Garmin 7212 not holding course (R27)

[BGW]

Hi there,

I posted in General Discussions as few days ago but nobody has been able to offer help on my auto pilot problem. Thought I would see if factory support can help.

When set to heading hold or navigation, the boat will not hold a course. It previously failed to engage if the rudder was full over and you hit heading hold. Now it won’t engage even it the rudder is straight and already on course. Scared the crap out of me a few days ago as I thought it was holding. I looked away to check charts and when I looked up was literally 2 seconds away from ploughing into rocks. I know that’s on me as I’m ultimately responsible as the operator. Not being able to use auto pilot renders the boat useless for almost any voyage if you can’t leave the helm unattended for even 5 seconds.

Helm hydraulic oil reservoir is full.

What else can I check?

Thanks - Brad




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[aculverwell]

I had a similar issue-- turned out to to be a failed Garmin autopilot pump. There are a number of threads on this topic with more info, including this one: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13606&hilit=garmin+pump+fail

 

[BGW]

Aculverwell.

Thank you. I had no idea the problem was so widespread.


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[tpfahy]

This may be as simple as a loose connection. We had a similar symptom on our R-23. All updates applied, autopilot controller recognized by the system. System on, and per the controller, engaged. Checked pumps, fluid levels etc. Looking into the starboard locker where the controller system is, one of the two connections had come loose. Twisted back on and everything was restored. I hope you are so lucky.

 

[BGW]

This may be as simple as a loose connection. We had a similar symptom on our R-23. All updates applied, autopilot controller recognized by the system. System on, and per the controller, engaged. Checked pumps, fluid levels etc. Looking into the starboard locker where the controller system is, one of the two connections had come loose. Twisted back on and everything was restored. I hope you are so lucky.

Tpfahy. Thank you. Will check that before anything else.


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[BGW]

An update to this post.

Started off the fishing season with the autopilot holding course - but only after running the engine above 3000 rpm for a while. I figured that somehow increased hydraulic pressure. Then that stopped working.

In the meantime I tried in vain to get the remote to talk to the main unit. I don’t know that it’s ever worked since I bought the boat 5 years ago. It always says ‘No Signal’.

I thought I’d do a reboot of sorts so following instructions in the remote manual I disconnected all cables from the 7217 and for good measure disconnected them from the hydraulic pump as well. When I reconnected cables and powered everything back up the autopilot worked. As a bonus I managed to pair the remote so it works too.

It sure helps when you’ve got a big Chinook on the line, are on the swim grid fighting it and need to navigate your way out of traffic … or away from the rocks.


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