The process for opening, removing, and reinstalling the shaft cap on Garmin trolling motors is relatively the same with some differences. The instructions in this FAQ should only be followed if directed by Product Support or if necessary and as per instructions found in the Maintenance Manual.

NOTE: This process should only be performed by those who feel confident in their own ability to disassemble and reassemble using the appropriate tools or by locating a Garmin Trolling Motor Service Center using the Dealer Locator. Physical damage due to improper disassembly and reassembly will void the warranty.

Shaft Cap Process for the Force® Trolling Motor (50" & 57")

Removing the Upper Shaft Cap Cover

NOTE: Before opening the shaft cap, disconnect the motor from the power source.

1. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws that secure the lid of the shaft cap
  - Place these screws in a safe place, because they must be used to close the shaft cap
2. Lift up to remove the lid of the shaft cap

Disconnecting the Cables in the Shaft Cap

1. Using a #3 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws (1) that secure the power cables in the shaft cap
  - Keep these screws in a safe place, because they must be used when reconnecting the cables
2. Release the latch (2) and pull the connectors apart to disconnect the data cable

Removing the Transducer Cable from the Shaft Cap

1. Disconnect the transducer cable from the chartplotter
2. Remove the power and transducer cables from the mount
  - See page 10 of the Force Trolling Motor User Maintenance Manual for instructions
3. Remove the plastic cable clamps that secure the transducer cable to the coiled power cable
  - Keep these cable clamps in a safe place, because they must be reinstalled later
4. Straighten the transducer cable so it can be easily pulled through the shaft cap
5. Push from the inside out to remove the square grommet (1) that holds the transducer cable (2)in the shaft cap
6. Remove the grommet from the transducer cable
  - The grommet is split on one side to make it easy to remove from the cable
  - Keep the grommet in a safe place, because it must be reinstalled later
7. Feed the transducer cable through the shaft cap from the outside in until it is no longer routed through the square hole

Removing the Shaft Cap

1. Count and write down the number of coils in the coil cable that wraps around the shaft
  - When re-assembling the shaft and shaft cap, it is beneficial to use the same number of coils around the shaft
2. Using a 4 mm hex bit or wrench, remove the 1 /4-20 bolt (1) and nut (2) that secure the shaft cap to the shaft
  - Keep this bolt and nut in a safe place, because they must be used when reinstalling the shaft cap
3. Lift up on the shaft cap to disconnect it from the shaft
4. Pull the cables (3) from the shaft completely through the shaft cap, taking care to avoid damaging the data cable connector when pulling it through

Reinstalling the Shaft Cap

1. Pull the cables (1) from the shaft completely through the shaft cap
2. Using the coil count recorded when the shaft cap was removed, wrap the coil cable around the shaft the appropriate number of times
3. Place the shaft cap on the shaft, aligning the coil cable extending from the shaft cap (2) with the groove on the shaft (3)
4. Using a 4 mm hex bit or wrench, install the 1 /4-20 bolt (4) and nut to secure the shaft cap to the shaft

Installing the Transducer Cable in the Shaft Cap

1. Feed the transducer cable (1) completely through the square hole in the shaft cap
2. Install the grommet (2) on the transducer cable
  - The grommet is split on one side to make it easy to install on the cable
3. Push from the outside to secure the square grommet in the shaft cap
4. Route the transducer cable alongside the coil cable, using the cable clamps to hold the cables together
5. Route the transducer cable through the mount base alongside the coil cable, using the cable clamps to secure the cables to the base
6. Route the transducer cable to the chartplotter, and connect it

Connecting the Cables in the Shaft Cap

1. Align the rings on the ends of the cables according to color. Stack the red cables together and stack the black cables together, aligning the flat sides of the connectors (1) on the cables
  NOTE: If the cables are stacked incorrectly, the shaft cap cover will not close properly
2. Place the stacked cables (2) over the stand outs in the shaft cap
3. Using a #3 Phillips screwdriver, install the two screws and lock washers (3) to secure the power cables onto the stand outs in the shaft cap
4. Align both sections of the data cable connector (4), and push together to connect them

Closing the Shaft Cap

1. Place the lid on the shaft cap
2. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, install the four screws to secure the lid of the shaft cap

Shaft Cap Process for the Force® Kraken Trolling Motor (63", 75" & 90")

Removing the Upper Shaft Cap Cover

NOTE: Before opening the shaft cap, disconnect the motor from the power source.

