2019 242 LSE BCU Error

[Gforce81]

So, I can confirm I get this BCU error while engines still running, as a fact, it has happened 90% of the time while engines running. It happens when wheel is tight turned and you're navigating with forward/reverse. I put my buckets into manual mode this weekend on the trailer to see if the grease was filled with dirt. It was not. I did notice that with wheel turned tight, they were harder to open and close. Based on some other threads that aligns to a computer threshold issue where there is more torque/force required to move them when they are turned and sends a BCU error as it doesn't want to break something.

I have my appt wednesday.. Called in and talked it through just so they don't waste time but I really feel it's going to be a waste of time in the shop.

Pisses me off too on a brand new boat and can't get clear resolution to the issue. I would file a complaint if they don't cover the top since it was caused by loss of power while docking. It is an extremely dangerous situation to lose drive capability like this. I'm not sure how we get yamaha to acknowledge and dealers to diagnose the problem.

EDIT: Also to clarify. I can 100% reset by doing these two things: Straighten Steering wheel, turn off both batteries, wait 5 seconds and turn back on. No other magic order of key, battery, wait 10 mins.. As soon as it happens, I straighten the steering wheel, batteries off, batteries on. System boots up and I can restart with problem solved.


mike

Let me know what you find out from the dealer. I take mine in for service first week of July and I will report back what I find. Am also going to play with this both out and in the water to see when cutting it hard if there is anything the fins might be doing to exacerbate the issue...

 

[bobholthaus]

Brand new 2020 242SE. Had this error on and off all day today. Last time it happened I was in full lock, in reverse in dual throttle mode, and was reversing into the dock with a front line on the cleat. As soon as I hit the stop buttons, the code threw. I haven’t been able to reset it. I was in sand today when it first happened; got that to reset after 5 battery switch cycles. Then pulled tubers for 2 hours with no issue. Then it happened coming into dock. Drove to gas pump on one engine (other running) and it reset while fueling up. Then drove 3 minutes back over to dock and it threw again in reverse hard lock while shutting down the engines.

This boat is 2 weeks old. Was delivered to me with dead batteries. The gps/speedo only works about every 3rd outing. Now this (happened once yesterday before ever getting into sand today). I have 7 hours on it now. Totally disheartened by all of this. I am on vacation in Green Bay and we are boating all week. I’m praying the steps above will reset it (straightening the wheel). Will ensure not to use throttles and hard steer lock when docking. But what a pain. My family thinks this boat is a joke, and I paid full price for it!

 

[Gforce81]

I am sorry to hear you're having the same issue, it's incredibly frustrating as otherwise I really, really love the boat. From the research I've done, low voltage can do some weird things and throw errors, so definitely get them to replace the batteries. I'll also be adding a battery tender to keep them fully topped off prior to each outing and to rule out that as any possible cause.

If this continues after my first service (which I will make it clear to them to troubleshoot) I will escalate to Yamaha corporate. Perhaps those of us who continue to have the issue can band together and report to Yamaha.

 

[bobholthaus]

So I straightened my wheel today before I first turned the boat on and I did not throw a code! Then I was sure I didn’t have the wheel locked when I shut it off and again, no codes all day! GPS didn’t work all day again, but that’s not an issue where we are. I’ll take it in for service next week and will print this entire thread out to educate the service department on these issues. Hopefully there’s a software fix for this.

New topic: is there a good thread to read about the Cobra steering fins? The steering on this boat is unnerving, with absolutely zero response from 9 pm to 3 pm on the wheel at speed! Help!

 

[Gforce81]

There's quite a few if you search for them. My recommendation is just do it - massive improvement in handling!

 

[anmut]

Brand new 2020 242SE. Had this error on and off all day today. Last time it happened I was in full lock, in reverse in dual throttle mode, and was reversing into the dock with a front line on the cleat. As soon as I hit the stop buttons, the code threw. I haven’t been able to reset it. I was in sand today when it first happened; got that to reset after 5 battery switch cycles. Then pulled tubers for 2 hours with no issue. Then it happened coming into dock. Drove to gas pump on one engine (other running) and it reset while fueling up. Then drove 3 minutes back over to dock and it threw again in reverse hard lock while shutting down the engines.

This boat is 2 weeks old. Was delivered to me with dead batteries. The gps/speedo only works about every 3rd outing. Now this (happened once yesterday before ever getting into sand today). I have 7 hours on it now. Totally disheartened by all of this. I am on vacation in Green Bay and we are boating all week. I’m praying the steps above will reset it (straightening the wheel). Will ensure not to use throttles and hard steer lock when docking. But what a pain. My family thinks this boat is a joke, and I paid full price for it!

I assume you purchased from Team W? Take it back to them and make sure they're taking care of you, that's way to new / expensive of a boat to have those kind of issues.

 

[anmut]

So I straightened my wheel today before I first turned the boat on and I did not throw a code! Then I was sure I didn’t have the wheel locked when I shut it off and again, no codes all day! GPS didn’t work all day again, but that’s not an issue where we are. I’ll take it in for service next week and will print this entire thread out to educate the service department on these issues. Hopefully there’s a software fix for this.

New topic: is there a good thread to read about the Cobra steering fins? The steering on this boat is unnerving, with absolutely zero response from 9 pm to 3 pm on the wheel at speed! Help!

I put the full Cobra setup on my 2020 212S. Wonderful improvement - still tracks slightly wonky at low speeds, but much improved.

 

[bobholthaus]

Thank you guys for the reply. I bought the boat at Surdyke Yamaha in Mid-Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks). I will read about the Cobra setup; I plan to order it ASAP! Thanks again.

