Mercury - Check Engine Light

[Jordan Tremblay]

While fishing Toledo Bend in North West Louisiana this past weekend, I had some minor engine issues. First of all, let me start by saying I have a 2001 Nitro 896 with a 200hp Mercury. While coming out of the hole, my check engine light came on and the alarm sounded with beeping before I could get on plane. I checked my manual and it stated that the only alarm that would trigger both the check engine light and the alarm to sound is a fuel injector or throttle sensor. This happened two times in a row while trying to get on plane, so I let the motor sit for about 5 min and tried it again and then it did fine and got on plane no problem, no alarm. The manual said that the motor would limit me to 3000rpm after the alarm sounded, but after I let it sit and I got on plane without an alarm, it didn't limit me at all. I fished the entire next day with no problems at all and no alarms, but kept it under 3000 rpms just to be safe with the exception of pushing it to 4000rpm just to see if it would trigger an alarm. Any advice? Should I still take it in?

-Jordan

 

[Dan J.]

First off, let me say what a beautiful rig you have!! (I ran a few 896's. Pics in My Library.) Secondly, I strongly recommend you have a tech run a DDT on your Opti to see what codes got thrown causing your alarm to sound. The digital guardian set in your ECU is there to reduce major damage from a variety of sources. You can check the oil reservoir under the cowl and see if it's leaked down from a pressure leak which will activate the alarm. It could also be a plethora of other sensors (TPI, temp, etc...) and to be brutally honest, that year/series Opti has its share of gremlins. I don't mean to nay-say, but for the indicators given and my piece of mind, I would have the dealer check it out. Good luck!

 

[Jordan Tremblay]

Dan, thanks for the response. Thanks for the nice things you had to say about my boat. We bought it brand new and I have loved every minute of it. I fish three a lot as I share the boat with my brother and we have a very good friend that we fish with and the best part about it is the massive front deck. We can fish three out of it no problem.



Now on to my engine issue.

and to be brutally honest, that year/series Opti has its share of gremlins. I don't mean to nay-say, but for the indicators given and my piece of mind, I would have the dealer check it out.

I guess I have been lucky then because my 2001 Opti Nitro Series has run like a dream. Other than one small issue with a fuel injector back in 2006, we have not had to do a single thing to it other than general maint. But the trailer is a competely different story.....



I will take it in and see what codes were thrown to cause the alarm. Any chance there is a place to take it that can read it for less that the $65 my bass pro or local mechanic wants to charge me just to hook it up to the computer? Do they sell code readers like I have for my car that I can just hook up myself and research the codes?

 

[bob szymakowski]

I suggest you contact Don at European marine....he is the best Merc man around....and he is willing to talk to ya................best fishes bobski

 

[phil simms]

I had the same problem on my 225 optimax look down the list to find all the info but just to add to that my merc is back in shop alarm was going off at take off over 3000 now they fixed that and another alarm goes off.I had no power loss once shes out of the water and running it is fine just going up or down alarm sounds. well keep me up on what you find out cause i will return the info i get in the next few day to you .

 

[Jordan Tremblay]

Thanks for the info. I will let you know what I find out.



Does anyone on here know of a way to find out engine codes without paying the $65 that bass pro wants? Anyone on here have a code reader for a boat? I have one for my car, but not for the boat. Is it the same reader?



Or does anyone know of a good Merc Mechanic in Baton Rouge that is reasonably priced? Thanks,



Jordan

 

[Dan J.]

You either need a Merc DDT (Digital Data Technician) or you need the PC interface cable and the software. Both are waaaay cost prohibitive for occasional use. They are definitely not the same type of flash reader as automotive use, although similar in results. I wish I had better answers or could be more help, but a DDT reading is where I'd recommend you start. Good luck!