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Author Topic:   Smartcraft Error Messages
SC Joe posted 07-04-2009 09:53 AM ET (US)   Profile for SC Joe   Send Email to SC Joe  
Where might I find a list of Smartcraft error messages?

My [2008 year of production] Mercury 90-HP FourStroke started running horribly about 20 seconds after cranking it up yesterday as if it were only running on three cylinders. Since my Northstar 660 GPS reads Smartcraft error messages, I was able to see the "EST 3 Short" code it threw, as well as the further explanation of "Fault with signal from ECM to ignition driver module."

Additionally, there is oil all over the engine; it appears to have been thrown from the throttle valve and air cleaner area. I have ruled out the [unclear] by moving it around to other cylinders, but number three holes seems to be dead. I also verified the oil hadn't fouled any electrical.

I think it will end up being a faulty ECM. If it does turn out to be the ECM, it's too bad I can't throw in the extra cash to get the 115 hp ECM.

Any thoughts?

Phil T posted 07-04-2009 11:20 AM ET (US)     Profile for Phil T  Send Email to Phil T     
Joe -

Do you have a Smartcraft Tach?

A search found this manual for the SC1000 gauge but I did not see the error you cite.

http://www.mercurymarine.com/_media/pdfs/otherproducts/ smartcraft_manuals/SC1000_and_Smart_Tow_Manual.pdf

SC Joe posted 07-04-2009 11:48 AM ET (US)     Profile for SC Joe  Send Email to SC Joe     
Unfortunately, I do not have a Smartcraft tach. I wonder if the error codes are more descriptive on the tach than my Northstar GPS?

Since the engine is under warranty, I'm sure the dealer will be able to fix it for free.

My main problems with that though is that it will 2-3 weeks to schedule an appointment, and during that time I won't be able to use the boat. Also, it seems every time I take the boat in, it comes home with a new scratch or imperfection that wasn't there when I took it in.

jimh posted 07-05-2009 09:02 AM ET (US)     Profile for jimh  Send Email to jimh     
I have never understood the purpose or intent of the designers in a system where the end user is provided with error messages that are not readily interpreted or for which no explanation is given. If the system is going to provide an error message, even if it is terse and filled with acronyms, the user should be provided with a listing of the error messages. The user should also be provided with instructions or suggestions on what the error message means, what action should be taken immediately, and what action should be taken to remediate the problem. My c.1992 outboard motor provides error messages, and the operators manual provides that sort of information.

When you get an error message like "EST 3 Short," you should be able to look this up in the operation manual or other literature provided with the engine. It should tell you what likely caused the problem and what the remedy will likely be. If it does not, then the message might as well say "Take Engine to Dealer for Service."

SC Joe posted 07-05-2009 01:29 PM ET (US)     Profile for SC Joe  Send Email to SC Joe     
I agree Jimh. These codes seem to be a big secret.

And basically since I can't fix it and the engine isn't running correctly..the warning is telling me exactly that: "take me to get fixed".

L H G posted 07-06-2009 11:43 AM ET (US)     Profile for L H G    
My super high tech Caddy STS says "Service Engine Soon", that's all. These are always things I can't fix myself, so why not on a super high tech marine engine also?

I just don't see what the big deal is. Take it in for service. Dealers need to make a living also, and things are tough for them these days.

johnhenry posted 07-06-2009 11:54 AM ET (US)     Profile for johnhenry  Send Email to johnhenry     
There should still be somewhere you can access a trouble code chart, if not a diagnostic tree. You do not have to go back to a car dealer to get a car scanned, most repair shops can do that. Why not boat motors? I have looked everywhere for a smartcraft trouble chart and no luck.
SC Joe posted 07-06-2009 12:44 PM ET (US)     Profile for SC Joe  Send Email to SC Joe     
quote:
My super high tech Caddy STS says "Service Engine Soon", that's all. These are always things I can't fix myself, so why not on a super high tech marine engine also?

