No Power to GHS Hydraulic Lift & "Data Link Failure" in Systems Monitor

We splashed our boat last week. Most systems are working properly but we're not getting power to the GHS lift and the Systems Monitor is showing the "Data Link Failure" message.

Our starboard battery died during winter storage and I recharged it without issue. While prepping the boat to go in the water I was able to operate the GHS lift without issue and did not notice the "Data Link Failure" message. Now that the boat is in, all DC systems are working properly with the exception of these two issues. Both items are powered by the starboard battery which has stayed above 12V since the boat has been in the water.

Starting with the GHS lift, all fuses in the GHS system are good and the only breaker I could find, pictured below, is properly set. No indicator lights on the pump are on and it does not seem like there is power to the system. Are there any other breakers or resets I may be missing? I did just find a GHS electrical system troubleshooting guide online and will try that next if I don't receive any other suggestions.


Regarding the Systems Monitor, both coax connections in the dash and the engine room seem to be good. I did open the black box, where the coax is connected in the engine room, hoping to find a reset button but there was not one in there. Based on some previous threads, I disconnected both batteries with the hope of resetting the system but the "Data Link Failure" message still appeared. Any suggestions on what may be going on would be appreciated.

It seems like these issues could be related to the previous starboard battery failure but the lift has operated since then so it does have me scratching my head a bit. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

Based on my experience, the two problems might be independent of one another. The easier one to troubleshoot would be the no-power condition to the lift. Need to just trace back the power connection to see where it's missing. You'll find a blown breaker or fuse somewhere, or a control unit that is shot. You can also sometimes provide direct connected power the control unit with a 12v jump box to see if the problem is in the wiring/switches/breaker or with the control unit itself.

The data link on the searay systems monitor might require a new systems monitor unit. Good to make sure all the connections are tight and do a reset as per the troubleshooting guide but these units are known issue and just seem to sometimes go bad after 12+ years.

Thanks Gerry for the quick response! The fuses looked good in the GHS system. If I have no luck with GHS' Electrical troubleshooting guide I like your idea of using the 12v jump box to further troubleshoot.

Regarding the systems monitor, I'm thinking you may be right regarding the need for a new one since the connections look good and the reset did not work.

I've been dealing with the data link failure as well. It seems to display that mode after running for a while. Then eventually goes back to normal systems ok after not running. According to the troubleshoot guide, it says you have a problem with the coaxial cable. I tried a new temporary cable with no luck but maybe that's your issue with it. Unfortunately, according to Searay, you cannot buy replacement parts for this system. You need to upgrade to an entire new system which is not cheap. I believe my problem is the main interface module.......

I have some info on how to reset them, it’s at work I’ll post tomorrow

If you are using your wireless remote and cannot get the platform to move you may need to reprogram the remote. To do that ensure the batteries are fresh in the remote, find the wireless module (gray rectangle box) and hold the button below the LED light for 10 seconds, then push the wireless #1 button then the module button to confirm the connection.

See if any of this helps with the system monitor

Do you hear a loud "click" when you close the switch for the lift? That's the solenoid closing on the hydraulic pump unit, it should be audible outside the engine room. If not, you likely have a fault at the switch (mine is in the cockpit). When I pulled my switch out, one of the wires had corroded right off the terminal block. I cleaned all the wires, put on new terminations and took the opportunity to replace the switch at the same time. Easy repair, if that's the problem

bmac said:

Do you hear a loud "click" when you close the switch for the lift? That's the solenoid closing on the hydraulic pump unit, it should be audible outside the engine room. If not, you likely have a fault at the switch (mine is in the cockpit). When I pulled my switch out, one of the wires had corroded right off the terminal block. I cleaned all the wires, put on new terminations and took the opportunity to replace the switch at the same time. Easy repair, if that's the problem

Click to expand...

I had the exact same problem with my switch as Brian did - and my cockpit light switch right below the lift pump switch. All spade terminals corroded and hanging on by a thread...

Platform pump has two pencil looking push-in breakers on top of pump unit...check to see if there are popped out. If so, push back in and turn to lock them in.

R

Did you figure out what the issue is/was? I know this thread is old but I am having similar issue(s) and not sure where to start. Thanks!