AG" for 2006). This part is intended for the older "V1" or "Legacy" PowerDrive foot pedals that do not have the round, screw-on connector plug.

Understanding the Minn Kota 2304012 Control Board

The Minn Kota 2304012 is an aftermarket control board specifically designed to replace the original, now obsolete, board in first-generation PowerDrive and RipTide PowerDrive foot pedals. It is crucial to note that this board is intended for models without the AutoPilot feature. Over time, the original circuit boards can succumb to wear and tear, with moisture intrusion being a primary culprit, leading to corroded contacts and failing electronic components.

Mike's Reel Repair has sourced and made available a high-quality replacement that brings these durable but aging foot pedals back to life. The installation of this new board does require a basic understanding of soldering, but with the right tools and a careful approach, it is a manageable DIY project for many boaters.

Is Your Foot Pedal Control Board Faulty? Common Symptoms

If you're experiencing any of the following issues with your PowerDrive or Riptide V1 foot pedal, a failing control board is a likely culprit:

• Intermittent or Erratic Operation: The motor may work sporadically, cutting in and out without warning.
• Loss of Speed Control: You might find that you only have one speed, or that the variable speed adjustment no longer functions correctly.
• Complete Failure: The foot pedal is entirely unresponsive, and the trolling motor will not engage.
• Delayed Response: A noticeable lag between pressing the pedal and the motor responding.

Essential Tools and Materials for the Job

Before you begin the installation process, gather the following tools and materials to ensure a smooth and successful repair:

• Soldering Iron and Solder: A 30-40 watt soldering iron is sufficient for this task. Use a quality rosin-core solder for electronics.
• Desoldering Braid or Solder Sucker: This will be necessary to remove the old wires from the original board.
• Phillips Head Screwdriver: To open the foot pedal housing.
• Wire Strippers/Cutters: For preparing the wires for soldering.
• Heat Shrink Tubing and a Heat Gun (or Lighter): To insulate the new solder joints and provide a professional, water-resistant finish.
• Helping Hands or a Small Vise: To hold the control board steady while you work.
• Digital Multimeter (Optional but Recommended): For testing continuity and verifying connections.
• Camera or Smartphone: To take pictures of the original wiring for reference.

Installation Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

The following instructions will guide you through the process of replacing the control board in your Minn Kota PowerDrive V1 foot pedal.

Step 1: Disconnecting Power and Opening the Foot Pedal

Safety First: Before you begin any work, disconnect your trolling motor from its power source to prevent any risk of electrical shock.

Once the motor is disconnected, bring the foot pedal to a clean, well-lit workspace. Flip the foot pedal over and locate the screws that hold the bottom plate in place. There are typically several Phillips head screws around the perimeter of the pedal. Remove all of these screws and set them aside in a safe place.

With the screws removed, carefully lift the bottom plate off. You may need to gently pry it open if it's been sealed for a long time.

Step 2: Documenting the Original Wiring

With the foot pedal open, you will see the internal components, including the old control board. Before you disconnect anything, it is highly recommended that you take several clear photos of the wiring from different angles. Pay close attention to the color of each wire and where it is soldered to the control board. This will be your primary reference when connecting the new board.

The typical wire colors you will encounter are:

• Red: Main power from the battery.
• Black: Main ground from the battery.
• White: Power to the steering motor.
• Brown: A common wire for the steering and momentary/constant switch.
• Green and Yellow: Wires for the steering control.
• Orange: For the momentary/constant on switch.

Step 3: Desoldering the Old Control Board

Using your desoldering braid or solder sucker and a heated soldering iron, carefully remove the wires from the old control board. To do this, heat the solder joint on the board until the solder liquefies, then use your desoldering tool to wick away the molten solder. Once the solder is removed, the wire should pull free from the board. Repeat this process for each wire.

Once all the wires are disconnected, remove the old control board from the foot pedal housing. It may be held in place by small clips or screws.

Step 4: Preparing the Wires and the New Board

Inspect the ends of the wires you just desoldered. If they are frayed or have old solder caked on them, it's a good idea to trim a tiny amount off and strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from the end of each wire.

Before you begin soldering to the new board from Mike's Reel Repair, it's a good practice to "tin" both the wire ends and the solder pads on the new board. To do this, apply a small amount of fresh solder to the stripped end of each wire and to each of the corresponding solder pads on the new control board. This will make creating a strong solder joint much easier.

Step 5: Soldering the Wires to the New Control Board

Referring to the photos you took earlier, and the general wiring guide below, begin soldering the wires to the new control board one by one. Ensure you are matching the correct wire color to the correct pad.

General Wiring Guide (Refer to your photos for your specific model):

• Place the new control board in your "helping hands" or vise to keep it stable.
• Take a wire and place its tinned end onto the corresponding tinned pad on the board.
• Heat both the wire and the pad simultaneously with your soldering iron for a few seconds.
• Apply a small amount of fresh solder to the joint. It should flow smoothly and create a shiny, cone-shaped connection.
• Remove the soldering iron and allow the joint to cool undisturbed for a few seconds.
• Gently tug on the wire to ensure you have a solid connection.

Repeat this process for all the wires. Take your time and double-check your work against your reference photos.

Step 6: Insulating the Connections and Reassembly

Once all the wires are securely soldered to the new control board, it's time to insulate the connections. Cover each solder point with a dab of hot melt glue to keep it insulated and protected.

With the connections insulated, carefully place the new control board back into its position within the foot pedal housing. Ensure that no wires are pinched or will be crushed when you close the pedal.

Replace the bottom plate of the foot pedal and secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Do not overtighten the screws.

Step 7: Testing Your Repaired Foot Pedal

With the foot pedal reassembled, it's time to test your work. Reconnect your trolling motor to its power source. On the water or with the propeller in a safe, open area, test all the functions of your foot pedal:

• Momentary and constant on switches.
• Variable speed control.
• Steering (left and right).

If everything is functioning as it should, you have successfully revived your Minn Kota foot pedal.

By following these detailed instructions, you can confidently install the Minn Kota Foot Pedal Control Board (2304012) from Mike's Reel Repair and extend the life of your trusted trolling motor for many more years of reliable service on the water.