Autopilot

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   Just checking but has anyone else had problems with the autopilot mine seems to have stopped working tried re calibrating it it, whilst it knows the rudder position, that’s it will not work. Any hints would be appreciated 

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voiceman1uk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 21 October 2021 Status: Offline Points: 24	Post Options Post Reply Quote voiceman1uk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Autopilot Posted: 07 October 2025 at 10:31
	Just checking but has anyone else had problems with the autopilot mine seems to have stopped working tried re calibrating it it, whilst it knows the rudder position, that’s it will not work. Any hints would be appreciated

angorsan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 13 December 2023 Location: Latvia Status: Offline Points: 46	Post Options Post Reply Quote angorsan Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 October 2025 at 09:00
	I would suggest to check the wiring connectors at the unit - mine had to be redone by the dealer's electrician due to damages. Port side aft locker, if I remember correctly.

voiceman1uk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 21 October 2021 Status: Offline Points: 24	Post Options Post Reply Quote voiceman1uk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 October 2025 at 06:11
	Found the problem water had got inside the autopilot unit it’s currently with Jefa so they can see what has gone wrong

Mark Pullen Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 20 July 2022 Location: London, UK Status: Offline Points: 90	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mark Pullen Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 October 2025 at 22:07
	Jefa rebuilt my DD1 unit in 2023. This year there was evidence of water ingress through the cable glands that resulted in the corrosion on the top of the motor. A replacement motor was sent and fitted. My recommendations are: 1) Absolutely no water to be used to clean the Drive Unit or the area it is mounted in. Best to use a damp sponge to clean the area. You definitely want to minimise any water getting onto the top of the unit. 2) Add silicone seal liberally around the entry points for the cables. The cables going into the unit are now covered in silicone sealant. 3) Liberal amounts of silicone grease where the shaft exits the case. Periodically wipe this area to stop grit working its way into the rubber seal. 4) Make sure the cable connections from the AP computer to the unit are made in a dry area. I have a small junction box mounted high in the rear storage area on my 350, where the power and clutch cable connections are made. 5) Consider servicing periodically (around five years) - send to Jefa or find a local agent. Edited by Mark Pullen - 22 October 2025 at 22:13
	Mark

Mark Pullen Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 20 July 2022 Location: London, UK Status: Offline Points: 90	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mark Pullen Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 22 October 2025 at 22:13
	There is a test programme here to test the motor and clutch: https://www.jefa.com/ftp/steering/maintenance_guides/drive_units/DU-DD1-xx_direct_drive_1/Motor%20and%20clutch%20test%20for%20DD1.pdf
	Mark

voiceman1uk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 21 October 2021 Status: Offline Points: 24	Post Options Post Reply Quote voiceman1uk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 October 2025 at 08:16
	Thanks all for the advise …just got feedback from Jefa and they have rebuilt the unit (very quickly) under warranty for which I think is excellent service. Once I get it back I am going to look at how I can better protect the unit from water as the way it it installed at the moment every time I wash the deck down it is exposed

Mark Pullen Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commander Joined: 20 July 2022 Location: London, UK Status: Offline Points: 90	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mark Pullen Report Post Thanks(1) Quote Reply Posted: 23 October 2025 at 10:54
	Mine is under a hatch, under the helm's feet. However, the space seems to trap all sorts of grit, dust and crumbs from the cockpit. Once I realised the problem with water on the drive unit, I no longer hose the area to clean. There are two routes into the unit - the shaft and the cables. There is not much we can do about the shaft, other than wipe the area and grease. The cables can be further sealed. I'd prefer Jefa to use cables with an outer jacket, so that the gland surrounds a circular cable. At present, two cables are pressed into each gland.
	Mark

voiceman1uk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Lieutenant Joined: 21 October 2021 Status: Offline Points: 24	Post Options Post Reply Quote voiceman1uk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 October 2025 at 18:06



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