I just don't see what the big deal is. Take it in for service. Dealers need to make a living also, and things are tough for them these days.


lol..I'm glad I couldn't use my boat for one of the two major holidays I get off work a year so that my dealer can stay in business.

L H G posted 07-06-2009 01:18 PM ET (US)     Profile for L H G    
You can laugh all you want at my comment, doesn't bother me one bit. Welcome to the world of Three Stars. If you want to work on your outboard yourself on short notice, get an old low tech carbureted 2-stroke pre-mix OMC and a bag of tools. Or, get a highly reliable Japanese engine.
bloller posted 07-06-2009 01:58 PM ET (US)     Profile for bloller  Send Email to bloller     
The number of people that have problems with a new vehicle, outboard, weed whacker, etc. is statistically very low. Call it bad luck and take it to the dealer. That is what a warranty is for.
chuck21401 posted 07-06-2009 03:59 PM ET (US)     Profile for chuck21401  Send Email to chuck21401     
I hope the problem is something simple and that you are back on the water soon, stinks that it happened on the 4th of July. Of course I'll be watching this thread since I have the same engine.

I just received an offer in the mail from Mercury to extend coverage for my engine for additional years. It has a three year warranty and the service contract would go for an additional 1 - 4 years. I was just about to pitch it, but now I'm wondering if I should take them up on the offer.


johnhenry posted 07-06-2009 04:18 PM ET (US)     Profile for johnhenry  Send Email to johnhenry     
Funny, I was told when I bought the boat package Mercury extended the warranty on these engines to 5 years.
chuck21401 posted 07-06-2009 08:32 PM ET (US)     Profile for chuck21401  Send Email to chuck21401     

quote:
Funny, I was told when I bought the boat package Mercury extended the warranty on these engines to 5 years.

I think that was a limited time offer via Merc: 9/1/08-4/15/09


http://www.mercurymarine.com/_media/pdfs/serviceandwarranty/ WarrantyCharts.pdf

SC Joe posted 07-06-2009 09:49 PM ET (US)     Profile for SC Joe  Send Email to SC Joe     
quote:
You can laugh all you want at my comment, doesn't bother me one bit. Welcome to the world of Three Stars. If you want to work on your outboard yourself on short notice, get an old low tech carbureted 2-stroke pre-mix OMC and a bag of tools. Or, get a highly reliable Japanese engine.

Perhaps that is an answer.

SC Joe posted 07-10-2009 03:26 PM ET (US)     Profile for SC Joe  Send Email to SC Joe     
The dealer has had the boat all week and was unable to recreate the issues I had, even though they did see the smartcraft errors in memory. They did not know how to proceed, so advised me to come and pick it up.

I guess I'll see what happens tomorrow.

johnhenry posted 07-10-2009 04:21 PM ET (US)     Profile for johnhenry  Send Email to johnhenry     
I hate when that happens Joe. I wouldn't venture to far from home. What do you want to bet it happens again?
Phil T posted 07-10-2009 09:37 PM ET (US)     Profile for Phil T  Send Email to Phil T     
Joe -

Has the dealer contacted Mercury? They should.

Just to close the loop, have you found out what they symptoms are that cause the error message you received?

Any answers from the dealer on a source guide for the codes?

SC Joe posted 07-10-2009 10:58 PM ET (US)     Profile for SC Joe  Send Email to SC Joe     
I thought I could make it do it again when I got home, but it ran fine for the short time I ran it.

I don't think the dealer contacted Mercury; if they did, they didn't mention it to me.

As for the symptoms, right before it throws the error code, it starts missing as if it's running on 3/4 cylinders. Then the alarm under the dash goes off, and the code shows up on my GPS. The dealer saw the code stored in the ECM, but could not make it do it again.

Interesting side note: the engine was throwing engine oil all over the front side coming from the top of the engine under the flywheel. The dealer said it was a defective flywheel oil seal, and they replaced it. I checked all of the wiring connectors I could find for oil contamination before I took it to the dealer; Could oil in a connector cause that problem through a short or something similar?

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