Warning alarm on startup, no messages.

[zelone]

Recently, I've been getting the warning alarm on startup, but not sure why. I did check for engine codes on the port side, and there was nothing. The alarm is on both sides as far as I can tell. I suspect its battery related, due to the age and that I upgraded the stereo, and added a powered sub a month ago, but I have an onboard charger plugged in at both places I dock the boat, so the batteries are always fully charged. Is it possible to get the warning alarm for a battery related issue, with fully charged batteries? I'm kinda baffled here.

 

[jawsf16]

Check your connections and make sure they are tight. You can get an alarm if the battery cables are slightly loose. Start there.

 

[MikeyL]

@jawsf16 gives you excellent advice.
The alarms, at least on dual battery 24 footers, will go off with either bad battery connections (ie, loose) or mis-wired.
Also, if the BLACK ground wire is not connected that will also trigger the alarm.

My guess is when you added the battery charger, you left off the black ground wire coming from the switch.
Good Luck, Hope this helps, Mikey

 

[zelone]

Thanks guys, with all the upgrades and changes I've made, that is certainly a possibility. I will check it out tomorrow when I get to the boat!

 

[MikeyL]

@zelone : Please write back after it's fixed and let us know what cured the problem.

Then you'll be helping other members here.

Good Luck, Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee, GA

 

[jawsf16]

Are batteries actually showing fully charged? Also mine ran crazy rough in spurts when the connections were loose. Think of rocks in a paint can.

 

[zelone]

Ok, so I tightened the battery cables, but they weren't really loose. Just basically snugged them up a half a turn to be safe. The alarm seems to by intermittent. Some startups has it and some do not, and I cannot yet determine what I'm doing differently. My battery charger does show the batteries fully charged. I'm thinking they are simply near the end of their life, being they are original from 2010. I plan to go with a pair of Optima Blue Tops, but am hoping I can make it through this season.