I replaced my sonar unit up front recently and used the same wiring running back to the auxiliary power panel. When I crank the big motor, the sonar cuts out. The old one didn’t. The console sonar trips to (low voltage), but my thought is that’s because I have my voltage warning set to 11.5 volts. Any thoughts on what may be happening?
Boats & Motors
Sonar Shuts Down When Cranking
Most Outboard Motors will start as low as 10V if your Battery has a bad cell, there may be enough juice to start but too low for good electronics.
First step is to clean and tighten terminals at starting battery then use external charger the night before to get battery fully charged. Turn on sonar before starting boat then see if it still happens.
If its all good, terminals were the problem.
If it still happens, take your battery to auto parts store to be tested.
If it is good but comes back later in the day, have marina check charging system.
I had the same problem, bought a new battery then saw how much corrosion was on the terminals cleaned and charged. All better returned the 100 plus dollar battery.
My brand new boat that I've got last year the electrical guru at boat dealer stuck everything on the accessory side of the starting battery
I don't know if it was a cost savings so didn't have to buy large lug starting connectors
Once I separated the power and ground from the boat motor to the battery proper lugs
Accessories on the accessory side wing nut side of the battery my problems went away and I run two helix locators
I haven't had this problem with my Helix unit. But I know guys who run Solix units that have this problem. I talked with a rep once and he said the Solix draws even more power than the Helix.
But yah, the issue is the gauge of wire and the battery.
When I upgraded to the Helix, I also upgraded all of the wiring to make sure this would not be an issue.
Happened to me first time in 20 years the battery was low and would not hold a charge i also bought biggest battery for starting and not a problem since. First I thought it was the helix but when I got no power to start motor I realized the battery was junk. Agm battery what a difference but double the price.
I'm pretty sure it more than likely shuts down because too much draw on the battery. Especially if you have multiple devices running. If your older model didn't do this it could mean that device wasn't drawing as much on the battery. Just a thought....... Good luck fishing.
I have the same problem. Front hummingbird shuts off when I crank up the big motor. I have a new battery and the connections are clean. I have a fuse panel under the dash board and I'm pretty sure the wires to the front sonar are connected to a fuse at the fuse panel. From what I'm reading here I should run heavier gauge wire from there to the front?
Thanks, JJ
Type of sonar is another factor. The newer ones with down/side imaging take more to run and are more sensitive to low voltage. My dad had issues with his Humminbird Helix, even when the battery wasn't that low. His issue turned out to be that the wiring in the boat was not adequate. Worked fine for his older sonar, but not the new one he bought. I forget what the old wire was, but I think he replaced it with 12 gauge and had no issues since. Not sure if he needed 12, but its what he had already laying around.
He actually took it back the first time because he had a fully charged battery and still had issues. Didn't even need to crank the motor, did it on its own with nothing else running. When the second one did the same thing, then he asked someone and that ended up being the issue.
That’s another good job on the people of Lake Link. Happens a lot!!! Different fishing techniques are another good thing that happens, or when a guys motor don’t start. Good stuff. I’ve been saying I’m getting a Battery Load tester for ever. I think it would be worth it’s price. Test your friends batteries too.