About this replacement
MINN KOTA iPilot Link Remote 2016 — 3.7V Li-Polymer Replacement Battery (2370712)
This 3.7V, 1150mAh Li-Polymer battery replaces the OEM cell in the MINN KOTA iPilot Link Remote 2016 and earlier iPilot Link remotes. It restores transmitter function for Minn Kota wireless trolling motor control systems. Capacity matches the original at 1150mAh (4.26Wh) — no modification required to fit the remote housing.
- iPilot Link 2016 and earlier remote fit: Both model years use the same 3.7V Li-Polymer cell with identical connector and footprint (49.10 x 33.70 x 7.60mm), so a single part covers both. The BMS in these remotes expects a Li-Po voltage curve — a standard alkaline swap is not supported.
- Bench tested on actual hardware: We cycled this cell through full charge and discharge on the iPilot Link remote platform. The BMS accepted the cell without fault flags, and transmitter output held consistent across the voltage range down to the 3.0V cutoff.
- Single-cell remote replacement: This remote runs one Li-Po cell. When replacing it, confirm the connector polarity before seating — the JST-style plug can physically insert in the wrong orientation on worn housings. A reversed connection will prevent the remote from powering on.
Why the iPilot Link Remote loses transmitter range before the battery reads empty
Li-Polymer cells in low-draw remotes degrade gradually rather than failing hard. As internal resistance increases with age, the cell voltage sags under the brief current spike the IR/RF transmitter demands — even if resting voltage still reads 3.5V or higher. The remote's indicator may show adequate charge, but the transmitter can no longer sustain the peak output needed to reach the trolling motor receiver at normal distances. Replacing the cell restores the clean voltage delivery the transmitter circuit requires.
Remote completely unresponsive after fitting the new battery
The most common cause is a reversed connector — the positive and negative leads are transposed. Li-Po connectors on this remote platform have no mechanical block against reverse insertion on worn or aftermarket housings. A reversed cell puts no voltage on the logic board, so every button press returns nothing. Disconnect the cell, confirm the red wire aligns with the positive terminal marked on the PCB, reseat, and the remote should power on immediately at 3.7V.