Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

[BoatDrinksQ5]

So my 2012 has a VERY loud buzzer it needs to be quieted down a bit. Tried finding out where it was coming from and almost lost my hearing!

So loud i couldn't quite tell WHERE it was coming from...??!?!?!!!!

I am going to try it again this week with some ear plugs in. I think i have it narrowed down to this inline device off switch that is covered in a plastic mesh....and/or the switch itself.

I hope to cover it with tape or peices of rubber tubing or something....

Anyone win this battle?

 

[Tim in TN]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

Finally got sick of hearing it and I just unplugged it. Mine was a little piezo-electric device under the dash. Round, a little bigger than a quarter and about 1/2 inch thick. I know there's some risk to not having it as a warning but I decided to risk it. Not sure I'd go this route on a new boat though.

 

[whmoore18]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

It is that inline piece your talking about thats covered in plastic mesh......You should figure out the cause of the alarm rather than unplugging it....if its constant like that it could be your over revving the motor, no oil, or an over heat alarm(2 stroke). That like undoing the check engine light in your car yeah its off but you never figured out what the cause is. Thats not an actual Tahoe problem its the Mercury motor's computer thats causing it. Your boat is new and has a warranty just take it in and have it checked. If you burn the motor up and they see its unplugged that was suppose to serve as your warning they will void that warranty leaving you with possibly having to replace that motor.

Just take it to the dealer let it be their problem I think some give Tahoe this bad reputation when its actually the other manufacturer's parts that are failing

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

It was my understanding that at a half turn of the key and prior to starting that the buzzer is typically on? Once engine is on the buzzer is off.

Like if i wanted to check gas level i would have to turn key half on.... while waiting for level to update (takes 10-15seconds for gauge to steady/stop) it will be buzzing / deafening my passengers.

At least my grandpas grady white had the same half turn buzz also IIRC (don't recall it being so loud however).

 

[whmoore18]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

well in my Tahoe if I turn the key the buzzer beeps and then is silent it doesn't stay constant....it shouldn't if stay constant it should be a "check beep" basically to show its working then off....it it does something is wrong and you need to have it checked out thats not suppose to happen....

 

[spdracr39]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

I know on the MPI motors it beeps then goes off.

 

[whmoore18]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

^^^ thats what every mercury is suppose to do hahaha. If its solid something is wrong somewhere

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

OK - first i have heard that and I remember it doing the same at the dealer at the 'pickup' I guess i'll have to give them a jingle tomorrow.

 

[whmoore18]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

What is weird to me is it doing it every single time? Like even on a cold start?......Might be a bad sensor or something thats triggering that alarm.....steady alarm usually means something really bad....when its corrected by a change in RPM usually means its a minor issue.....but when its solid she needs to get to the shop and not just unplugged.....

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

Well climbed in the boat and grabbed the Mercruiser manual. Found the section about the key switch and buzzer (section2)

It says Audio warning system is for:
Engine oil pressure too low
Engine temperature too high
Sterndrive oil level too low

Testing Audio System:
1. Turn the ign. switch to the "ON" position without cranking the engine
2. Listen for the audio alarm. The alarm will sound if the system is functioning correctly.

Doesn't mention it turning off or exact behavior one way or the other. Either way I'm talking to the dealer but just thought it 'could' match what dealer told me...and what i am seeing/hearing.

 

[cjrookey]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

Mine worked fine and was just too loud on the startup beeping so I just took a piece of electrical tape and covered the piezo buzzer. It is better cause I can still hear it but just is not so enoying.

 

[whmoore18]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

It should give you a quick "beep" to let you know that things are functioning properly not a constant alarm. My thing is this if its intermittent like if it goes off once the motor starts or gives you the quick "beep" like mine does why cover it? If its constant its a problem just get it fixed

 

[BiggerDee]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

My 2011 Q7i TKS 5.0 has the alarm when the key is turned on and it is a solid tone until you crank the boat. Has done it since day one, and did it at the dealer during the initial pickup checkout. They said that it was a safety alarm, so that you know that someone has turned the key, namely a safety feature if a child or passenger gets curious...You can grab them before they potentially crank it and start some real problems. My Mercury service manual says that it's an intended feature, and is supposed to be constant. Now if the boat is running and THEN it comes on, that's definitely a problem.

 

[whmoore18]

Re: Ignition Switch Alert/Buzzer

Wow you learn something new mine give me a loud "beep" when you turn the key and its off.....Maybe a different motor a different safety feature...