Autopilot failure

[dennis41]

After a long winter nap my autopilot has stopped working. I get this message:"searching for autopilot controller". I am in the dark. Does anyone have a suggestion of how to remedy this? Steering by hand is a real workout, as those of you who own the diesel version of the Cutwater 30 probably know.

 

[Full_O_Fish]

Searching for autopilot controller typically indicates that there is an issue with the CCU (course computer unit, the round compass ball on older systems or the rectangular reactor box on the newer systems). This could be an issue with the interconnect cable between the ccu and the ECU (separate box or the smartpump), or between the ccu and the nmea2000 network.

Could be as simple as a blown fuse for the nmea2000, or something as major as an issue with the ECU/smartpump

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Here’s what solved the “Searching For Autopilot Controller” problem for me on my 2012 R27: The fuse labeled “Autopilot Pump” had significant corrosion on the legs of the fuse. I cleaned that up and was back in the autopilot business.

 

[SkookumR29]

I have had the same issue a few times on our 2011 R29. The resolution has been to cycle off the House battery switch (with engine off!!!) and then back on again. Do this with the auto pilot display turned off.

 

[scross]

A decade ago the same symptoms were caused by corrosion in an inline fuse holder to the ECU. Fuse was fine, the $2 fuse holder was bad. At Rendezvous, someone named Andrew C came aboard and diagnosed the problem in under 5 minutes. He saw the ECU was not getting power. The ECU has a visible light on it it’s when getting power. At least the old Garmin models had the light.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

Have you checked all of your other systems? MFD, GPS, other NMEA-connected items? That’s where I would start. If the network is fine, then I’d move to the CCU.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dennis41]

OK guys , my tech says my problem is with the CCU. Does anyone know where it is located on a Cutwater 30? I found the ECU.

 

[Full_O_Fish]

Take a look in the quarter berth, there are two panels that the CCU is likely behind. Outboard all the way to the front against the floor there is an angled side panel just in front of the shelf which is held on by a few screws. The other panel would be just above shelf in the same general location.

 

[Ralf H]

hi there,

As Full_o_Fish already mentioned, you will find the ball ahead of the two small panels at the forward outboard corner of the quarter berth. You just need to feel for the screws holding the panels on (square head) Once you have removed them, you will see the electronics in there.

Cheers!

Ralf

 

[dennis41]

Thanks Ralf H. I found it! Lots of corrosion on the busbar (with a dozen or so ground wires attached to it ) above it tho. Will have to figure THAT out.
-DR