NOTE: Before beginning this process, read through all steps or carefully observe the video to ensure a smooth uninstall and reinstall of the shaft cap

Shaft Cap Removal Video:

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws that secure the lid of the shaft cap
  - Place these screws in a safe place, because they must be used to close the shaft cap
2. Gently lift up to remove the lid of the shaft cap, being careful of connections made to the module attached

Disconnecting the Module or Cables in the Shaft Cap

1. If the module (1) in the shaft cap requires replacement, or the shaft cap needs to be removed, disconnect the 6 pin and threaded data cables, then remove the 4 screws using a #1 Phillips screwdriver
  NOTE: If the shaft cap module is the only part being replaced, follow the direction provided so far in reverse to install the replacement and reassemble the shaft cap assembly
2. If equipped, disconnect the orange 12-pin transducer cable
3. Pull back the rubber sleeve of each power cable (1) to reveal a set of 2.5mm Allen screws in each cable. Remove or loosen the screws that secure each power cable connector. With the screws loosened or removed, each cable may be separated. . If the set screws are removed, put them in a safe place as they will be needed to secure the power and ground cables back together

Removing the Main Coiled Power, Data, and Transducer Cable(s) from the Shaft Cap

1. Using a #1 Philips screwdriver remove 4 the screws (1) from the main cable securing retainer (2)
2. Lift the main cable up in the shaft cap and then the securing retainer may be pulled out and off of the cable
3. If installed, disconnect the LiveScope™ live sonar transducer from the GLS 10
4. Push the rubber square grommet (1) out from inside the base of the shaft cap
  - The grommet is split on one side to make it easy to remove from the cable
  - Keep the grommet in a safe place for later re-use
5. Straighten and feed the transducer cable (2) back up and through the bottom of the shaft cap until the connector itself is fed through and out of the bottom of the shaft cap. Leave the remaining portion of the cable that feeds down through the trolling motor shaft installed

Removing the Shaft Cap

1. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver remove the bolts (1). The nuts (2) are locked in to place in their recessed location. As the bolts are removed, each nut will need to be held in place
2. Once the bolts and nuts are removed the shaft cap can be raised up and over to install the replacement
3. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver reinstall the bolts. The nuts will lock in to place in their recessed location but may need to be held stationary while initially being tightened

Installing the Main Coiled Power, Data and Transducer Cable(s) in to the Shaft Cap

1. If a LiveScope™ live sonar transducer is installed, straighten, and feed the transducer cable (2) back down and through the bottom of the shaft cap until the connector itself is fed through and out of the bottom of the shaft cap. Reinstall the run of the transducer cable back to the GLS 10
2. Slide the grommet back over the transducer cable
3. Push the rubber square grommet (1) in from outside back into the base of the shaft cap
4. Insert the main coil cable back up into the shaft cap and attach the securing the retainer over the cable into the dedicated notch
5. Lower the coil cable with the securing retainer down
6. Using a #1 Philips screwdriver install the 4 the screws (1) to secure the main cable back down on to the shaft cap

Connecting the Cables and Module in the Shaft Cap

1. Bring the upper shaft cap back to the lower shaft cap assembly and connect the 6 pin and threaded data cable back to the module
2. Insert the power cables back in to receiving connector
3. Using a 2.5mm Allen reinsert the Allen screws and tighten the cable connectors
4. Slide rubber sleeve (1) back over each power cable
5. If equipped, reconnect the orange 12-pin transducer cable

Completing the Shaft Cap Installation

1. Lower the lid of the of the upper shaft cap over the lower shaft cap assembly
2. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, install the four screws that secure the lid of the shaft cap