Beeps when starting engine on 340DA

[AllTideUp]

Extra Beeps when starting engine on 340DA

Hey all,

I've been getting 2 beeps when trying to start my port motor on my 01 340DA. When I turn the switches to the on position both motors do the usual 2 beep notification and I hear the fuel pumps and such come on. When I start the starboard motor no additional beeping and the engine starts. When I start the port motor, it beeps 2 more times at me while its turning over then starts.

Both motors sound the same when starting just the addition of the 2 beeps from the port motor.

I was thinking this could be caused by old batteries but I'm not sure. I'm taking the 2 port batteries to the store to have them tested and probably replaced.

Is there any other issues that could cause this?

Additionally I'm thinking of replacing with Interstate 27 marine batteries. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

J

 

[BillK2632]

Google Mercruiser beep codes and you should find several documents - you need to look it up for your specific engine. In general however, 2 beeps every minutes indicates an active sensor code or open short (ie think check engine light in your car). You could guess at the problem - a common issue and easy fix is the Idle Air Control (IAC), but the only way to be sure of the problem is to have a Merc dealer pull the code from your ECM.

Two beeps every minuteSensors
Connect CDS to determineand diagnose the problem
Possible 90% available power(dependent on sensor).
SeeOpen‑short in circuits dealer for diagnostics.

 

[AllTideUp]

Billk2632,

Thanks for the response. If it was continual I'd think like you said some sensor it either bad or low on oil or something. The two beeps I get are only when I first start cranking. Once it's started no more beeping. Thats why I was thinking that it was the batteries.

The batteries that came with the boat are Deep Cycle and I don't know how old they are.

 

[NVERL8]

Switch the batteries and see if the beep changes motors. Quick easy check

 

[AllTideUp]

Switch the batteries and see if the beep changes motors. Quick easy check

:smt021 Great idea, why didn't I think of that!

 

[AllTideUp]

A quicker way to check would be to use the emergency start switch, which ties all the batteries together.

I actually think I did try that before with no changes but I'll test it again today.

 

[AllTideUp]

Well, been a bit since I updated this. I ended up buying a battery tester and the second battery on the port motor was bad. It showed 13 volts but when a 100 amp load was put on it, the voltage droped to 1-2 volts. Replaced the battery and the additional beeps have gone away.

I guess the bad battery was pulling down the other battery on startup. I also notice that when I start the port motor now none of the house devices turn off (radio, CO detector, etc)