Autopilot abrupt U-turns

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Jim,

It is quite possible that insufficient voltage may cause problems with the autopilot.
Accordingly, it is recommended that the vessel's batteries be load tested and replaced should a problem be identified. A low voltage condition will commonly drop an autopilot out of Auto or Track mode into Standby mode. Should this be observed, then the reported problem would likely be the result of insufficient power.

The reported symptom may also result from introduction of a magnetic field in the area of the autopilot's fluxgate compass, a failure of the autopilot's fluxgate compass, failure of the rudder reference transducer, or a failure of the autopilot course computer itself. It is recommended that troubleshooting the system begin within the same sequence of inspections and testing. Should the inspections and testing of the autopilot's fluxgate compass and rudder reference transducer not indicate any problems with these devices, then it would be recommended that the SPX-30 autopilot course computer be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench checked / serviced.

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing the importance of maintaining separation of heading sensor from magnetics.

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how to test a fluxgate compass.

Please click here to view a FAQ addressing how to test a rudder reference transducer.