Smartcraft error message

[No Pressures]

I have a 2005 280da with t4.3 bravo III. On my port motor I have an alarm going off every 3 minutes. It sounds twice and on the readout it says check engine, Pilot Fault. The temp is perfect the water pressureis perfect, I changed both impellers, all fuel filters, changed the oil and filters. All gages show the same as the port engine, 154 temp, 50 oil pressure, good water pressure. Please help me figure out what pilot Fault means. I reset the smartcraft system by holding the troll + and - for 10 seconds and reset the system.

Thank you
John

 

[Presentation]

Your alternatives:
#1) Hire a merc certified marine mechanic to plug in his code reader to tell you what is wrong. 1 time cost about $100.
#2) Buy a code reader, about $700 then you have it.
#3) Make your own for $1. *** Warning, if you mess up you will damage your ECM. I would recommend #1 or #2 but if you must know…

You will need a small paperclip cut in half and 1 12 volt resistor type LED light.

This home made code tool should work on all GM MEFI 1,2,3 or 4 marine EFI systems with the ten pin DLC (Data Link Connector).

How to hook it up:

1) Ignition key “OFF”
2) Remove the cap from the Data Link Connector (DLC)
3) Slide the LED into the female terminals of position E and F on the DLC, making sure that the positive side goes into terminal F and the negative side into terminal E
4) Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position (LED should come on)
5) Insert the half paperclip into terminals A and B – This puts the engine in “Service Mode” - (you will hear fuel pump come on, and code will begin to flash on the LED)
6) Read codes by observing LED flashs. If the self diagnostic system is working it will flash code 12 – one flash, pause, two flashes, long pause – it will repeat three times. If other codes are present they will flash in order of lowest to highest.

For more details on how to read codes, clear codes, what “Service Mode” is, how to set base timing, etc. refer to appropriate service manual.

 

[No Pressures]

Thank you I think I will try option 1 or 2, but is there a way I can clear the code? Is it like a car that I can disonnect the batteries for 10 min and that will reflash the system?

 

[Presentation]

Yes you can clear the codes. Someone here has a link to the service manuals. I’m hoping another member here will be able to remember where that link was posted and post it. That or buy a service manual.

 

[daddyox]

I get that error as well-- but its "Pitot fault"..not Pilot, which is the thing that used for your speedometer (and never really works..). Switch to GPS and you should be ok.

 

[PMC]

I get that error as well-- but its "Pitot fault"..not Pilot, which is the thing that used for your speedometer (and never really works..). Switch to GPS and you should be ok.

The pilot or pitot valve is easy to access on the top of the engine. I wonder if you have a clog in the 1/4 tube - I don't ever have any problems with the MPH reading - accurate to GPS.

 

[flflatrate]

the pitot fault is for the speedo, but you only use 1 motor for it. usually the stb motor is using the pitot. to shut the pitot fault off you have to go into the calibration screen. with the ignition on and gauge up and running hold down the mode and + button at the same time and it will read cal1 then cal 2. when it hits cal 2, let go. it will ask you questions like fuel tank and different sensors. the 3 buttons are for changing and saving to move on to the next screen. if you keep going thru them you should find the pitot and change it to no. then save and keep hitting mode (save) to get out of screen and then you will see gauge reset and there should be no alarm. If you need me to walk you thru it pm me and I will give you my Phone number and I'll walk you thru it onthe phone

 

[No Pressures]

FLFLATRATE
Thank you for the instructions I will try it this weekend and let you know how it goes. Thanks to everyone who had input you guys and possibly ladies are great!

John

 

[No Pressures]

All is fixed I turned off the Pitot on the Smartcraft system. Also had a bad idle air controll valve changed that and no more errors.