2016 Mercruiser 6.2 ECT - long beep every few minutes???

[Scott Danforth]

I did enjoy the basics of the 1990's Formula vs. today's boats.

 

[achris]

It also seems that if you are into 'I.T.' you can't get away from it even when retired. I probably should do the software upgrade on the vesselview4.

Installed version is - 3.0.43.349

Latest Version is - 5.0.43.579

And make sure you have the latest Diacom version too (3.3 dropped just recently)

Chris...

 

[tpenfield]

And make sure you have the latest Diacom version too (3.3 dropped just recently)

Chris...

Yes, I just checked the pricing on the cable adapter that I would need . . . $249 !!!


Then there is the software upgrade. I might have to save up my weekly allowance for a while in order to get all the bits I need. Do you know if the 3.3 upgrade is free (or minimal cost) if I have the 2.9 version?

 

[achris]

Yes, I just checked the pricing on the cable adapter that I would need . . . $249 !!!

Ouch!

.... Do you know if the 3.3 upgrade is free (or minimal cost) if I have the 2.9 version?

It's a freebie...

 

[alldodge]

Maybe just get the adapter first and see if it supplies enough info to fix the issues, before upgrading to 3.3

 

[tpenfield]

Maybe just get the adapter first and see if it supplies enough info to fix the issues, before upgrading to 3.3

The adapter is what costs . . . I could probably upgrade the software now, since it is free. I am wondering if there is a generic equivalent to the adapter cable . . . at a much lower cost.

 

[alldodge]

The adapter cost that much, dang

I bought 3 different ones years ago and they were only about 30 each.

Tell me which one u need and can borrow it

 

[tpenfield]

I think it is 94029 and 94032.

 

[tpenfield]

Quick Update . . .

Interestingly enough, in my Google searching I have found a couple of documented instances where a faulty trim sender has caused the low voltage alarm on the VesselView. My boat has a bad trim sender on the Starboard engine. So, I'll give that a try to see if somehow a shorted out trim sender is dragging down the voltage at the engine electronics.

In another instance I read that a blown/bad fuse was causing the low voltage warning. So, I'll check that as well.

Meanwhile I'll be saving up my weekly allowance to buy the set of Diacom Connectors which are $249 + $69 . . .

I've also read that one person using the Diacom to chase a voltage issue found that the voltage reported to the Diacom software agreed with the battery voltage, but the VesselView was off by about 0.7 volts (low)

 

[alldodge]

Have them up to 94027 , bummer. Bought mine before CAT came out

 

[tpenfield]

SOLVED !!!

It was the trim sender. Once I disconnected it the low voltage went away. The starboard trim sender has been faulty since before I bought the boat, but there was not enough time (motivation) to fix it before launching.

The low voltage warning was not present when test running the engine on the trailer (i.e. on land). I attributed it to being on shore power, but that was not the case. My solar charging system has all of the batteries sitting at 13.7 volts, and the warning was still present. As soon as I disconnected the trim sender, the warning went away. My thoughts are that on land the trim sender was dry. In the water, it apparently has a leak and is full of water, looking like a short (or low impedance) circuit.

It seems that where the PCM is sensing its supply low voltage, is also where the trim sender connects. If the sender is faulty, it can drag down the voltage in that area of the circuit. No more beeps . . .

 

[Lou C]

Great detective work! As is necessary with modern electronics!

 

[Scott06]

SOLVED !!!

It was the trim sender. Once I disconnected it the low voltage went away. The starboard trim sender has been faulty since before I bought the boat, but there was not enough time (motivation) to fix it before launching.

The low voltage warning was not present when test running the engine on the trailer (i.e. on land). I attributed it to being on shore power, but that was not the case. My solar charging system has all of the batteries sitting at 13.7 volts, and the warning was still present. As soon as I disconnected the trim sender, the warning went away. My thoughts are that on land the trim sender was dry. In the water, it apparently has a leak and is full of water, looking like a short (or low impedance) circuit.

It seems that where the PCM is sensing its supply low voltage, is also where the trim sender connects. If the sender is faulty, it can drag down the voltage in that area of the circuit. No more beeps . . .

Doesnt the trim sender just change resitance as it moves i dont think there is voltage on it , or is it a different setup on these fly by wire newer boats?

 

[alldodge]

All sensors work off a single 5V reference produced by the ECM. Any sensor that draws to much current causes all kinds of issues

 

[Scott06]

All sensors work off a single 5V reference produced by the ECM. Any sensor that draws to much current causes all kinds of issues

Didnt know that thanks is that true for the older carbed models like i have

 

[achris]

Doesnt the trim sender just change resitance as it moves i dont think there is voltage on it , or is it a different setup on these fly by wire newer boats?

(Newer) digital sender versus older analogue...

 

[Scott06]

(Newer) digital sender versus older analogue...

Yeah I’m still playing vinyl…

 

[Scott Danforth]

Yeah I’m still playing vinyl…

You get full range on vinyl. They remix digital to clip the highs and lows because blue tooth can't handle full range audio.

Long live vinyl and tube amps

 

[achris]

You get full range on vinyl. They remix digital to clip the highs and lows because blue tooth can't handle full range audio.

Long live vinyl and tube amps

I thought you'd still be chiselling out stone tablets.

Chris.....

 

[Scott Danforth]

I thought you'd still be chiselling out stone tablets.

Chris.....

Nah ..using a stick in a wax tablet. (Tabula)