How to read check engine light?

[Recker]

Hello,

First time out this weekend. Changed steering cable and impeller before going out. Check Engine light came on a few times. Once you shut the boat off and turn it right back on the light stays off for awhile.

How do I find out the codes without hauling it 2 hours to the dealer? The Oil Pressure and Temp was perfect. It appeared to run great besides the light.

Thanks!

[tgratton97]

I am new to this forum as of today. Have you solved your problem? I am also having a check engine issue.
I have an Air 206 (2004). I put in the boat a month ago without any issues. Today I use my boat for the first time (it was finally nice out) and my check engine light went on but it won,t shut off. Engine does not seem to be running overly hot. I was able to get the boat back on the lift going very slow. However as soon as I gave it a little gas the engine bogged down and would not run properly. Very frustrating.

[Recker]

I haven't found an answer yet. My 08 Air ran perfectly fine and did not bog down with throttle. I am wondering if there is a sensor issue or if it might be some left over bad gas. Not sure if bad gas will throw a code or not.

[peteSki]

I believe the check engine light will come on if any of the sensors are giving a persistent error. If temp is high or no oil pressure, that will trigger limp mode and your engine will be limited to low rpms to prevent damage. I'm not sure if the check engine light comes on when in limp mode though. Doesn't sound like this is your issue as you said temp and oil pressure were fine, so likely one of the other sensors is throwing a fault code.

You can get an inexpensive code reader so you can pull the error codes from the sensors that are causing the check engine light to be on. I got one for less than $100, it's very basic but can at least give you the reading from these years of boats. I'm in Canada and got mine locally, I'm sure someone on this forum can point you to a place that sells them in your area. Also try searching this forum for code readers as that's how I eventually tracked one down.

[peteSki]

Here you go, this is the one I bought which works.

https://www.rinda.com/marine/marine.htm

It's called the CodeMate MEFI Code Reader, part #94008. Forth one down on the page.

[Recker]

Thank You. How do you get the codes from this model? I didn't see a screen. Is it based on number a light flashes?

[scottb7]

I think his link includes another link to the user guide...

[peteSki]

Yep it's pretty straight forward. It comes with instructions on how to connect it and then how to read the light flashes, it includes the flash code chart. There are not that many sensors on these boats compared to the newer ones so pretty easy to use. Of course it's only a starting point and you still may need professional help to fix the issue, but it's a start anyway.

[Recker]

Thank You. I just spoke with Rinda and they are thinking I will need a different scan tool with mine being a 2008. They quoted 500 bucks for one...Ouch!

[jhiestand]

I'd be extremely interested if someone is using a less pricey code reader than the $500 Rinda scanner and having success with it.

[Recker]

Ended up taking it to dealer and paid 60 bucks to have it read. Knock sensor was faulty. Replaced both when I got home. Still would be interested in a reasonably price scan tool.