Check Engine light, but no fault code

[Fabini28]

I was recently out on my boat and we were driving slowly around the lake to look at the houses. The check engine light came on out of nowhere (I was experiencing any noticeable issues), but no fault code showed. Headed back to the dock and the boat ran fine the whole way. What could have caused the light to come on and what should I have checked out to make sure it is operating fine? Could driving at a slow speed for a long period cause issues?

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

How many hours? And what light? Wrench? Could it just be a reminder for maintenance?

 

[Fabini28]

140 hours, the one that looks like an engine. This was my 3rd time on the water since it was winterized and the service center was supposed to have completed all normal maintenance. Coolant levels were fine, oil level was fine

 

[Marvin willis]

Battery. Mine does it too. Ticks me off

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Engine light should have a code associated with it to the best of my knowledge. Is it still on? You should be able to get the codes inside the menus. You'll have to explore though, they only show if you have a code.

Low batteries can definitely cause weird codes/lights. So as Marvin is saying, make sure you have a good battery (should be about 12.8V at rest).

 

[Fabini28]

It was still on after turning off the engine twice, but wasn't showing a code. I'll check again on the code. I didn't check the battery, so that cold very well be the problem. @Marvin willis do you normally replace the battery or just leave it?

 

[Marvin willis]

If it happens again cut the battery switch off for 5 mins and cut it back on. That is how I get my light off. More importantly that stupid buzzer.

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

The code is most likely inside the menus while active.

Battery should be replaced whenever it starts to no longer hold a charge... especially when you only have one. Multimeter method... make sure the battery is at rest for a bit and it should register as around 12.8V when fully charged. It should stay very close to that number over a period of time without running your engine. If it's significantly lower, then you should consider replacing it. Battery lifespans vary quite a bit depending on type, wear, and how you treat it. Make sure you run a maintainer on it if you're parking it for long periods of time. Don't let it get low.

 

[Marvin willis]

Mine has never shown over 12.6 without the motor on. That’s right off the charger. Had both battteries tested and they said they were 100%. I have my doubts. I will say it starts much faster after keeping it on a trickle charger

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

12.6 isn't horrible but it's probably starting to show its age. If you keep the trickle charger on it, you're probably fine for now. I also keep a portable tiny jumper pack in the boat. Less worries in case my battery isn't up to snuff.

 

[Marvin willis]

12.6 isn't horrible but it's probably starting to show its age. If you keep the trickle charger on it, you're probably fine for now. I also keep a portable tiny jumper pack in the boat. Less worries in case my battery isn't up to snuff.

The boat is a year old and has never shown over 12.6. Code started on my 2nd trip out on the boat. Always able to reset it. Just annoying.