Auto pilot woes - clutch bypass engaged

[C Skip R]

I'm posting this for a friend whom is here in the Bahamas and having this problem with his AP on his Hatteras. Looking for assistance.

AutoPilot Woes - Clutch Bypass Engaged

Two miles out of Ponce inlet on the way to the Bahamas the auto pilot decides to tell me "Clutch Bypass Engaged". This is the first time I have ever seen this message. I can not find any way to disengage through the menu. One thing I find very interesting, the drive I have installed does not even utilize the "clutch bypass switch" - no wires even installed on the jumpers of the board. Its a reversible pump, not a hydraulic linear drive.

Robertson AP300x w/reversible drive pump

Attempted but no resolve:
- Rest the breaker and powered up unit (several times)
- Went through autopilot setup to ensue proper drive unit is configured - reversible motor
- A rudder test is possible, completes successfully but when engaging autopilot, "clutch bypass engaged" is displayed

Has anyone else seen this or know how to correct? Appreciate everyone's input as I would like to resolve before heading back to the state...really miss the autopilot, makes for long days.

[Downtime]

From the support docs:

Bypass/Clutch
disengaged
Poor connection or
open circuit in
bypass/clutch coil
1. Check connections
2. Replace bypass/clutch if open.
3. Perform new "Rudder test"

http://www.simrad-yachting.com/Root/...ish/AP300X.pdf

I would give Simrad a call if you can't figure it out from the doc I linked. Contact information is at the end of the pdf.

[svinshallah]

The message indicates what is shown if the clutch IS connected and the connection becomes intermittent.

But if you think the other way, there are no wires connected to a clutch but sometimes the unit thinks there are, then doesn't like it when these phantom wires disappear.

I'd look for some corrosion of some kind on the board or connections.
Good luck.