Throttle response in 08 196

[buffett98]

Just bought an 08 SN 196 with ZO/DBW and noticed the throttle response is much different than my old 02 Malibu Response and an 04 SN 196. This occurs both in forward and reverse. When I engage the throttle it idles fine but no response from about 11 oclock to past 9 oclock and then bam too much juice! This makes pulling a skier out of the water harder to gauge than the older boats I've driven and a little scary too. Can this be adjusted?

(Not a newbie to inboards have had one since 97, newbie to ZO and DBW though)

Thanks, Brian

[seschu]

I have exactly the some problem with my 196 mod 08

My old boat was a Malibu Echelon and it was more easier to drive.

[swc5150]

My '06 DWB throttle was set up perfect, but my '07 worked the same as you described. My dealer said they could tweak it, but I sold the boat before bringing it in.

[j2nh]

The DBW Nautiques are a lot touchier when going from idling in gear to accelerating. There is a "bump" and the boat will jump a little. Nothing wrong with your boat and it is the one downside to DBW. I agree it makes getting a smaller or inexperienced skier out of the water a little tougher.

[DanielC]

My only experience with a throttle by wire boat was a year and a half ago. The response seemed normal.

I believe there is a "Throttle Handle Position Sensor" that feeds information to the engine's computer, and the computer then responds by opening the butterfly valve in the throttle body to the proper amount.

Is there still a mechanical connection between the throttle handle and the THPS? Is there some adjustment in this connection?

Most sensors that convert a mechanical position to an electrical signal use a variable resistor, and a reference voltage. They have three wires, the reference voltage, typically 5 volts, a ground wire, and the sensor output. If you can get a good high quality volt meter, you can check the sensor output voltage, and see if it smoothly goes from a voltage close to zero, referenced to ground to close to 5 volts, as the throttle handle is moved to wide open.

Do not do this test with the engine running. You should be able to get a smooth progressive signal from the throttle handle position sensor with the key on, engine off.

[qstufflebeam]

Exact same problem with my 08. I took it to the dealer but nothing changed. You will probably have to learn to deal with it. Once I got use to it I didn't even notice. It sucks when someone else is pulling you. I usually have to be prepared for them to 'pop' the throttle.

[2gofaster]

My ski partner and I had almost identical 08 196s. Mine(the one I got from Mark-s) had a beautiful throttle throw. My ski partners was like a light switch. On or off. Everyone hated to drive his and loved mine.

[DanielC]

2gofaster's response leads me to believe there is an adjustment, or a difference between the actual movement of the throttle handle, and the movement of the "throttle handle position sensor"

[nms1991]

It sounds like a possible bad throttle sensor, or check to see if the snap ball at the end of the cable is bolted into the top most hole in the arm of the sensor.