OK..........odd.

I just went and checked all connections AT the battery for all 3 batteries. All are good, all tight, no corrosion, nothing out of the ordinary. I did SQUEEZE the wing nuts tight, but honestly didn't feel them move..........don't think they were loose.

And bingo, the back DF came on. I did not start the big motor, but I did turn the key to 'ON' several times, and the DF stayed on.

SO maybe one of the wing nuts on the battery was ever so slightly loose, maybe?????????????

The Trolling Motor runs on 2 batteries in Series, a 24v. Everything else is on the starting battery for big motor.