Auxiliary Voltage Warning

[JRobChicago]

Have had 2015 SX190 for 4 months and running good. Tonight while cruising in no wake w radio on Low Voltage Warning alarm sounded. I cranked up the boat speed and shortly after alarm turned off. Anything I should look into or do before I take the boat back out?

We did use the radio with engine not running for about 45 minutes today.

 

[rkgdmd]

Check the battery connections for tightness. If it's a flooded cell battery, check the electrolyte levels. Use a good voltage meter to check battery voltage directly. I can tell my batteries state of charge when I hook up my battery charger...if it charges at 9 or 10 amps for more than a minute or two, I know to leave that charger on there. The magneto based charging system is really lame. It's not really capable of recharging a deeply discharged battery. I had my 2015 batteries go bad after 2 1/2 years because I wasn't really getting them fully charged. Best thing I ever did was install an onboard battery charger. You won't regret it. You can also take your battery to Auto Zone or Napa and will test it's condition for you for free.

 

[JRobChicago]

Now my dash gauges aren't working. Boat starts fine and stereo, bilge, and everything else will run fine. Tested battery and getting around 11.2.

Any other suggestions? Am I okay taking boat out on water?...or risk of it shutting down and not restarting?

 

[rkgdmd]

Can't believe the boat started with voltage that low. I would not take your boat out until you have those gremlins resolved. You need to charge that battery ASAP with a good charger.

 

[Liveto99]

Charge the battery. It should be at 12.8 when engine is off for a new battery and will get less as it ages. 13.8 or higher when it is running. If it is old charge it and then test it after it starts the boat a few times, it should be above 12.2 or time to replace it. If the engine is running at a good clip and it is not over 13 volts then there is a problem with the charging system. If it is the original battery just replace it 4 years is the life span if you never want battery problems.

 

[JRobChicago]

Thanks for the info! Tested it again and I am getting 12.2 with engine off. Should I run engine and test it?