Searching for Autopilot Controller

The message "Searching for Autopilot Controller" is displayed on a Garmin Autopilot system when the GHC™ display does not receive a signal from the Reactor™ 40 course computer.

To resolve this message, follow these troubleshooting steps:

Begin at step one if the autopilot is a GHP™ 10 autopilot or GHP™ 12 autopilot. All other Garmin autopilot systems skip to step number four.

1.  Check that the yellow signal wire from the GHC display's 7-pin data cable connects to the CCU / ECU interconnect cable's yellow wire. The yellow wire acts as a remote turn-on for the CCU; the GHC display powers on the CCU

2. Check that the black wires of the GHC 7-pin data cable, the NMEA 2000 backbone that powers the CCU, and the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) power cable connect to the same ground source on the boat

   • NOTE: The ECU and CCU must share a data ground, as the CCU is searching for the ECU. The Searching for Autopilot Controller message essentially relays that there is a communication issue. The problem could stem from using a different ground; a faulty or worn interconnect cable can also interrupt communication, and testing for continuity doesn't necessarily rule out that the pins are stressed to the point of not making good, solid, continuous contact

3. Identify the serial number of the GHC display. If the serial number begins with 1Y4, the GHC display is powered by NMEA 2000; do not connect the red power wire. Disconnect the red power wire if it's connected to a power source

4. Inspect the NMEA 2000 network to verify that the installation is correct. See NMEA 2000 Troubleshooting if visual inspection looks complete

A complete NMEA 2000 network, at minimal, should contain the following: 

• Three NMEA 2000 T-Connectors

• One Male NMEA 2000 Terminator

• One Female NMEA 2000 Terminator

• Two NMEA 2000 Drop Cables

• One NMEA 2000 Yellow Power Cable