Trim Sensor Error

R

RVM

Member
Sep 28, 2020
36
Boat Info
2017 Sea Ray 350 Sundancer
Engines
8.2L Mag ETC x2
Hi All,

We have recently had a bunch of work done and had some error messages that we were getting. Our mechanic was able to get them cleared for a short time, but we seem to be back to an error that he can't clear. The message shows a port engine trim sensor error. Our guy doesn't think its the sensor itself, but can't seem to find the problem otherwise. Any thoughts? If the sensor needs replacement is it doable while in the water? We have a 2017 Sundancer 350 with 8.2 Merc Mags and Vessel View 4 system.

Also, is the boat usable until fixed? It says engine damage may occur. Thanks everyone
 

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The message says trim limiting not enforced, that means you could over trim the motor while under power damaging the drive. Just keep the trim down and you would be ok.
Assume you have DTS, so you have the digital transom assembly and just one combined trim sender/trim limiter sensor per outdrive. I would run another calibration on it and compare it to the working lower unit for position.
And no, it can’t be changed in water as most mechanics will pull the outdrive to change the sensor in order to get the sensor wire through the transom assembly. It can be done without pulling it, but most mechanics will tell you it can not.
 
paulswagelock said:
The message says trim limiting not enforced, that means you could over trim the motor while under power damaging the drive. Just keep the trim down and you would be ok.
Assume you have DTS, so you have the digital transom assembly and just one combined trim sender/trim limiter sensor per outdrive. I would run another calibration on it and compare it to the working lower unit for position.
And no, it can’t be changed in water as most mechanics will pull the outdrive to change the sensor in order to get the sensor wire through the transom assembly. It can be done without pulling it, but most mechanics will tell you it can not.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response. Yes, I believe the sensor is one combined sensor on the port side of the drive. I will ask about recalibration, is there a specific procedure to recalibrate it or should the mechanic know?
 
Pirate Lady said:
They will know. Those things break or get out of calibration A LOT.
Click to expand...
They only last a year or two, when my went bad I took a new trim sensor and tie wrapped it to the back of the motor and plug into the plug for the trim sensor to fake out the computer.
It always read down all the way, but I did not have any more codes.
When I just sold the boat the survey knew exactly what it was and did not have any problems with it.
 
Spark600 said:
They only last a year or two, when my went bad I took a new trim sensor and tie wrapped it to the back of the motor and plug into the plug for the trim sensor to fake out the computer.
It always read down all the way, but I did not have any more codes.
When I just sold the boat the survey knew exactly what it was and did not have any problems with it.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response, much appreciated. It sounds like it isn't something that is overly concerning.
 
You can calibrate it if you have smartcraft gauges. Takes 2 minutes.
 
paulswagelock said:
You can calibrate it if you have smartcraft gauges. Takes 2 minutes.
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Is this something I can do or do we need a mechanic? We have the vessel view 4 system and gauges.
 
If you have the smartcraft gauges with the lcd and buttons you can do it from there.
 
paulswagelock said:
If you have the smartcraft gauges with the lcd and buttons you can do it from there.
Click to expand...

IS this the one you're talking about? If so, how do I find out how to recalibrate it? Much appreciated
 

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I spoke with the local Mercruiser dealer. They recommended installing a new sensor and seeing if it clear the error before pulling the boat and actually replacing it. We had our mechanic connect to the new sensor while in the boat and it again got the error. When he plugged back into the older (installed) sensor the error is now cleared (for the minute).

He said there is some interference being detected in the wiring. Any thoughts on what next? He said he thinks he is making progress, but its already been 3 weeks and we seem to be spinning in circles. He basically said he isn't sure it will ever work. It has been pretty much impossible to get a dealer to look at it while in the slip. I am open to ANY suggestions.

Much appreciated.
 
These things are a pita. See my post on it here:
Trim Senders Digital and Analog | Club Sea Ray

My guess is since the new one didn't work it wasn't aligned properly. Slight chance it's the cabling/harness in your boat, but given the number of times I've gotten this error myself, it's much more likely it's out of alignment. In fact, even this year, I didn't have the trim cylinders bolted onto the outdrive yet, and tried to turn on engine power, and I was getting trim sensor error. Bolted the trim cylinders back on, and no more trim sender error. Just shows it was out of range.

If you do buy a new sensor, can you scan in the instructions that comes with them and post them. I wish I had saved mine.
 
pyro said:
These things are a pita. See my post on it here:
Trim Senders Digital and Analog | Club Sea Ray

My guess is since the new one didn't work it wasn't aligned properly. Slight chance it's the cabling/harness in your boat, but given the number of times I've gotten this error myself, it's much more likely it's out of alignment. In fact, even this year, I didn't have the trim cylinders bolted onto the outdrive yet, and tried to turn on engine power, and I was getting trim sensor error. Bolted the trim cylinders back on, and no more trim sender error. Just shows it was out of range.

If you do buy a new sensor, can you scan in the instructions that comes with them and post them. I wish I had saved mine.
Click to expand...

Much appreciated. I do have the instructions and will scan them when I get a few minutes
 
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