Raymarine Autopilot fault

[jbm1967]

My autopilot has suddenly stopped working. I have a ST6000+ display. This is connected to a Autohelm Course Computer.

It will actually works for a few minutes and then the course computer stops output to the hydraulic pump.

I am guessing it’s the computer but I’d like to know what inputs that should be receiving so I can discount that.

The rudder transducer is working perfectly and shows on the display.

The heading direction is also working as it should on the display.

As said it works for a few minutes and then stops. If I try again after 30 minutes or so it will work for another few minutes.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jbm1967]

My autopilot has suddenly stopped working. I have a ST6000+ display. This is connected to a Autohelm Course Computer.

It will actually works for a few minutes and then the course computer stops output to the hydraulic pump.

I am guessing it’s the computer but I’d like to know what inputs that should be receiving so I can discount that.

The rudder transducer is working perfectly and shows on the display.

The heading direction is also working as it should on the display.

As said it works for a few minutes and then stops. If I try again after 30 minutes or so it will work for another few minutes.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

To add the pump makes a different noise before it cuts out. As though it’s struggling a bit. But there’s definitely no voltage output to the pump once it stops.

 

[PaulRainbow]

To add the pump makes a different noise before it cuts out. As though it’s struggling a bit. But there’s definitely no voltage output to the pump once it stops.

First thing would be to remove, check, clean all of the main power connections.

 

[jbm1967]

First thing would be to remove, check, clean all of the main power connections.

Done. Still the same problem.

 

[jbm1967]

To add the pump makes a different noise before it cuts out. As though it’s struggling a bit. But there’s definitely no voltage output to the pump once it stops.

How do I check the fluid level? See pic attached.

 

[PaulRainbow]

How do I check the fluid level? See pic attached.

Doubt it's the fluid level, it uses the main steering system reservoir. if it was low enough on fluid to affect the AP pump you wouldn't have any steering. Checking the level will depend on the main steering system. What boat do you have ? Is there a fluid reservoir somewhere or do you top it up at the help pump ?

 

[jbm1967]

Doubt it's the fluid level, it uses the main steering system reservoir. if it was low enough on fluid to affect the AP pump you wouldn't have any steering. Checking the level will depend on the main steering system. What boat do you have ? Is there a fluid reservoir somewhere or do you top it up at the help pump ?

It’s a Prout Cat. I’ve never topped it up but there’s no fluid reservoir. I’ve found the top up so I’ll have a look later. I’m under sail right now

 

[PaulRainbow]

It’s a Prout Cat. I’ve never topped it up but there’s no fluid reservoir. I’ve found the top up so I’ll have a look later. I’m under sail right now

As i said, it won't be the fluid. The AP pump is about as low in the system as it gets, if it was being starved of fluid the steering wouldn't work at all. Even if it was out of fluid the pump would still run, it just wouldn't steer the boat.

It could be a faulty pump, overloading the ECU. You can check that by hard wiring it. Remove the two pump wires and connect straight to the ACU power input, reversing the polarity will change the direction, so go back and forth and don't go to the ends of travel for the ram.

Could be the ACU, not sure how you'd check that easily.

 

[jbm1967]

As i said, it won't be the fluid. The AP pump is about as low in the system as it gets, if it was being starved of fluid the steering wouldn't work at all. Even if it was out of fluid the pump would still run, it just wouldn't steer the boat.

It could be a faulty pump, overloading the ECU. You can check that by hard wiring it. Remove the two pump wires and connect straight to the ACU power input, reversing the polarity will change the direction, so go back and forth and don't go to the ends of travel for the ram.

Could be the ACU, not sure how you'd check that easily.

Hi Paul, agreed it won’t be the fluid. Was more for future reference. Yes, I am thinking maybe faulty pump overload. How will connecting direct to the power input confirm? I’ve tried that already and the pump works but don’t sure if it’s drawing too much current. I have a multi meter but it can only measure 10am max and believe it will be more than this even if working correctly. Cheers

 

[RunAgroundHard]

I have a different system, rotary drive, electric motor , intermittent operation but getting worse, then stopped working. Course computer still gave instructions but displayed drive error message. Turned out to be dirty slip rings, commutator and brushes. Cleaned with cotton buds and contact cleaner until carbon free. If your pump motor has brushes, worth checking.

 

[jbm1967]

I have a different system, rotary drive, electric motor , intermittent operation but getting worse, then stopped working. Course computer still gave instructions but displayed drive error message. Turned out to be dirty slip rings, commutator and brushes. Cleaned with cotton buds and contact cleaner until carbon free. If your pump motor has brushes, worth checking.

Definitely worth a look.

 

[jbm1967]

Definitely worth a look.

Problem fixed. Cleaned brushes in the motor ( they do need replacing) and it’s working. Thanks for everyone’s input.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Problem fixed. Cleaned brushes in the motor ( they do need replacing) and it’s working. Thanks for everyone’s input.

Excellent, thanks for reporting back

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Great news.

 

[rotrax]

I have a different system, rotary drive, electric motor , intermittent operation but getting worse, then stopped working. Course computer still gave instructions but displayed drive error message. Turned out to be dirty slip rings, commutator and brushes. Cleaned with cotton buds and contact cleaner until carbon free. If your pump motor has brushes, worth checking.

Had EXACTLY that with the motor driven ram system. The brush boxes had no slots a la Lucas to keep spring pressure on the brushes, they bottomed on the top side of the brush box.

Cleaning everything and bending the springs to a vetical 8mm fixed it. If you have an electrical hydraulic pump, check the brushes and commutator.