DIY Fix: Replacing Your Lowrance Ghost Head Sensor – A Deep Dive!

Is your Lowrance Ghost trolling motor experiencing frustrating issues like a prop that won't spin, an unresponsive steering system, or that distinctive five-beep, three-flash error code (if your software is updated to the latest version)? These are classic symptoms pointing to a common culprit: a faulty head sensor.

At BFE,  we know how critical a fully functioning trolling motor is for a successful day on the water. While we always recommend professional service for motors under warranty, our latest video is here to guide those of you out of warranty or in need of an immediate fix through the process of replacing the Lowrance Ghost head sensor yourself.

Watch here or follow the steps below:

Crucial First Steps & Safety:

• Warranty Alert: If your Ghost is still under warranty, please take it to an authorized service center. Performing this repair yourself will likely void your warranty [00:44].

• Power Down: Before you touch anything, disconnect your Ghost from the batteries. This is a non-negotiable safety step to prevent any electrical shorts or damage [03:25].

Tools You'll Need:

Gather these tools before you begin: [01:12]

• T15 Torx driver

• T10 Torx driver

• Flush cutters

• Small zip ties

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Head Sensor Replacement:

The video provides a comprehensive walkthrough. Here’s a detailed summary to help you:

1. Remove Dust Cover: Start by using your T10 Torx to remove the two screws securing the dust cover on the bottom of the head unit [01:30].

2. Unscrew Top Cap: Next, use the T15 Torx to remove the 16 screws holding the top cap in place. Note that one screw at the very bottom is a T10 machine screw; make sure it goes back in its original spot [01:56], [02:22].

3. Disconnect Circuit Board: With extreme care, release all connectors from the circuit board, always pulling on the connector itself, not the wires. The board might be slightly adhered, so be gentle [03:07], [03:36].

4. Remove Component Holder: Unscrew the three Torx screws holding a separate component piece and set it aside [04:14].

5. Access Head Sensor (Clear Cap Removal): Remove the eight screws holding the clear cap. Carefully cut the two small zip ties securing wires to the clear cover, making sure not to snip any wires themselves. Disconnect a connector, then gently work the clear cover up. It sits on a pulley and might be tight. Once it's up, twist it 90 degrees to fully access the head sensor [04:34], [04:48], [05:22].

6. Pull Indicator Pulley: To fully expose the head sensor, simply pull out the indicator pulley – the belt should remain in place [05:48].

7. Replace Head Sensor: Now, remove the two screws holding the old head sensor. Pay attention to its orientation (narrower in the back, wider in the front) and install your new head sensor [06:02], [06:34].

8. CRITICAL ALIGNMENT – Indicator Pulley: This step is paramount! You’ll see an arrow on the large white pulley (slip gear) and another arrow on the indicator pulley. These two arrows MUST be perfectly aligned when you reinstall the indicator pulley. Ensure the belt is properly seated on the slip gear assembly. If these aren't aligned, your top cap arrow will be consistently inaccurate [07:02], [07:21], [07:34].

9. Reassemble Carefully: Reverse the disassembly process. Be incredibly vigilant not to pinch or cut any wires, especially the small black and red ones and the head sensor wires. Ensure all wires are nestled in their designated notches and the clear cover fully presses down into its gear [08:05], [08:11], [08:35]. Reinstall the eight screws for the clear cap, the zip ties, the circuit board (reconnecting all connectors), the top cap, and finally the dust cover [08:40], [08:55].

10. Test & Recalibrate: Once fully reassembled, test your Ghost trolling motor. If there are no more beeps or flashes, perform the five-step reset procedure to recalibrate everything for optimal performance [09:01], [09:08].

This detailed DIY guide can help you get your Lowrance Ghost trolling motor back in top working order. Should you need any further assistance with this or other marine electronics, don't hesitate to contact us at BassFishin Electronics!