HAUNTED BOAT - Opinion needed... Electronic switch pads off..

BAYOU_PILOT

New Member
Oct 9, 2017
28
Miami, Fl
Boat Info
2004 Sundancer 340
Engines
8.1S Mercruisers...
V-Drives...
Hi fellows!

Shortly after sailing last friday with the 340, green leds on both switch pads start to decrease and increase their brightness (such a music, accesories indicators, etc) showing some kind of malfunction, but always returning to a normal brightness.

After aprox one hour, starboard windshield wiper start to work by himself... music was shut down. After that, music was ON again but chartplotter was down. And So. Several times each during the way back to marina. Of course other functions were unable to be operated such a lights, windlass, port wiper, etc... I felt like a Conjuring 3 or 4...

By the way before departure it was running normally to operate hatch, blowers, etc...

Saturday morning I came back to the boat with electrical tools but was impossible to energize the pads. As a result, I check the power from internal gauges, engines were running normally, generator as well and giving normal values, inverter/charger too. I only check the forward EIM module with the multimeter and found the fuses OK and 12V reach the EIM terminals.
Also bilge blowers from cabin DC panel control don’t work.

I was alone and couldn’t check under hatch because it weighs like the hell..

Any suggestions/ideas? Does anybody heard something like this?

Thank you very match in advance!

Luis.-
 
Could the switch pad itself be bad?

I had one on a 340 that went bad. Turn on the lights and the anchor would try to drop (or scenarios like that).

Switched out the pad and was all good.

Mark
 
Thank you Mark, I’ll try taking out the pad fuse from the Fw EIM.
 
Could also be an issue with a poor ground connection.

I’m not familiar with your boat, but check any ground connections for loose or poor connections.
 
Could also be an issue with a poor ground connection.

I’m not familiar with your boat, but check any ground connections for loose or poor connections.
Thank you, I’ll put it on my tomorrow’s check list to do..
 
Bayou pilot,

Had a similar problem with our 320--helm light would mysteriously come on, switch pads would work intermittently. This worked for us:

1. There is an access panel at the helm, the wiring harnesses for both switch pads connect to a circuit board visible when you open this panel.
2. unplug the offending switch pad (sounds like maybe both?) and let it remain disconnected for a few minutes.
3. reconnect and try to operate the pads.

I also tried switching the connections a few times and would occasionally get results, I suspect this is more a result of resetting whatever transistors are in the switch pad than anything else.

This trick was enough to get the port pad working so I could access the engine room. Ultimately, we replaced the port pad with a Sea Ray part--$358 from the dealer.

A few words about the replacement pad, it does not come with the woodgrain cover and SeaRay does not offer this aftermarket. Take care in removing the old pad so you can salvage the plastic and use it with the new pad if you desire (the new pad comes with a flat black cover).

Hope this helps and that is something simple. The switch pads are expensive but relatively easy to replace.
 
Bayou pilot,

Had a similar problem with our 320--helm light would mysteriously come on, switch pads would work intermittently. This worked for us:

1. There is an access panel at the helm, the wiring harnesses for both switch pads connect to a circuit board visible when you open this panel.
2. unplug the offending switch pad (sounds like maybe both?) and let it remain disconnected for a few minutes.
3. reconnect and try to operate the pads.

I also tried switching the connections a few times and would occasionally get results, I suspect this is more a result of resetting whatever transistors are in the switch pad than anything else.

This trick was enough to get the port pad working so I could access the engine room. Ultimately, we replaced the port pad with a Sea Ray part--$358 from the dealer.

A few words about the replacement pad, it does not come with the woodgrain cover and SeaRay does not offer this aftermarket. Take care in removing the old pad so you can salvage the plastic and use it with the new pad if you desire (the new pad comes with a flat black cover).

Hope this helps and that is something simple. The switch pads are expensive but relatively easy to replace.

Thank you Southern Cross! that was the first check today and doesn't work. I found both connectors. Port side pad had 12 v but not starboard... the EIM module don't give energy to the accessories so it need to be replaced...

So, after visiting local dealer who asks for it inmediately to SEA RAY, I was noticed that EIM Fw module part #1718630 and their replacement #1810624 are not longer available, and to rebuild it is not in their next wishes...
I found a electronic technician who will try to repare the EIM mainboard, otherwise we can cry together...

Well fellows, I'm looking for a EIM ...

Thank you very match indeed to everybody...

P.S: Really felt little disappointed with such a notice from SR...
 
Sorry to read it is not a simple fix. Frustrating response from your Sea Ray dealer for sure. Hopefully the electronics tech is able to rebuild the existing mainboard or you are able to source a replacement from another Sea Ray dealer's stock. Keep us posted as I am sure you are not the only one who will encounter this problem.
 
Yes it was S.C... Basically the problem was:

1. green led indicator lights from both Switch pads fading out and coming back.
2. After this, the things controlled (music, chart plotter, accessories...) switched off and on by themselves and new ones join the party (e.g Stbd Wiper) :rolleyes:
3. other switches couldn't be operated after this started...:(
4. On the next morning, both pads were died from the beginning... no more power...

Tries included:

1. Main DC power control (Main Cabin), their contacts, the correct and healthy ground wiring of the batteries pack switches, correct contact in breakers. No short circuit evidences.
2. Charger/inverted checked and working properly.
3. Engines, and generator also w.p and giving normal current values. Batteries as well without ground power.
4. fw EIM module's fuses checked one-by-one, it receives normal power from DC circuit.
5. Switch Pads, do not receive power from EIM.

So, I'll keep you informed about solution...

Luis.-
 
Hi Everyone. We would like to be of service to everyone working on this issue with their vessel. FP Marine (Flounder Pounder Marine) has developed systems to retrofit your vessel. We have systems currently available for everything from Bow Riders to 350 Sundancers.
Sometimes links can fail, so the best way to discover the solution for your boat is to visit our website, www.searay-parts.com and type the letters "EIM" into the search engine. Call us if you have any questions. 321-639-2951
 
Hello friends, after a lot of time and tests, the matter has been resolved.
Everything was solved with the change of pads. The problem was the age of the original pads (some failure in them due to age).
In between, there was a change of batteries, battery charger, replacement of navigation and anchor lights and other minor items...
Thanks to Chris and his new pads! His work was truly FORMIDABLE...
How to reach Chris? chris@digitalmarineproducts.com
Chris is a Club user but I don't remember his username, my apologies...
 

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