High Pitched beeping alarm ???

charlieft

charlieft

Member
Nov 14, 2006
166
Plymouth, MA
Boat Info
2003 300 Sundancer,
Engines
T-350 Magnum w/Bravo III
Hi All,

A few days ago I picked up my 2004 260DA w-350 Magnum 300hp. The boat is great... but I have taken it out twice and both times a high pitched beeping alarm went off while I was cruising at 3500+ rpm. All the gages were reading normal and as soon as I slowed down the beeping stopped. When I sped back up the beeping did not come back. Has anyone experienced this? I'm calling the dealer tomorrow, but I'm not sure how to reproduce the behavior. Do these boats throw computer codes like cars?

Thanks,
Charlie
 
Is the beep coming from the engine?

When the beep happens at 3,500 RPMs, does the engine slow down in RPMs automatically?

Could it be a float switch/bilge pump alarm?

Esteban
 
The Smartcraft ECM will store a fault code so the dealer sholud be able to retrieve the fault with his scanner.
 
No, the boat does not slow down automatically. I can't tell where the beeping is coming from. When I slow down the alarm stops.

I turned off the battery switch when I got back to the dock. I hope that doesn't clear the cpu code.

-C
 
charlieft said:
Hi All,

A few days ago I picked up my 2004 260DA w-350 Magnum 300hp. The boat is great... but I have taken it out twice and both times a high pitched beeping alarm went off while I was cruising at 3500+ rpm. All the gages were reading normal and as soon as I slowed down the beeping stopped. When I sped back up the beeping did not come back. Has anyone experienced this? I'm calling the dealer tomorrow, but I'm not sure how to reproduce the behavior. Do these boats throw computer codes like cars?

Thanks,
Charlie
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if you have one, but check the outdrive oil reservoir?
 
Turning off the switch will not clear the alarm, so no worries there.

Good luck and let us know what the dealer finds out with the scanner.

Esteban
 
Low oil level in the outdrive reservoir is a common reason for getting an alarm at start up. But usually when that happens you cannot run the boat at speed either. So that may or may not be your problem but certainly is worth checking first before getting the dealer involved.
 
Another vote for out drive fluid.

But the obvious question would be, do you check the gauges to see if there is something obvious, like engine temp getting high?
 
Mercruiser will tell you only three things sound the alarm:
1) low oil pressure
2) high water temp
3) low outdrive fluid reservoir

I know for a fact that my "knock" sensors went bad and the alarm sounded. The alarm sounding device is located behind the gauges. It was an intermittent problem like yours. The computer codes are stored safely if this is the problem. The dealer should find it if it has tripped the alarm.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Mark
 
IS there an alarm when the key is on but the engine is not started? If I leave my key in the on position and the engine is not started I get an alarm.
 
dbric36 said:
IS there an alarm when the key is on but the engine is not started? If I leave my key in the on position and the engine is not started I get an alarm.
Click to expand...

If there is something wrong to trigger an alarm, you can get it with the key in the on position or with the motor running. Low outdrive fluid is just one example where that will happen with just the key switched on. I know that because it's happened to me personally. :grin:
 
estebanj said:
Turning off the switch will not clear the alarm, so no worries there.

Good luck and let us know what the dealer finds out with the scanner.

Esteban
Click to expand...

The dealer's going to check it out on Tuesday. I'll give you the update if they find anything.

-C
 
Dave S said:
dbric36 said:
IS there an alarm when the key is on but the engine is not started? If I leave my key in the on position and the engine is not started I get an alarm.
Click to expand...

If there is something wrong to trigger an alarm, you can get it with the key in the on position or with the motor running. Low outdrive fluid is just one example where that will happen with just the key switched on. I know that because it's happened to me personally. :grin:
Click to expand...

Keep in mind the alarm should sound once every time the key is turned to verify it is working.
 
no response ...yet ... what's average response time

Nothing to report ... The dealer hasn't looked at the problem yet. The boat is at their marina for their convenience.

Is this a typical wait for warranty work? (going on 2 weeks now)

-Charlie
 
Re: no response ...yet ... what's average response time

charlieft said:
Nothing to report ... The dealer hasn't looked at the problem yet. The boat is at their marina for their convenience.

Is this a typical wait for warranty work? (going on 2 weeks now)

-Charlie
Click to expand...

I am sure they are very busy at this time of the year but they should at least give you an idea of when they will get to it.

Just an FYI................one other thing I discovered on my 260 is the alarm will sound if the bilge pump in the cabin (under the step down door) comes on. That's probably not your problem but just thought I would mention it.
 
Re-reading this, I noticed the user says the alarm is beeping. I think this rules out the Xyntex CO alarm and the bilge pump alarms, assuming it beeps and is not a constant pitch sound. Not sure if this opens up additional thinking on this issue.

Esteban
 
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