Garmin Autopilot Anomaly

[Rocky]

We have a 2018 R29S. Over the past few months I have had an intermittent anomaly in my autopilot. I am curious if I am the only one. Occasionally, it will engage itself (uncommanded) into “Heading Hold” mode. The only thing that is consistent is that it only happens after I have started the engine and begin to move away from the dock. Yes…the worst possible time! Trying to steer leaving the slip, only to have it try to steer back straight is a bit unnerving. Yesterday, I watched the AP display closely pulling out of the slip. When I put the boat in gear, it showed “standby” but in less than the boat length it suddenly showed “Heading Hold.” I quickly disengaged it and went on my way. My new plan will be to make sure the AP is “off” as I leave a dock until I think it is fixed. It has never done this out cruising. Once I disengage it, it does not engage itself again either.

It has happened 5 or6 times since last summer. Mostly at the slip, but it has happened at the pump out dock twice as well - not that location would have anything to do with it.
I have shut off power from the batteries a couple times. I have the latest Garmin Update (February) installed.

Reading all over the web, I can’t find any discussion about this uncommanded engagement issue.
I have an email into Garmin but I thought I would ask here if anyone had ever heard of such a thing while I wait for their reply.
Probably unrelated, but Garmin installed a new AP pump under warranty last summer, but I don’t recall it happening before that, but it may have.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thank you!

Rocky

 

[ixlr8]

On my 2018 27OB I have had my Garmin Autopilot go into heading hold on several occasions unexpectedly, although it has always been out on the water not around the docks. I think if you do a search, there are others with similar complaints.

 

[jagizzi]

Where is the remote when this happens?

 

[Rocky]

At these times the remote isn't being touched. I do tend to store it hanging from the window latch. I am going to look and see if it is possible that the button can be depressed in this position.

I hadn't even thought of the remote through this issue.

Thanks!

 

[baz]

Rocky: I don't have an answer for you..... but having AP set OFF is a good thing to have when leaving the dock or at any time when leaving for a cruise somewhere. This is on my check list before moving off. 😉 This makes me think of the current Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9 software issue. :roll:

 

[BradOwens]

I need to reset the electronic compass on my 2012 R29. One of the questions in the setup wizard is steering pump capacity. Does anyone know how much fluid it holds?

 

[Rocky]

Hi Barry,
Confirmed "off" is my plan now. .... 🙂

Thanks!

 

[baz]

Rocky: Unfortunately these days we are at the mercy of unknown software bugs in many of our devices and we all have to waive our rights in order to use the fancy new toys. Thanks goodness there's no mandatory software needed for leaving the dock unless of course the Volvo Penta engine key fob and its 'backing' software mis-behaves. :roll: