98 EVINRUDE 175 FICHT Check Engine Light

[frozenokie]

After a number of tests and cycling through diagnostic sequences and clearing codes with check engine light still coming on, I decided to consult a family friend who is a marine mechanic. His understanding of the way the light comes on helped out.

If the light comes on BEFORE the engine is started (key in ON position) and after the system check sequence, it is something other than what is to be expected with recording a service code. The motor actually has to be started and ran before the ECU actually can store a service code. Therefore, a bad wire, bad ground, or something similar is what the problem is. If the check engine guage waited until the motor was started to turn on the check engine light, THEN it is an actual hard code or service code that can be addressed and fixed according to the code charts.

Has anyone experienced this kind of behavior on their FICHT engines?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 98 EVINRUDE 175 FICHT Check Engine Light

The CHECK ENGINE light can mean any number of things, just like the one in your car. The most common problem is water in the fuel filter.

The ECU on your motor can store a code by just turning the key to ON, it does not have to be running. For example, disconnecting a sensor will turn the light on and store a code.

 

[frozenokie]

Re: 98 EVINRUDE 175 FICHT Check Engine Light

I've checked the water sensor and there was no problem there either.

I guess with everything I've checked and not finding the problems only steers me to purchase the diagnostic software available for these motors and get the "skinny" on everything. Looks like it would be a real good idea as inexpensive as it is and should end up paying for itself over time.

Thanks for your reply seahorse5. Happy boating!

 

[jonesg]

Re: 98 EVINRUDE 175 FICHT Check Engine Light

Try ebay for the software and hookup cable.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 98 EVINRUDE 175 FICHT Check Engine Light

Sent you a PM.

 

[jamesbirmingham]

Re: 98 EVINRUDE 175 FICHT Check Engine Light

What did you ever find out about the check engine light??? I just posted a new thread about mine.... I didn't see yours till after I posted it..

James Birmingham
jamesbirmingham2008@yahoo.com

 

[sgaylor]

Re: 98 EVINRUDE 175 FICHT Check Engine Light

I have owned my two since new, 600+ hours, one now blown, but to answer your question, I have the alarms on both motors going all day long. The main culprit as far as I can tell and have been told is the throttle position sensor and H2O in the gas. The starboard engine was taken when the fuel pump went out and ran it to lean. Bummer.
Steve