Minn Kota AutoPilot Heading Lost — Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

'Heading Lost' on AutoPilot means the trolling motor's compass has lost reference — usually because of magnetic interference, a knock to the motor, or compass drift over time.
Calibrate the compass with the spin procedure (2 minutes in open water).
Most heading-lost events clear after a successful calibration.

Affected Models

Minn Kota Terrova
Minn Kota Ultrex
Minn Kota Ulterra
Minn Kota Riptide ST

Common Causes

Compass drift from time or temperature
Magnetic interference from metal that's been moved
Recent impact knocked the compass out of alignment
Heading sensor partially failed
Calibration was incomplete previously

How to Fix It

Disengage AutoPilot.

Press the AutoPilot button on the foot pedal or remote to disengage.
The motor reverts to manual control.
You can drive normally while diagnosing.
Don't try to use AutoPilot until calibration is fixed.
Move to open water.

Compass calibration needs space away from metal interference.
Move 50-100 yards from any large metal objects (other boats, docks, the boat trailer in the parking lot).
Engine off, foot pedal in hand.
Open the calibration menu.

On i-Pilot remote: Menu → Compass Cal.
On older units without i-Pilot: hold MENU on the foot pedal until the calibration screen appears.
The unit will display a calibration counter or compass icon.
Spin in slow circles.

Use the trolling motor to drive the boat in slow circles — about 30 seconds per full rotation.
Continue for 2-3 full rotations.
The unit reads compass values at each heading and builds a fresh calibration map.
Watch for 'Calibration Complete' or similar success message.
Test AutoPilot.

Engage AutoPilot and set a heading.
The motor should hold heading consistently — small corrections are normal, but it should track within a few degrees.
If it wanders or jumps, calibration didn't take.
Try again in a different open-water location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my heading drift even after calibration?

Some drift is normal in current or wind — AutoPilot corrects but doesn't perfectly hold.
If drift is more than 10 degrees, the calibration may have been done with magnetic interference present.
Re-calibrate in cleaner open water.
If drift persists in clean conditions, the heading sensor is failing — service needed.

Will GPS-based AutoPilot work better than compass-based?

I-Pilot's AutoPilot uses GPS for course-over-ground in some modes, which is more reliable than compass-only.
If your unit supports GPS heading mode, that's typically more accurate.
Standard AutoPilot uses the compass — calibration is critical for that mode.