Autopilot Troubleshooting

[dpaulo]

During my first voyage of the year after winter haulout, I find that my autopilot is not working. I have C350 Hull#3, Raymarine ST5000 instruments. The electronics seem to be working fine and all Seatalk instruments communicate with each other but when I switch from Standby to Autopilot the Instruments show an autopilot setting but the Autopilot motor does not activate.

So, before I begin my troubleshooting exercise, does anyone have any tips or advice to offer. To even check to see whether I have power coming to the motor I will have to remove the casing. Are there any hidden fuses (other than the main panel circuit breaker)? Any suggestions on removing the motor or assembly if I need to send it out for repair? Any leads to a low-cost rebuilt or replacement motor?

Thanks for ANY input that might save me time, money or worry.

Dan