 

[bobholthaus]

Just ordered the full cobra setup with fangs. Will put on this week.

threw the code one time today when docking. Centered the wheel and it was fixed in 20 seconds. Pain in the ass. Crazy that it happens at full lock. I’m glad you guys told me how to fix it. I appreciate this forum.

 

[Mjolsen74]

So at the dealership and couldn’t reproduce. One thing I did do is open the manual override in helm area and manually moved back and forth and made sure the grease that was all over the pace but not on the shaft, on the shaft. Seemed to help smooth the movement.

we shall see. Of course dealer knows nothing about it.... and of course it doesnt for it for them or me there.

 

[Drexx3]

I have a 2020 242 SE and feel I’m done getting BCU errors. What I mean is that I previously got them at random but one I figured out what was causing it I e only had one since (and it was 100% my fault as to why it happened).

first rule...when operating your battery switches make sure the key is OFF. so when getting on your boat...key off...turn the start battery ON, turnthe house battery ON, wait about 10 seconds then turn the key on. If you turn the battery switches off, turn the keyto the off position before you turn the battery switches back on.

that process above has all but completely eliminated BCU errors for me.

I got one yesterday however, but again it was 100% my fault. I had reinstalled my CobraJet fins and in the process switched the bucket actuators to manual mode override so I could move them out of the way. Well, when I was done I forgot to switch it back to electronic mode and thus the system couldn’t move the buckets ... BCU error as soon as I turned the boat on. Checked the ove

if you’re getting a BCU error with the wheel at full lock you should check to see if your buckets are binding on anything. The BCU error is thrown if the control unit experiences ANY difficulty moving the buckets. Consider while on the trailer switching it to manual override, crank the wheel then have an observer see if they’re getting caught up in something as you manually activate the buckets. This can easily be done with the engines off.

 

[bobholthaus]

Thank you for this additional data. I will try again this week when I put my Cobra gear on.

new topic: last night I switched my key off for 10 seconds or so and then back on. Then turned it off and pulled the key out. Connect screen came up and blower came on. Didn’t try to start but the entire system was on. How is that possible with the key in my pocket?

 

[bobholthaus]

And, is it true the bilge is connected to House battery? Will it auto bilge when battery is off? Seems like a huge liability if not.

 

[Drexx3]

new topic: last night I switched my key off for 10 seconds or so and then back on. Then turned it off and pulled the key out. Connect screen came up and blower came on. Didn’t try to start but the entire system was on. How is that possible with the key in my pocket?

I will try to pay attention next time I'm out. I think I recall that when I turn on the house battery the Connext splash screen displays but it ultimately goes dark again & no blower. Turn the key on and the system boots. How long after turning the key on did you wait before turning it off and removing the key? I'll try the same on mine to see what happens.

But...if your system is on & the blower activated when the key is removed something doesn't sound right and you might want to check the wiring. See if the engines turn over. When the key is in the off position it is actually shorting the same engine cutoff that is activated when the safety lanyard clip is pulled. I would test that (the safety lanyard/kill switch) as well. I was just looking at the service manual for how it is wired as I'm getting ready to install the MOB+ wireless kill switch.

 

[bobholthaus]

My system will start and blower on regardless of key position. I think what happened was that when I turned the key off and let it shut down, and then turned it back on, it was in its boot sequence when I then turned the key off and pulled it out. So maybe it never got a signal that the key was off. But it’s a bit unnerving to know that the system stays “live” with no key. I’ll try it again next weekend and see if the starters fire; I’m guessing they won’t.

what’s isthe MOB+ wireless kill switch?

sorry, I should have started a new thread for all of this.

 

[Drexx3]

i might be going out today and will try to remember to test what happened to you. I was suspecting a similar boot sequence issue. But I would think that hardware would override? Dunno

Re the kill switch I try to use it religiously esp when going over no wake speeds. Invariably I will always forget its attached and I’ll move in such a way that it pulls the clip. Because of how low the ignition switch is located there’s not a lot of room for movement.

the one I got is by Fell Marine and uses a fob instead that will trigger if it gets wet or a certain distance from the main unit. You can also add up to 3add’l fobs to monitor. So we can put one on the dogs life vest and if he inadvertently falls off or jumps in it kills the engines. There’s a 6 second override allowing passengers to start the engines should the pilot be the one overboard. Gets good reviews.

Products -

www.fellmarine.com

 

[Mjolsen74]

Update:

My service center was able to identify that the reverse bucket cables have to be replaced. They bind at full turn. Parts ordered (warranty) and will schedule replacement once in.

I really hope this fully solves the problem.

mike

 

[Drexx3]

My system will start and blower on regardless of key position.

Ok, so I paid attention this time. When the house battery is turned and key is in the off position the system does fully boot up, blower on and all that. Everything is functional/operable, except the engines do not turn over if you press the start/stop buttons. That would make sense since the wiring diagram shows the key off position shorting the engine kill signal. Turn the key to on and the engines will start.

interestingly, turn the key off from that point and the whole system shuts down.

 

[bobholthaus]

Thank you for this. I’ll show this to my dealer.

Update:

My service center was able to identify that the reverse bucket cables have to be replaced. They bind at full turn. Parts ordered (warranty) and will schedule replacement once in.

I really hope this fully solves the problem.

mike

 

[bobholthaus]

Update:

My service center was able to identify that the reverse bucket cables have to be replaced. They bind at full turn. Parts ordered (warranty) and will schedule replacement once in.

I really hope this fully solves the problem.

mike

I noticed tonight when I was putting on my cobra jet setup that at full lock in either direction the bucket “pulls up” a bit, which may indicate binding, or a cable too short. I plan to bring this to the attention of my dealer.