I have a Minne kota 36 lbs thrust turbo trolling motor with a 36 inch shaft.  It has 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds. It also has a tilt handle and a battery check idiot light.  I noticed yesterday that I lost some of the thrust on number 5 forward speed.  This is number 4 worked ok but I'm not sure.  I put it on backup battery.(always have two in the boat at SixO on windy days) same performance.  I went back and got my thirty pound thrust backup and it worked fine so not a battery issue.  My question are these throw away today or is it cheaper to get it fixed. Thoughts or ideas appreciated.

Robert. I have a very old Moto Guide trolling motor that just went to the scrap pile. Before that I did make some easy repairs. 

You should be able to remove the head by loosening several screws. There may just be  a broken wire. 

Bill Fetech

Hey Robert,, any thing can be fixed, but with what you described i think you be best to go to Academy, or Bass Pro and get a new one... a new one just like the one i think your talking about is only $150, and its a 40lb thrust... here is a picture of it.. but also as Bill said , it could be just a loose wire in the head...  academy.com

Well I like to tinker with things so I'll pull it apart and give it a look.  I'm thinking more than a loose wire as it does move at the number 5 setting just slower than 2, 3 or 4. I'm sure a repair shop just topull the case will be half the cost of a new one.  I bought the boat. motor, battery and paddle for $400.  So I'm still ahead as I've had it 10 years.