KFC 200 won't engage

[RobertE]

Well, my KFC 200 that was taking some time to engage, has now given up the ghost.  The flight director randomly engages (not commanded to do so, it just jumps up and says "look at me!"), the CWS doesn't function at all and, although the indicator lights ultimately show everything functioning, the servos don't actually control either pitch or roll.

i'll take this to an avionics shop soon but has anyone on this forum ever had this constellation of failures or have a theory?

[aviatoreb]

On two occasions I have had two different issues with my KFC200 (once a known issue upon purchase and once about two years later), and on both occasions autopilot central in tulsa diagnosed the problem over the phone, and sent the corresponding components which they overhauled better than new and turned it around in about a week.  By better than new, I mean brass bushings were replaced with stainless steel (when it was the servos), and electronics had more modern style non leaky components installed.  When they are done with it, essentially the board is original but all electronic components are replaced in an overhaul.

[carqwik]

AP Central will likely give you a diagnoses of the problem based your symptoms over the phone.  Don't waste time with any local avionics shop...you'll end up chasing your tail with A/P problems (BTDT....btw).  Do whatever they tell you...cost me a bunch of money to learn this lesson.

[RobertE]

Thank you both.  That's exactly what I've done.  Their 90% likely diagnosis?  A faulty Control Wheel Steering switch.  If replacing that doesn't fix it I'll have the Flight Computer sent to them for inspection and testing.  Thanks again, gentlemen.  Another reminder of the value of this forum.