'97 4.3LX Audio Warning System Doesn't Work

[jkimball]

Hi all,
I have a '97 Regal Destiny with a 4.3LX that runs great, great oil pressure, great operating temp etc. the only issue ever is occasionally after running for a bit, and stopping for 30 min an hour it takes it a few more turns to get her started than if she were being started at the ramp, and the occasional bogging after prolonged idling, which is intermittent but still a pain none the less. But those two issues aren't what this post is about.

I know the boat has the Audio Warning system that beeps at you if you're too hot, oil pressure is too low etc. however, it seems mine isn't working. Shouldn't I hear some sort of tone or beeps when first starting the boat? Sort of like my Johnson System Check used to do? Does anybody know how to go about troubleshooting this?

I feel like I recall seeing a buzzer of some sort zip tied to a wiring harness behind the cluster in the console, and the other sensors are all in place and seemed to be hooked up as well. Is this a simple system that literally just has the 2 sensors for temp and oil psi that are directly wired to the buzzer, or are there other relays and such that could fail? Because if it really is that simple it seems the buzzer would be the best place to start.

thanks in advance

 

[alldodge]

In most cases the beeper should be a constant tone until the motor is started (no oil pressure). It could be it was disconnected or it's broke. To check, go to your drive lube bottle, disconnect both wires going to the bottle and connect them together. Turn key to on and there should be a sound.

If not leave them connected and start the motor on muffs or in the water and see if you hear it. If still nothing look under the dash for the beeper, it's small a black and has 2 wires, one purple (12V hot when key is turned on) and one Tan w/ blue stripe.

 

[thumpar]

There are 3 switches that will trigger the buzzer, drive lube, oil pressure and temp. On my 96 the alarm will sound for about a second after turning the key and then shut off until the key is turned to start and it sounds until there is pressure. You could try grounding one of the wires to the alarm system (water temp would be easy) to test if it comes on.

 

[achris]

Power for the buzzer circuit originates at key, if you ground the 'other side' of the buzzer (tan/blue wire), with the key ON, it should sound. No sound, dead buzzer or no power to the buzzer. If it does, move to the engine and find one of the tan/blue wires and ground it (preferably the one on the temp switch). Buzzer should sound. No sound find the broken wire between the engine harness and the instrument panel. If it does sound, check the oil pressure switch (low down, port side of the engine under the aft end of the exhaust manifold), temp switch, in the thermostat housing and the oil bottle level switch (front of the engine, port side).....