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i-Pilot Link Disconnected

Minn Kota Trolling Motor

Severity: Minor

Source: OnlyErrorCodes.com — Every error code. One place.

Minn Kota i-Pilot Link Disconnected — How to Reconnect

What Does This Error Mean?

'i-Pilot Link disconnected' means the wireless link between your Minn Kota motor and the Humminbird fish finder dropped.
Most often the Humminbird went to sleep, the network cable came loose, or one device needs a software update.
Wake the Humminbird, reseat its network cable, and confirm both units run compatible firmware.
Power-cycle the boat's main switch if the link still won't come up.

Affected Models

  • Minn Kota Terrova i-Pilot Link
  • Minn Kota Ulterra i-Pilot Link
  • Minn Kota PowerDrive i-Pilot Link
  • Minn Kota Riptide Terrova i-Pilot Link

Common Causes

  • Humminbird unit powered off or asleep
  • Network cable between Humminbird and i-Pilot Link receiver loose
  • Firmware mismatch between motor controller and Humminbird
  • i-Pilot Link receiver power lost or fuse blown
  • Wireless interference (rare on the proprietary frequency)

How to Fix It

  1. Wake the Humminbird and check it's running.

    Press any key to wake it from sleep.
    Confirm GPS lock and that the unit reads 'Connected' under Network Information.
    The motor only links when the Humminbird is on.

  2. Reseat the network cable.

    The black 8-pin Ethernet cable plugs into the back of the Humminbird and into the i-Pilot Link receiver.
    Power off, unplug both ends, push them firmly back in until they click, power on.

  3. Update firmware on both units.

    Use the Humminbird app or website to check current firmware versions.
    Both Humminbird and i-Pilot Link receiver should be on the latest stable release.
    Mismatched firmware is a common 'dropped link' cause.

  4. Check the receiver's power.

    The i-Pilot Link receiver is a small black box mounted near the bow.
    It needs 12V from the boat's accessory circuit.
    Confirm power LED is lit.
    Check the inline fuse on its red wire.

  5. Power-cycle everything.

    Switch off the trolling motor breaker.
    Power off the Humminbird and the i-Pilot Link receiver.
    Wait 30 seconds.
    Power on Humminbird first, wait for it to fully boot, then power on the motor and receiver.
    The link should re-establish in under 60 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does i-Pilot Link work without a Humminbird?

No — the entire point of i-Pilot Link is integration with Humminbird sonar.
Without a paired Humminbird unit, only basic remote functions work.
Spot-Lock and AutoChart Live both need the Humminbird in the loop.