How to Troubleshoot a Ranger RT178 Trolling Motor That Won’t Start

1. Set the Foot Pedal Control Switch to Correct Position

• Look under the foot pedal for a concealed safety switch. If the switch is in the middle position, the trolling motor won't run. 

• Turn the switch to the forward position to use the button on the foot pedal to turn the trolling motor on and off. 

• Turn the switch to the rear position to keep the trolling motor constantly running. Change the speed of the trolling motor using the rotary switch. The button on the foot pedal will do nothing in this position.

2. Turn on the Battery Compartment Power Switches 

• In the battery housing compartment at the very back of the boat, there are two large switches on either side of the housing. 

• The switch on the left controls the entire boat.

• The switch on the right side controls power to the trolling motor. 

• Flip both switches to the ON position to power the whole boat.

3. Test the Batteries 

• Check to see if other parts of the vessel are receiving power. Check the navigation lights or horn to see if the batteries are working. If these components are receiving power, the battery is working properly. 

• If other parts of the vessel are not receiving power, charge the batteries by hooking the power cord attached to the batteries into an extension cord plugged into power.

• Replace the batteries if they don’t receive power when charging.

4. Inspect the Fuse Panel

• Open the fusebox next to the throttle in the driver’s seat. Refer to the diagram of the fusebox inside the compartment. 

• Visually inspect the orange 5 amp fuse. If the fuse is broken, replace it with the provided replacement fuses and tweezers. Be sure to replace it with the matching color fuse.

5. Test the Foot Pedal for Power

• Beneath the trolling motor foot pedal, there are wires that bring power to the trolling motor and foot pedal. 

• Using a low-voltage battery tester, check to see if power is being drawn to the foot pedal. Attach battery tester to the wires with exposed copper beneath the foot pedal.

6. Contact a Ranger Dealer for Service

• If power is not registering on the tester, and every other step did not resolve the issue, contact a registered Ranger dealer and schedule an appointment to service your trolling motor.