Oxygen sensors

[SGTMILO]

Smart craft has "STBD System Fault 30, oxygen sensor not operating properly", replaced all sensors fault remains. Does the system not "auto-detect" repair? Do I need to have dealership clear code? System is mercruiser 5.0 MPI in 2011 240 sundeck.


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[Wylie_Tunes]

The thing to remember is that codes dont necessarily mean a particular part has failed, but rather that a sensor is reading out of limits. Codes are a starting point in the diagnostic process, not for part swapping. Find the diagnostic tree for that code and start with step one.

 

[SGTMILO]

The thing to remember is that codes dont necessarily mean a particular part has failed, but rather that a sensor is reading out of limits. Codes are a starting point in the diagnostic process, not for part swapping. Find the diagnostic tree for that code and start with step one.

True, I have been told that the message center is just a "customer feel good screen". This diagnostic tree you refer to, I suppose I need a diagnostic tool to start the process? Not wanting to make that purchase just yet.


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[Wylie_Tunes]

Thats why I suggest finding the diagnostic steps for that code. Viewing live data may be part of it, then again, many steps may be done with a simple volt ohm meter. It will also give you some ideas of other causes, besides a failed sensor. Thinks like water or fuel mixture, high or low engine temp, coated sensor due to fuel additives, fogging oil.

 

[SGTMILO]

Thats why I suggest finding the diagnostic steps for that code. Viewing live data may be part of it, then again, many steps may be done with a simple volt ohm meter. It will also give you some ideas of other causes, besides a failed sensor. Thinks like water or fuel mixture, high or low engine temp, coated sensor due to fuel additives, fogging oil.

Thanks Wylie, my one question remains will the fault/code have to be cleared by dealer/scan tool? Seems I've read that even if the part is replaced/repaired the computer does not recognize until code is cleared.


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[Wylie_Tunes]

thats one I cant answer. Some codes will disappear as soon as the root cause is resolved. others will need to be cleared by command of the scan tool and some clear after so many drive cycles, heat up cool downs, etc. Heck, some systems have codes that are only readable when the issue is happening. The codes dont store in memory. Feel lucky you have a code to start at.

 

[Bt Doctur]

could be sensor failure from water mist. Do you have manifold extentions?

 

[SGTMILO]

thats one I cant answer. Some codes will disappear as soon as the root cause is resolved. others will need to be cleared by command of the scan tool and some clear after so many drive cycles, heat up cool downs, etc. Heck, some systems have codes that are only readable when the issue is happening. The codes dont store in memory. Feel lucky you have a code to start at.

Okay fair enough Wylie, I do appreciate your input. Bottom line is I'll need to make the scan tool purchase.


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[SGTMILO]

could be sensor failure from water mist. Do you have manifold extentions?

BT, I have aluminum manifolds and stainless steel 6" risers. No extensions. But now that you mention it when I pulled the first O2 sensors there was moisture on it, I figured condensation and didn't pay it no mind. How would one get the "water mist" in the exhaust?


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[rondds]

check out this thread...
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/80949-Anyone-ever-pressure-test-8-1-elbows

 

[davidh82]

Smart craft has "STBD System Fault 30, oxygen sensor not operating properly", replaced all sensors fault remains. Does the system not "auto-detect" repair? Do I need to have dealership clear code? System is mercruiser 5.0 MPI in 2011 240 sundeck.


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Quick answer to your question (diagnosis of the issue aside) is that the alarm will not clear until either the code is reset or enough time has passed, even if the condition that triggered the alarm no longer exists.

I know this first hand as I have the same engine and have had the same code thrown.

The alarm will eventually go away on its own. I don't believe that the system auto-detects the fix, I think it is based on either the amount of time since the condition existed or on/off cycles of the engines since the alarm was triggered.

Another alarm that behaves this way is the low voltage alarm. I have accidentally drawn down the batteries a couple of times and both times even after the batteries were fully charged I would get the engine alarm for quick awhile until it reset itself.

I ended up buying the Rinda scanner. It was pricey, however it has already paid for itself by allowing me to diagnose and fix a few problems I've had.

 

[juggernaut1]

David,

How did you know the alarm was a low voltage alarm? Also how long did it take to reset itself?

 

[davidh82]

David,

How did you know the alarm was a low voltage alarm? Also how long did it take to reset itself?

The main reason is that I was aware I had left on lights that drained the battery (I keep the boat stored on my trailer, not in the water). The gauges confirmed this by the smartcraft reading, I don't remember what the actual error message was but it confirmed that there had a low voltage condition.

As far as how long it took to reset itself, long enough to drive me crazy! It was probably a couple days, during which time I assumed there was a problem with the electrical system and tried to figure out why the alarm wouldn't go away. I tried removing the battery cables from the terminals, checking voltage at different places, looking for a blown fuse. Eventually after maybe 10 or so on/off cycles of the engine the alarm cleared by itself.

 

[juggernaut1]

Thanks David

 

[SGTMILO]

Quick answer to your question (diagnosis of the issue aside) is that the alarm will not clear until either the code is reset or enough time has passed, even if the condition that triggered the alarm no longer exists.

I know this first hand as I have the same engine and have had the same code thrown.

The alarm will eventually go away on its own. I don't believe that the system auto-detects the fix, I think it is based on either the amount of time since the condition existed or on/off cycles of the engines since the alarm was triggered.

Another alarm that behaves this way is the low voltage alarm. I have accidentally drawn down the batteries a couple of times and both times even after the batteries were fully charged I would get the engine alarm for quick awhile until it reset itself.

I ended up buying the Rinda scanner. It was pricey, however it has already paid for itself by allowing me to diagnose and fix a few problems I've had.

Thanks David, I had the same message (O2 sensor) about a month ago, cycled the key switch 4 times(run engine for 10 mins and switched key to off position for 15secs) between 3rd and 4th cycle codes cleared. 12 hours later I'm getting the same fault message on smart craft just now it's a different fault code. Before it was codes 115-118 no it's just 30. Mercury tech told me about key switch cycle reset.


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[davidh82]

Hey Sgt,

Good to know what the actual reset cycle is!

I see from your original post that you replace all of the sensors. Has the fault come back since you replaced them?

 

[SGTMILO]

Hey Sgt,

Good to know what the actual reset cycle is!

I see from your original post that you replace all of the sensors. Has the fault come back since you replaced them?

That's correct it never left, I did the reset cycle no success I replaced O2 sensors still no success. I performed reset cycle still have same fault.

At this point I'm thinking the pro tech scan tool will be on my Christmas list


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[davidh82]

I see from your profile you're in Alabama, too bad you're not closer to South Florida.

How long has it been since the sensors were changed?

 

[SGTMILO]

I see from your profile you're in Alabama, too bad you're not closer to South Florida.

How long has it been since the sensors were changed?

This set one week, it's all been done in the drive way


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[davidh82]

Hey Sgt, just wanted to see how this was coming along.

Are you still getting the alarm?