How does guardian mode work?

[bheston]

I'm helping a friend with his 2014 Mercury 115hp EFI 4 stroke. We had a couple issues that we now have resolved, but engine acts like it's running at half power. When on the hose in the driveway, in fast idle the engine runs fine up to around 2000 rpm, then falls on it's face and won't go above 2500 rpm. When in gear, it will run much higher. Seems like computer is limiting it somehow.

We put it on the lake and can barely get on plane. After a while it will get on plane and get up to about 4000 RPM but no power.

We put a Mercury Smart Craft Connect module on it, and there is a Guardian Mode code in the history codes, but not active. Does the engine come out of Guardian mode by itself or does it have to be cleared with a computer? Or unhooking battery?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[muc]

You didn't give a serial number so because this can be different for different models and years, I can just give this general advice from a owners manual.

ENGINE GUARDIAN SYSTEM The Engine Guardian system monitors the critical sensors on the engine for any early indications of problems. Engine Guardian is functional whenever your engine is operating, so you never have to be concerned about whether or not you are protected. The system will respond to a problem by sounding the warning horn for six seconds and/or reducing engine power in order to provide engine protection. If Engine Guardian has been activated, reduce the engine speed. The problem will need to be identified and corrected. The system must be reset before the engine will operate at higher speeds. Moving the throttle lever back to the idle position will reset the Engine Guardian system. If the Engine Guardian system has determined the reset has not corrected the problem, Engine Guardian will remain activated, limiting the throttle. The problem must be identified and corrected before Engine Guardian will allow the engine to reach a normal operating RPM.

You might want to check your friends owners manual.