Drivestopped Error on ST6000

[PrincessoftheLake]

I have a Raymarine ST6000 on my 1995 Hunter 40.5 that was already installed when we bought it. It has worked flawlessly until recently when it was powered and we tried to activate it we got the "drivestopped" error message. The Raymarine knowledge base says that is a message from the autopilot's course computer indicating that it is not able to turn the vessel's rudder and the most common reason for this is excessive wear of the electric motor brushes in the autopilot drive unit's motor. It also could be a bad rudder reference transducer.
I asked my marina (who says they have a Raymarine Certified Tech on staff) to diagnose it. They said there was test voltage to the computer but no voltage to the drive. They diagnosis is that the course computer is bad and I should replace the whole thing.
I am not feeling confident in their decision but perhaps I am wrong. Has anyone else had a similare issue with their autopilot?

Any help would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
POTL

 

[RichH]

Firstly check ALL the fuses inside (under the cover) of the 'core pack' - use a multimeter on the fuse, dont just 'look', then ALL the wiring back to the linear drive and rudder sensor ... looking for breaks/damage and then check ALL the connections (for corrosion, etc.).
Brushes are fairly easy and cheap to replace in the Linear Drive.

If that doesnt get results you can opt to send the suspected components to Raymarine directly for bench testing (@~$45 per component, deducted from any repair charges if found faulty). Repair of a 'core pack' is approx. $350, Linear Drive $300 (includes bench testing charges). Turnaround time is several WEEKS. Check the Raymarine website for up-to-date test and repair charges.

 

[jimford2158]

anyone know where i can get a drive belt for a st4000, gray in color. thanks, jim

 

[Bill Roosa]

have you done anything unusual

to the, around the unit. Moved something or stowed something in the same locker.
My diagnostic technique is based on the premise that stuff does not just break for no reason. Something has to happen and that something is usually pretty obvious in hind sight. if the drive unit is acting up do a quick check of where all the wires run and ask yourself "have I done something recently in or around those wires or components?"

 

[timvg]

I think I answered you previously, but I'll go again. Our 40.5 had the same problem occur. We had an electronics install guy troubleshoot our system (after my trouble shooting didn't find it). He found that the rotary drive wasn't working. Turns out the clutch was broken and Raymarine fixed it and replaced the motor for $500 plus $50 rush service. We had it back to reinstall in a week and I live in California.

 

[timvg]

One more thing: We have a 6001 controller, but it's probably the same. When you turn the wheel in standbye mode, there should be some graphics on your 6000 that shows the rudder position. If your computer was completely bad, it wouldn't get this info.

The guy who diagnosed our system did see voltage at the drive, but the drive was not doing anything. I'm assuming that if the computer was bad, you'd send it back, have it confirmed and they would give you an estimate for repair. I know it's a hassle, because I just went thru it over Memorial Day Weekend.