Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sundancer

[LKWestPalm]

Hi CSR members,

I recently purchased a 2009 330 sundancer and have encountered some problems, one of which is a fault code on the smart craft screen, the code reads CCM:WheelPOSMYRel diff, I have searched the code and also had a sea ray mechanic look at the code (He didn't know what it was). I would greatly appreciate anyone who has any knowledge of this code.

I am also experiencing the skyhook and track heading will engage for a couple seconds and then beeps indicating a fault has occurred and the skyhook or track heading will then disengage. Both functions worked great on the boats maiden voyage two weeks ago now neither will stay on.

Sea Ray's mechanic ordered me a new IMU and he 'think' it will work.

Thanks

 

[skolbe]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

I am assuming it is the rudder/wheel indicator. Don't mean this to sound too bad but your mechanic needs to pick up the phone if he doesn't know the fault codes and call Merc. No excuse they need to take the training.

 

[kaz911]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

Well...

Do you have the latest software/hardware upgrade inkl. the bigger AGM batteries? If you do not have bigger batteries that might be the cause. If your batteries are just slightly low - you will get the steering pos error. It can sometimes be rectified by turning steering all the way to port and then back to startboard - that "resets" the outer limits of the sensors. Too small batteries can also give you the tracking errors. But the errors should be listed in the VesselView - push the "alarm" button to see all current alarms.

ohh and if your mechanic is one of those 'throw new parts at it until it works" - then throw him out and find a better mechanic.

 

[LKWestPalm]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

Thanks for the help, going to try batteries and IMU.

 

[LKWestPalm]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

I replaced the batteries and put in three of the best AGM batteries. I also had the IMU replaced and I am still having the same wheel position code come up, also when the mechanic was trying to calibrate the IMU with his laptop he could not get the proper communication from the GPS and was unable to complete the calibration process. After the mechanic spoke with the MERC rep over the phone they decided it must the antenna. Still frustrated with the situation, as both skyhook and track heading worked great on the first day and the following morning out of nowhere stopped working without any occurrence that could have triggered the problem.

Any additional input would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

 

[kaz911]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

As I asked before Does it have the latest software updates? Stop throwing hardware at it and just take one thing at the time.

One more thing you can check is - take the panels off the speedo/tach - under there is the big bad "axius" drive system with all the SmartCraft connectors.

Check all the SmartCraft cables - and plugs. One is named "terminator" (I call them "Arnolds" :grin: ) - and if that has become bad - you will get "funny" error messages and ALL SORTS of errors not related to anything in real life.. But if your mechanic has the PC Merc Tool for Axius (CDS G3) - I think that should give a warning if he checks for it. I don't have the CDS tool - as it is only for dealers

Here is the description of the fault Wheel P from the Axius Maintenance Manual:

"The steering wheel encoders (and absolute position sensors; if applicable are not reading correctly. End stops and centering are disabled while the fault is present. This is a sticky fault."

Details: "This CCM has determined that the actual steering wheel position calculated by its encoders (and possibly the absolute sensor) does not match the position calculated by the other CCM encoders. this means this module has a fault regarding the steering wheel sensors, pins or wiring"

Recommended action: "Try configuring the steering wheel and check if the fault returns. If so check the wires between the steering actuator connector and the CCM for open and short Circuits. Check for damaged, loose or missing pins and sockets in the connector. If the wires pass all tests - replace the steering helm actuator and configure the steering wheel using the CDS-G3 tool"

But if any cables going to your SmartCraft Junction box are bad - or the cable from your helm steering wheel are bad - you can get the WheelPosMyRelDiff error. And that error can keep other Axius things from working!

But have you measured your battery power at the helm? You should (with new batteries) measure 12.6-13v

And regarding calibration... The ONLY thing that needs "calibration" (apart from Axius it self) of the external sensors is the heading sensor. Not the GPS antenna. The GPS antenna is just a standard Maretron GPS 200 antenna with slightly modified SmartCraft firmware - so it talks SmartCraft via NMEA 2000 and not normal NMEA 2000. So IF you have GPS (Lat/Long) display in your VesselView - then your GPS is working fine. The other sensor you have is a Maretron Heading Sensor SCC200 - and that needs calibration - but on open water doing circles... The two Maretron sensors are connected to SmartCraft with a NMEA2000->CAN converter cable - that goes into one of your junction box ports. But neither should give you the Wheel Error message. So step 1 is to get that fixed.

 

[jason78]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

Kaz, that is great advice. I know you have commented about the shortage or Merc techs in UAE. Maybe it is time to start a consulting biz! But to the OP, kaz has given you great advice. I don't have Axius and not sure I would want it but I have read quite a bit about it and his advice is right on! If that dealer cannot properly service an Axius system they need to call in someone else who can.

 

[kaz911]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

Kaz, that is great advice. I know you have commented about the shortage or Merc techs in UAE. Maybe it is time to start a consulting biz! But to the OP, kaz has given you great advice. I don't have Axius and not sure I would want it but I have read quite a bit about it and his advice is right on! If that dealer cannot properly service an Axius system they need to call in someone else who can.

Well I am only becoming an Axius "expert" of need - and not of choice....

Here is one little fun thing.. I disconnected my Axius NMEA->CAN adaptor the other day - so the Merc GPS+Headingsensors was disconnected.

But the new N2k Gateway from Mercruiser took my EXISTING Heading sensor and GPS and passed through to the Axius system Only problem was compass was 30 degrees off - else I would have left the "Mercruiser" Sensors out all together. And to calibrate the heading sensor - I need to use the CDS G3 package - so only a dealer can do it. But next time dealer visits I'll put a Cable Drum (Guns are to messy) to his temple and see if I can get rid of the Merc branded GPS and Heading sensors - since my other GPS'sssss are much more precise than the Maretron GPS200.

 

[LKWestPalm]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

Thanks Kaz,

It should have the latest software, MERC has it in the computer as having had the white glove service done with the previous owner. I am going to check the connections and will talk to the mechanic today and have him refer to your advice.

Thanks again, I'll follow up

 

[LKWestPalm]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

The problem has been resolved. After replacing the old batteries with new AGM batteries, new IMU and new antenna. Just wanted to say thanks for all the great input.

 

[kaz911]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

I'm happy that it is working again for you. Nothing more annoying than a non working system.

 

[gkuypers]

Re: Smart Craft Code CCM: WheelPOSMYRel diff and skyhook not engaging on my 2009sunda

I had the same issue on my boat. When out all day the port batteries would drain and then I would get this Axius error. I had the batteries tested and although they all tested fine, I still had an issue. I too replaced my Port and Starboard batteries with 31 Series AGM's and this has solved the issue. I can now run all day on the lake (I turn my cockpit fridge down to 1 when not on shore power) and have not had to use the emergency start to start the Port Motors.