Torqeedo 1003L DOA

[conniemarie]

Well, we finally bit the bullet and bought a torqeedo after much time spent deciding (and rowing). We got it home from West Marine and it was all packaged very nicely so we excitedly plugged in the battery after reading the directions and left it overnight. As of the next day, the battery tells us it's 12% and there is no LED blinking on it to indicate it is still charging.

Well, two phone calls later to Torqeedo (and two messages left) we have had no contact back from Torqeedo North America. We are left debating what to do with a motor that hasn't seen a drop of water yet and doesn't work -- have called and are working with West Marine to deal with it. Apparently they had this same issue with someone a few weeks ago. After waiting two weeks to get it and for the price we paid we are sorely disappointed and feel a bit burned.

Anyone have any luck with Torqeedo warranty support? Anyone else have a DOA? We really wanted to have an engine that was easy, clean, and quiet but now need to rethink this in light of our recent experiences.

The Bretts
R31 Sedan - Connie Marie

 

[knotflying]

I have not had issues with mine but I did contact the rep once and they seemed very responsive. Have you made sure that the charger is delivering power to the plug pin going to the battery? If you can unscrew the cover over the pin take a voltmeter to the internal connections to see if there is voltage. If you can't do it at the pin you can unplug it at the transformer and touch the two pins in there. If you are definitely getting power to the battery then you probably have a bum battery.
If you find that it is a bad charger and you feel capable you can make up a direct charging cord from a cigarette lighter outlet plug to a pin both are available at Radio Shack. I actually use this method to keep the battery topped off while cruising.
Good luck and don't give up, it is a great little motor with lots of power.

 

[The Bud's Tug]

I had an issue with my Torqeedo 1003 and the Torqeedo folks directed me to Rotan Industries on Granville Island, who are the authorized depot for warranty repair work in Vancouver area. They were very helpful and did the repair rather quickly.

 

[Wolf Pack]

Well, what did West Marine say? They should stand behind the products they sell. If you have a DOA, then they should take it back under warranty.

As for Torqeedo support, they have ALWAYS been very responsive to me with our issues. Try calling Sven in Torqeedo service at 815-444-8806, ext 303.

Hope you get issues resolved soon.

Gene R
Wolf Pack

 

[Aurelia]

Bummer to have that happen right out of the box. There is a thread going over on C-brats about the 1003 model with other experiences. Good luck with the motor. While not perfect, it is the best electric available for the task (for now).

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t= ... 303c6829ee

Greg

 

[conniemarie]

West Marine stood behind it and exchanged it for us. We took the replacement out for a spin and are happy now. Still no call back from Torqeedo North America. But for now we are good and will hope for no more issues! We did check the charger with the voltmeter and it was good - we got a dud of a battery.