Voltage Gauge Issue - Need New Electronic one?

S

SeaRay

Member
Sep 12, 2007
239
Iowa
Boat Info
1999 Sea Ray 210 BR
Monster Tower MT2
Engines
5.0L EFI
Bravo Three
It appears my voltage gauge is sticking. It reads about 13 volts even after I pull the key out and pegs out (over 16 volts) when I turn the key.

I checked the voltage at both batteries and at the cig lighter all are close to 12.5 volts.

I tried to get up behind the dash to get the voltmeter on the gauge but I can't see well enough to do it.

How hard is it to pull the gauge out (if I can't see anything)?

And, has anyone ever replaced the stock gauge with an electronic one. I would prefer something with the stainless steel (chrome) ring to match the others. If so what is available to use?

Thanks!!
 
There are three gauge technologies (that I know of). Newest being Smartcraft, next being Sea Ray's proprietary 'Next Gen', and oldest being for lack of a better name traditional.

You don't have Smartcraft as it wasn't invented until 01 and not fully implemented by Sea Ray until 04/05(?).

So the question is whether you have Next Gen gauges, or Traditional. Next Gen gauges were installed on our 02 and can be identified by the six pin socket on the back, and are held to dash by a threaded ring that attaches to the gauge body. I don't know the start date for these. Traditional gauges have individual wire attachments and are held to the dash with threaded stems, a bracket and two knurled nuts.

Before you replace the gauge you need to find out what you have. Best place to look would be in the parts manual for your boat. Next best is to remove the gauge.

If you have a Next Gen, the only source for a new replacement is Sea Ray as it is proprietary. I think, but am not sure, that traditional guages can be replaced with anything from a generic such as teleflex, to high end like Livorsi.

If it is a Next Gen gauge, best source for a used replacement is Flounder Pounder.

Hopes this helps.

Henry
 
Mine must be along the lines of the traditional one. I was able to get my hand up there and get the nuts loose so I could pull it out. Mine just had 2 regular nuts and star lock washers on it. It has ones set, then the a wire ring end connector then the bracket.

Anyway, I got it out and put the voltmeter on the back wire connectors. There wasn't any voltage until I turned the key then it went to 12. My voltmeter reads 13 with the key out then it pegs when I turn the key.

So, it looks like a need a new one. I would prefer to go with an electronic one. Any idea where I can find one? It has a 2" diameter hole and three wire connections, one is a light.
 
Good luck - I posted a similar question a week or so ago and didn't get much back. If you find something digital let me know - as mine are accurate only enough to tell me the batteries have 'some' juice. I'm not sure exactly what I'll go with - but am looking at some of the automotive style gauges as I can't find a good marine digital one.

Here's an example: http://www.jegs.com/i/Auto+Meter/105/6391/10002/-1

Both my VHF and fishfinder have low battery alarms but I'd rather know what I have vs. "you're low". Good luck - if you find something post back!

My old post: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17775
 
Travis,

Thanks for the reply. That looks like a pretty nice gauge but, it's a little pricey - especially since it is not a marine gauge. From your post it looks like you have the same concern.

I would hate to shell out that kind of money then have it quit working if (when) it gets wet....

I placed a call to my local Sea Ray dealer - about 3 hours away. And, they said they didn't have my gauge but it did not show as discontinued. He was going to see if he could get one and let me know.

I haven't seen much else either.
 
 
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