Bilge Pump issue with 2009 SAN 230 TE

[lion90]

I am experiencing an issue with my bilge pumps and would love some insight and clarification from other owners out there.

Scenario:
Boat: 2009 Super Air Nautique 230 TE
All scenarios performed with sufficient water in the bilge to activate the float switches.

Problem:
When the power switch (the one that has 3 positions - up="All on", middle="Off", down="bilge only") to the boat is in the "All on" position, I can not get the bilge pumps to function at all. The button on the keypad does nothing and will never light up. I swear that I recall the light always being on for the bilge button on the keypad - regardless of whether the bilge pump was actually pumping. I recall the blue light indicating that they have power and will turn on when the float switches activate. Now, I can not get that light to turn on at all.

This made me think that the breaker was popped or the bilge pumps weren't working. However, when I put the power switch to "Bilge only", the pumps turn on and pump out the water until drained and then they turn off.

This appears to only be a problem when the switch is in the "All on" position which leads me to believe that there is something wrong with the connections through the keypad and thus the bilge pumps never get power when operating in this mode.

Any insights?

[intrlaz]

There could be two breakers, one for "bilge only" mode, and another for "All On" mode. Just a thought

[sstexan]

I have not noticed what your talking about in my 07 236. I have noticed the terrible placement of the bilge pump in the stern. It is glued down way up the port side of the boat. When I surf on the starboard side the water level could get dangerously high before it would kick on. I actually had my connection come off on one of my 750 sacs in the rear and it barely came on to empty. Maybe you just dont have enough water in the bilge?

[lion90]

Nope, plenty of water. If I flip the switch from "All on" to "Bilge only" the pumps turn on until and pump the water out until the water goes down and then they shut off.

On the keypad where you start the engine, is the light always on for your bilge pump button? Mine will never turn on anymore thus I don't think the pumps are getting any power in normal operation. They used to work fine.

[sstexan]

Yep, my light is always on. I think you may have a little issue. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

[lion90]

Dealer took out the ZeroOff Head unit to send it and get reprogramed when they replaced the GPS Receiver for the surging issue. I bet that they pulled off a lead going to the keypad/control panel that affects the bilge. I will take off the cover under the dash and see if there is anything obvious like a wire hanging unattached.

[DanielC]

no float switch

This is unrelated to your problem, but the bilge pump does not have a float switch. The motor in the pump senses a load, because when it is moving water, it slows down. When the water is gone, the motor speeds up, and the pump then turns off. It says off, for about two or three minutes, and then comes back on. If no water, it turn off again, right away. If there is water, it stays on, until the water again is gone.

[lion90]

This is unrelated to your problem, but the bilge pump does not have a float switch. The motor in the pump senses a load, because when it is moving water, it slows down. When the water is gone, the motor speeds up, and the pump then turns off. It says off, for about two or three minutes, and then comes back on. If no water, it turn off again, right away. If there is water, it stays on, until the water again is gone.

Details, details...

Seriously though, thanks for the clarification but like you said, problem remains the same despite the mechanism used to determine whether it should turn on to pump the water.

[shag]

The blue 'bilge' light on the dash, stays on for my 09' 230 TE. I was informed by my dealer the same - they stay 'activated' all the time, and pump only when needed.

[lion90]

Yep, that is the way I remember it. Since my keypad bilge button light is never on that must be the problem. Hopefully it is just a loose or disconnected wire. Since the pumps work with the side switch in bilge only mode that gives me a good feeling for a simple fix.

Thanks for all the confirmation of the correct operation/behavior.

[philb]

I have the same isue on a 09, 220...............except in reverse. IE light is on in "all on mode" but off in "blige only mode". Dealer thinks its the keypad.........I disagree as the light is only an idicator & requires power to light up.
Any ideas??????

[shag]

It sounds like your 220 is working correct. In "all on", the light comes on to signify the pumps are ready, and I don't believe the light comes on when is bilge only mode.

[lion90]

Yes, his 220 is working properly. In "Bilge Only" mode, the keypad doesn't get power and nothing will light up there.

[philb]

well, the LED on the keypad (bilge pump button) used to be on in the "bilge only" position, it is the same for my mates 07, 230.
If it wasnt on, how would you know if the pumps were working at anchor?