ST 6001 Autopilot

[Al the Geo]

At the moment, I'm looking at a 2005 sailboat that has a Raymarine ST 6001 autopilot. In standby mode, the wheel turns about 10 degrees and then it takes quite a lot of force to turn further. The current owner thinks this is OK. It seems to work OK in Auto Mode. I've had several wheel pilots on previous boats, but never a hydraulic system like the ST 6001. My instincts tell me that something is very wrong, perhaps a relief valve not opening to allow the free passage of the piston in standby mode. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone having experience with this model.

[Jentine]

Something is very wrong. The pilot should offer no resistance in standby mode.

[Statistical]

Something is wrong. What type of steering? What type of autopilot drive?

[Calif.Ted]

Hydraulic systems have an electromagnetic clutch that would seem to be a probable cause of failure. Could also be as simple as some mechanical obstruction at the quadrant area or tiller arm used for the drive. This description from Raymarine may be helpful.
https://www.raymarine.com/en-us/lear...systems%20like