Alarms sounding before turning on engine

[2.steve.schwartz]

I just purchased a boat from North Caroline. Took it for a test drive there and everything ran fine. Towed it home to Ohio and now I have 3 problems (not sure if they are related).

1) When I turn on the key, I get an alarm that continues to sound
2) First time I heard it, thought it might be the horn, pushed the button and blew out the fuse for the horn
3) The blower, bildge, lights will not turn on, but the radio does

Non of the other fuses are blown. I tried disconnecting the sensors 1 at a time, but it didn't stop the alarm.

Any ideas?

Steve

 

[Dave S]

Steve

Welcome to CSR. I see this is your first post. We can help but we need some information.

What is the year and model of your boat along with the powerplant and drive. Most people put that in their signature as it makes it easier to get you the correct answer.

Dave

 

[rondds]

When you say "turn the key" do you mean you have started the engine OR do you mean prior to starting the engine? If the engine didn't start, it's the oil pressure alarm, which will stop squealing once oil pressure develops (a few seconds).

 

[2.steve.schwartz]

The issue is when I turn the key but do not turn over the engine. I tried letting it go to see if it would stop, but after 15 seconds it was still going.

It appears I have another problem that might be related. My horn is now stuck on. I figured it was a bad switch, so I pulled it out. When I put the new fuse in, the horn still went off, even without the switch in place.

Thanks,
Steve

1999 Sea Ray 190 Bow Rider 5.0L engine

 

[rondds]

Steve
If turn the key to the first stop and don't actually start the engine that alarm will never stifle. It immediately recognizes zero oil pressure so the alarm stays on. Start the engine up and the alarm should stop in a few seconds.

As for the horn, you may have a short - the two leads may be touching somewhere down the line. Can you trace the wires from the switch back to the horn?

 

[Morpheus]

Steve
If turn the key to the first stop and don't actually start the engine that alarm will never stifle. It immediately recognizes zero oil pressure so the alarm stays on. Start the engine up and the alarm should stop in a few seconds.

Is this something with the older boats because on my 2006 240 SD things are different.

Turning the key to the right (clock wise) it clicks and I get an alarm but only 1-2 seconds at which point the smart craft guages fireup and the firesurpression light turns green.

Then I start the boat by continuing to turn clock wise.

If I go from off to starting the boat without a pause for the smart craft guages then they just flake out and say something like no sync or something and don't work until I turn off and back on with the pause before starting.

I've never had the alarm go off and not stop until I started the boat.

On the horn, if the button is like mine it's a piece of junk, my boat started blaring the horn one time and I ended up having to turn off the batteries to get it to stop. I've replaced my button 3 times already, but if your horn is going and you have disconnected the wire to the horn then it's like someone already said there must be some kind of short.

 

[rondds]

It could be that SmartCraft recognizes that the engine is not running. My boat ain't that smart ;-)

Steve will have to give us some details about his boat to be sure.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Steve's boat does not have Smartypantscraft. His alarm will only go off for one of three things:

1) Low oil pressure
2) High engine/water temperature
3) Low drive lube/oil

#1 and #3 can be checked simply by checking fluids
#2 will obviously be low (and not sound the alarm) until the engine comes up to (and past) operating temp

Now, occasionally a piece of dirt can get caught on one of the oil sensors. Maybe a sensor is bad.

However, Steve, it is normal for the alarm to always sound when you first turn on the key. But it should go off after about 5 seconds.

 

[lovestocruise]

I am thinking that there might be some other electrical issues on this boat and they should be checked by a Tech. Nothing worse than being out on the water with an unknown electical issue.

 

[AKBASSKING]

Mine is older, I guess that means the captain has to be smarter??:huh::wow:

When I turn the key and do NOT start the motor, about 5-10 seconds I will get an alarm that will stop once the engine is started.

Horn, Bad switch maybe. Check the fly bridge (if you have one) switch to make sure it isn't stuck too.

I am quickly learning with mine to double check up stairs too.

 

[drolds72]

Horn is normal before startup. On mine its the Audio Warning System, and will sound if there is no oil pressure, if excess temp is detected, or if there is insufficient lower unit lube in the reservior. If you hear that horn while engine is running, shut her down quick!

 

[govols019]

My alarm too sounds until the engine is started. It's annoying. My old outboard boats would just beep when you turned the key to the ON position to let you know the alarm was working.