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Check Engine lightalarm Not Working

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dennydl

Member
"Twin 454 XLi (1997)

"Twin 454 XLi (1997)

Here's a strange one.. or maybe not for some of you experts out there (at least I'm hoping anyway). The Check engine light and alarm does not work on starboard engine when the IGN key is turned on and will not fire when started. When the key is turned on, the instruments work (Oil Pres., Gas, Water Temp, etc) and the starter turns the engine nice and strong when engaged, but she will not fire.

My biggest clue is the check engine light/alarm is not working when key is turned on. It always has.... till now. Any ideas?

Thanks,
David"
 
"Check the connections on the

"Check the connections on the ECM, The alarm test signal is generated from the ECM, as is the spark control. Since you have a known working ECM on the other engine, if the connections and fuses are good, swap the ECMs and see what happens. There is a test for this but this is much easier and requires no special tools."
 
"Rick,
The sad news is due to

"Rick,
The sad news is due to Easter I'll not make it back to the marina until next weekend. Oh well.... I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks for the tip."
 
"Good news/Bad News,
I put th

"Good news/Bad News,
I put the possible "bad" ECM on the good engine and she started right up. Therefore, it must be the wiring between the bridge and engine. Any ideas how to check the wiring without tracing 5 miles of it?

David"
 
Update: Still tracing using vo

Update: Still tracing using volt meter. I've made it to the ignition relay and will continue this weekend. I will put the known good relay on the "bad" engine and see what happens.

Physically tracing wire is not an option.
 
"Here's a trick we used to

"Here's a trick we used to use in the shop to find harness issues; you may find it of use.

Disconnect both ends of the harness. typically, one end has a connector and the other end has the individual wires. (mark these before disconnecting.) Find the ground wire in the harness. make sure it has continuity. then make sure it is NOT shorted to any of the other leads. Then take a jumper and connect it to one of the other leads to make a 'pair'. Use a self powered test light see if the 'pair' will turn on the light. Then make sure the 'pair' isn't shorted to the remaining leads in the harness.

If this works, move on to the next wire and make a new pair until the whole harness is rung out. Using the test light instead of an ohm meter will ensure each wire will pass a reasonable amount of current.

finally, check the pins and sockets on each end of any connectors. If the pins are of the split type, it doesn't hurt to spread them enough to make sure they connect in the socket. A magnified spark plug inspection light is great for checking the sockets."
 
"Well, it appears to have been

"Well, it appears to have been the Ignition Relay. I replaced the relay and she fired right up, check engine lights/alarm and all. Went for a run and she ran flawlessly. Though the wire colors were sometimes incorrect, the schematic diagram came through.

Thanks for your help,
David"
 
"Is this alarm the same as the

"Is this alarm the same as the Engine Warning Buzzer on a '85 Silverton 2X350 Crusaders and does it have to do with the fuel? I think my port engine is having fuel flow issues-ie: not enough fuel at 4 barrel opening and engine died while docking. Now, the buzzer sounds when key is turned on and engine will not start. also, generator is on the same fuel tank and started but died after about a minute of running. will not restart.
Thanks
Bruce"
 
"Bruce:

I think David's

"Bruce:

I think David's problem and yours are different. There's nothing fuel related on your warning horn system if it is vintage 85 and close to original configuration - only oil pressure, engine coolant overheat and gear overheat. The buzzer should sound with the key on and the engine not running (no oil pressure).

If you have two engines on the one fuel tank that won't run, is there good fuel in that tank?
If they use the same pickup, it may have the infamous anti-syphon valve that's known to cause problems. When was the last time the filter was changed? If they run but die out, it could be the vent system is clogged up."
 
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