audible engine alarm using new key

[chill_an]

Hello,

I purchased the boat around two months ago with two main engine keys. I would always use the same key, turn it to the "on" position, an obnoxiously loud constant high pitch sound would turn on, I'd start the engine and the sound would go away. Then I lost the main key. So, two days after a perfectly successful outing with the main key, I pulled out the spare, turned it to on with the high pitched squeal, started the engine and now the sound doesn't go away. It's not really a constant sound like when it's in the on position, almost like if I jiggle the key it'd go away but, it doesn't. Almost a beeping high pitched squeal though more like a high pitched gurgle. Like it wants to turn off but just can't.

It seems very unlikely that all the sudden, using a new key, there would also be some engine problem that would cause the audible engine alarm to sound and stay on.

Does anyone know if a "bad" or not properly fitting key would cause the alarm to stay on? The key turns no problem and the boat starts no problem with the spare. I'll also throw out that everything sounds normal.

I have yet to figure out how to check the engine water temperature, oil pressure, or stern drive oil levels like the owners manual suggests for the audible engine alarm. Being so new to the boat makes these tasks take much longer to figure out. I also got an inspection/survey when I bought the boat so all those sorts of things were checked then.

Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks

 

[JimG]

Not likely to have anything to do with the key.

You should have a drive oil reservoir mounted at the front/top of the engine. Make sure that is to the full line.

Welcome to CSR!

 

[CliffA]

it sounds like the new key may not be allowing all of the contacts in the ignition switch to make proper connection.....if you are sure nothing is wrong that would set off the alarm I would replace the ignition switch....it is an easy job and not very expensive and you will get one or two new keys with the new switch.....

cliff

 

[chill_an]

Not likely to have anything to do with the key.

You should have a drive oil reservoir mounted at the front/top of the engine. Make sure that is to the full line.

Welcome to CSR!

Thanks! It's my first boat ever so I'm definitely looking forward to much more fun summers :thumbsup:

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give the oil level a check. It just seems so weird that this alarm started right when I started using a new key.

 

[chill_an]

it sounds like the new key may not be allowing all of the contacts in the ignition switch to make proper connection.....if you are sure nothing is wrong that would set off the alarm I would replace the ignition switch....it is an easy job and not very expensive and you will get one or two new keys with the new switch.....

cliff

Hmm, would the key make any difference to the ignition switch contacts? Or, are you thinking the switch just happened to go bad when I started using a new key? I've always felt like the key and tumblers were completely isolated from any other aspect of the ignition switch functionality? As in, if tumblers align, key turns. Everything else occurs on the outside of the ignition switch?

Is that "an easy job" as in I could do it myself? I've found myself to be penny pinching a bit since having a big new monthly payment

Thanks

 

[CliffA]

Hmm, would the key make any difference to the ignition switch contacts? Or, are you thinking the switch just happened to go bad when I started using a new key? I've always felt like the key and tumblers were completely isolated from any other aspect of the ignition switch functionality? As in, if tumblers align, key turns. Everything else occurs on the outside of the ignition switch?

Is that "an easy job" as in I could do it myself? I've found myself to be penny pinching a bit since having a big new monthly payment

Thanks

my thinking is maybe one of the teeth on the key is not cut right and maybe allowing the tumbler to unlock and allow the engine to start but when the key is released and the spring returns the key to the 'run' position maybe the out of spec tooth is not allowing the contact in that position to make full contact...

this is just a guess on my part....I am not a locksmith and only have a very basic understanding of how keys and switches work....

I don't know your skill level with mechanical an electrical systems so it is hard for me to judge if you could replace the ignition switch yourself....I have changed a few ignition switches over the years and found the job to be very basic if you have just basic DIY skills.....

cliff

 

[chill_an]

It's official, I'm an idiot. Just like the manual said, check the gear lube/drive lube reservoir level on the top-right-front of the engine. It was low, getting it to it's operating level made the alarm go away.

The alarm staying on right when I started using the spare key was a complete fluke. What luck :smt013

Thanks all for the suggestions! :thumbsup:

 

[CliffA]

i bet you won't make that mistake again.....:smt001.......

cliff

 

[JimG]

Post #2 :smt024

 

[Sublimetime]

That's why we have alarms. When they sound ,immediately shutdown and check all vitals connected to it. Don't assume its a faulty alarm till checking motor first.

 

[Steve195]

Now you need to figure out why you're losing drive lube! Maybe the level was low when you got the boat and you were on the verge of the alarm sounding. If the fluid reservoir was full, you might have another problem.

 

[CliffA]

Now you need to figure out why you're losing drive lube! Maybe the level was low when you got the boat and you were on the verge of the alarm sounding. If the fluid reservoir was full, you might have another problem.

if the drive lube had just been changed there could have been an air bubble in the system...once it was worked out the lube level could have dropped enough to set off the alarm....

cliff

 

[George Papadopoulos]

Got this alert on my smart craft. TVM Low drive lube level. This is on 480 Cummings Zeus drives sea ray sundancer. The reservoir for this is on engine or Zeus pod ? What kind of gear oil you use ?

 

[Shaps]

Got this alert on my smart craft. TVM Low drive lube level. This is on 480 Cummings Zeus drives sea ray sundancer. The reservoir for this is on engine or Zeus pod ? What kind of gear oil you use ?

"TVM" is mercury speak for Thrust Vector Module. On your boat, the zeus pods.
I'll see if i can find the oil you should need, BUT, this needs to be investigated seriously before you do damage. They are a closed loop hydraulic system and should not require additional fluids if operating normally.

Edity:
Here is the Gear Lube I believe

MERCURY HIGH PERFORMANCE GEAR LUBE OIL SAE90 - QUART - 92-858064K01