Mercruiser DTS recall notice

[tbirdvet]

Just received a recall notice on Mercury DTS throttle control. It may set off a false lever alarm and cause engine to default to 65% power. Fix is a reflash of PCM. Anyone else get this notice?

 

[Tonka Boater]

Yep, I got the notice and got the update.

 

[Chris R]

I've not seen it.

 

[Skuza]

Nice! Seayota?

 

[nymonymgr]

I received that notice about a month ago as a '2nd' notice. I did indeed receive a recall notice last year about the DTS but I could swear they were similar, but different issues. Last year's talked about a complete shut down of the affected engine via the Engine Guardian system.

I didn't pay attention to this notice since I thought it was addressed by Marine Max last year during a normal service visit.

However, last Friday on a trip to Stamford CT for lunch, after running great on a calm, flat day I lost the starboard engine for no apparent reason while docking at the restaurant. The Vessle View read 'Engine Sensor Fault'. Could not restart it.

After about an hour scarfing down some fried clam bellies and a hell of a lobster roll she restarted and we made it back to Long Island, slip to slip with no issue.

Also ran great on Memorial Day, again with no issue.

Spoke to Marine Max yesterday. Service Advisor said the recall was still open in my file meaning they didn't update the software last year.

He believes the shut down on Friday was recall related. They are addressing this week.

Lesson learned; Don't ignore recalls.:smt021

 

[tbirdvet]

Update on my boat. My dealer informed that the reflash of the DTS is not fixing the recall issue and they have been advised to replace the DTS module (2 in my case). Awaiting parts

 

[boughtabouy]

I didn't get the notice, but maybe I should have. Have had the Stb engine shut off a couple of times around the dock. Does anyone have any specific information on the recall, so I can check to see if it applies to me?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[tbirdvet]

I didn't get the notice, but maybe I should have. Have had the Stb engine shut off a couple of times around the dock. Does anyone have any specific information on the recall, so I can check to see if it applies to me?

Thanks,

Kevin

It is service bulletin 2008-08.:
The DTS system may encounter the lever fault alarm which will create an audible six second tone and generate a fault pop-up on the smartcraft gauge if so equipped. When the mode occurs the guardian strategy will limit throttle to 65% of power and shift position will remain in the gear location at time of fault. The shift function will become unavailable. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. To clear the system shut off all engines for 15 mins. then restart. This can be a very dangerous situation if happening when docking or approching another vessel.

 

[Chris R]

Call your dealer. I called mine, they looked me up, and said mine (DTS boat) is not subject to the recall.

 

[ziekman@cox.net]

It appears easy to determine, based on what Merc has posted online: if your HIN end in "07" or "08" and with the following HIN characters in 9 and 10 should have their DTS checked by a mercury dealer: K7, L7, A8, B8, C8, or E8.