Need help with operation of standard Cobalt depth finder

dennison17 · #1 May 26th, 2009, 05:44 PM

I have a 2004 Cobalt 240. Can anyone advise me as to how to operate the toggle switches on the standard depth finder to just provide the depth? All I can seem to do is cycle through the shallow alarm and deep alarm.... or set the unit to display in feet, meters or fathoms. I can't get it to just display actual depth. I believe the unit is functioning properly because this happened a year ago, and the dealer got the manufacturer on the line and we were successful in re-setting. This was a hassel. We had to be in the boat with the manufacturer on the phone.....yada, yada, yada. I'm hoping for an easier approach....

Mike250 · #2 May 27th, 2009, 08:57 AM

My guess is you have the same depth finder I have on my 2005 250. Pushing down on the toggle moves through the menu options. Once you get to the setting you want to change you toggle the switch up to change set-points.

You probably know this much already but as you toggle down through the menu you'll see something like "Un". Once you see this stop and wait a few seconds and it will show the actual depth.

I have the manual at home if you need details. Let me know.

dennison17 · #3 May 27th, 2009, 11:58 AM

Thanks. I believe it's the same unit. I'll try waiting when I get to the "units" display..... Typically, I've just got frustrated and toggeled up (to select "feet").... and entered into the same cycle all over again. I'll give it a shot today. Thanks.....

dennison17 · #4 May 27th, 2009, 06:46 PM

Hey Mike,

Thanks sooo much. I got the unit to display depth, but only after finagling with it again. I set all the alarms to zero and then it seemed to work just fine. I'm now afraid to touch it!!

I could sure use a copy of those instructions. Is it something you could fax me or send a copy? I'd be happy to forward you $ for your time and postage... Budman

Blaze5509 · #5 May 27th, 2009, 06:57 PM

are these things just touchy or what?? I took my boat out on our maiden voyage this weekend and the depth gauge was giving me the fits...once I got above about 7-8mph it would start going haywire, once back down under a "no wake" speed, it worked jsut fine...gotta get in there this week and see what thats all about?

Mike250 · #6 May 28th, 2009, 08:42 AM

dennison17, not a problem. I'll go ahead and dig it out tonight and make a copy. Fax or mail is fine with me just let me know where to send it. Glad to help.

Blaze, I'm no expert here but if it gives bad readings it could be the sensor is not glued down well or a loose connection. If it's the factory unit I'm sure it's in the correct spot and glued down well unless it's been knocked loose. If all else fails fill the bilge with enough water to cover the sensor and take it out for a ride. If it reads correctly it may need to be removed and glued down better. I think any air pockets between the sensor and hull will screw it up.

If that's no help maybe you have a bad sensor. What model and year is your Cobalt?

Dave1251 · #7 May 28th, 2009, 12:24 PM

Some Cobalt’s use mineral oil between the transducer and hull. Remove the transducer from the mounting bracket and make sure the mounting bracket is full.

dennison17 · #8 June 2nd, 2009, 01:01 PM

Mike,

Not sure you received my e-mails sent via the "send a private e-mail" via the iBoat option...

I guess US Mail is the best option...

My Address is:
Bud Dennison
3717 Lake Washington Blvd N
Renton Wa. 98056

Mike250 · #9 June 2nd, 2009, 02:10 PM

Got it. I'll make a copy and send it out tomorrow.

dennison17 · #10 June 3rd, 2009, 10:06 PM

Thanks Mike.... I really...really appreciate it! If there's anything I can do for you (postage, time spent, etc...) please let me know. I "think" the Private Messaging feature through iBoats. We could perhaps exchange perrsonal details (if needed) via that avenue.

Thanks again. You da' man!

drpeeb · #11 June 23rd, 2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blaze5509

are these things just touchy or what?? I took my boat out on our maiden voyage this weekend and the depth gauge was giving me the fits...once I got above about 7-8mph it would start going haywire, once back down under a "no wake" speed, it worked jsut fine...gotta get in there this week and see what thats all about?

A muddy bottom can cause crazy readings. The unit can't read a continuous depth thru mud.

The sensor could have air between it & the hull; There needs to be none. You may need to remove it, clean it & re-glue it down with epoxy. Also, if there are air bubbles along the bottom of your hull so that the sensor is trying to read thru them, it can't read right.