Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

[hjackson123]

I have a 2006 Volvo D4-225 that keeps stalling when I try to dock and the trim tab malfunctions. Does anyone else have this problem or heard of a recall to fix these problems.

Herb

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

You need to find a dealer and get the Vodia hooked to it to find the problem.
Do you get a number for the malfunction?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

After reading your reply to this thread I have to guess you have never taken it to a dealer to have it checked out have you? The D4 series is all computer controlled. Without a computer to check stuff out, you are just wasteing your boating time.
Are you referring to the trim tabs, or the drive trim. Got a VP serial number for your engine handy?

 

[hjackson123]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

I tried to get the dealer that I bought the boat from to check out the stalling. They said that they did not work on diesel engines. I then took the boat to an authorized Volvo dealer (cost over $500.00) which was a joke. He said that the only way he could fix the engine is if he could duplicate the problem. While at the shop the boat would not stall and the engine trim tab worked fine. After contacting the dealer again he said bring the boat back and he would fix it. However, I think tht this might be a problem that can't be fixed.

At other websites (Striper Owners Club & diesel forum) others have had the same problems so I know it is a factory defect but the factory does not want to admit it. I am trying to find someone that has been able to get a reliable fix for the problems and prove to Volvo and my dealer that this is a factory defect before I have to get a lawyer under the California Lemon Law. The boat has numerous other defects such as leaks, etc. but this is the most dangerous one. I was nearly stranded in Catalina and nealy ran aground while docking in Mexico. Others indicate that they have had lawyers but want discuss the results. The stalling can be life threatening when docking or in the harbor so everyone that owns a D-4 should be make aware of the problem.

The engine number is D-4-225 A-B AQ/PS 869499 Serial #2004008305 Outboad unit DPH-B 3869301 Serial # 4102033812

Thanks for the reply and I would appreciate any advice or help that you could provide.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

I don't see any open or closed warrenty issues on the stalling problem, only problem was the cracked fuel filter hsg, back in May.
I would STRONGLY suggest you call Volvo's customer service number (in your warranty book) and tell them of your problem.
It seems your dealer may be the problem, not Volvo itself. Volvo can contact the dealer and even send a rep out to check out the problem.
They can probably just help the dealer over the phone.

Without a warranty claim being started or finished, it looks like the dealer has done absolutely nothing.

You also keep saying trim tab, do you mean drive trim, or do you actually have trim tabs hooked into your system.?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

What EXACTLY is the fault you are seeing, what does it say exactly.
Is there a flash code that is set, do you have an instrument or screen that is telling you the faults? Which type instrument do you have.
Sorry for all the questions, but I can't just look at it and see what setup you have, so your help will be handy.
You should have a HCU (Helm control unit) near the helm, What type is it, EVC B, B2, or C ?

I really don't see in the B2 or C systems where there is any connection with the trim tabs at all.

After contacting the dealer again he said bring the boat back and he would fix it. However, I think tht this might be a problem that can't be fixed.

It can be fixed, don't know why you would even say such a thing. I have installed and worked on several of the D4 and D6 engines and NEVER had a stalling problem with any of them while docking.

 

[hjackson123]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

Don,

I hope that you are right about being able to fix the problem. I already have alot of time and money invested in this boat. The reason I say this is because others have had the same problems with the trim tabs and the stalling. One person indicated that they had to change some part of the shifting mechanism ever so often to keep the engine from stalling. No info on the trim tab except that it malfunctions like mine. It doesn't make sense. My father was in the trucking industy and I have been around diesels forever. Diesels usually run fine if you keep the fuel and air filters clean. I have already changed all three fuel filters three times in 50 hours. I have valvtech bio guard and valvtech diesel guard in the fuel and have added over 120 gallons of fresh Shell diesel to the tank since my last trip to Mexico. I do have the EVC. The trim tab is for the outdrive unit. I also have Bennet trims and they work fine. Volvo instruments are installed on the boat. When in rough seas something malfunctions and the electonic trim tab (instrument on dash that reads -3 to +50 degrees) starts reading up and down and the buzzer goes off. The outdrive will move up and down but there is no way to tell what degree it is lifted. The last time this happened was when I was in Catalina (of course at night). The engine then would not turn over 1000 to 1200 RPM and kept going up and down even though the I had the engine wide open all the way from Catalina to Oceanside. While cleaning the boat and flushing the engine two days later the tab worked fine.

What model boats did you install the engines in? I know that my boat (2007 Seaswril Stripper) leaks at the stern and both sides at the hull to deck contact. I just spent over 5 days fixing this problem with 5200. If you want pictures send your e-mail addres. Still need to fix engine hatch to keep water out. You would not believe what shotty work was done on this boat from the factory.

Question? Does water in the bilge cause the malfunctions or are the problems with the actual design of the sensors. Hope to find an answer before the warranty expires.

Thanks,

Herb
EDIT: Please don't post email addresses and phone numbers on the forums.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

After all this time of Trim tabs this, trim tabs that, you finally said something that makes some sense.

When in rough seas something malfunctions and the electonic trim tab (instrument on dash that reads -3 to +50 degrees) starts reading up and down and the buzzer goes off.

That has nothing what-so-ever to do with trim tabs, has everything to do with trim angle of the drive.
I'm going to do some checking, I recall something about the sender and will have to check it out. Stay tuned.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

Hope to find an answer before the warranty expires.

If you were to get your Volvo dealer to actually file a warranty claim on this problem, it will get fixed even if the warranty time does go over. Earlier you said it cost you over $500 and it was a joke. You shouldn't have had to pay anything dude, it's warranty.
Did you ever contact Volvo Customer service directly as I suggested earlier???? If not, why not?

Does water in the bilge cause the malfunctions or are the problems with the actual design of the sensors.

Depends on if the water gets over the sensor, if it does, then the water is also over the starter.......... NOT GOOD. If it is, you have other problems also, like faulty bilge pumps, and a possible leak.

What you really need to do, instead of looking for other people with the problem and what their workaround is, is to put that much effort in contacting Volvo and getting it fixed right.

I did find a service bulletin that shows a change in the trim sender on your transom shield. Your spec number drive is in the early stages of the change and possibly before the change. It would sure be worth having the VP dealer and Volvo reps check it out.

Here is the SB I am referring to.

What model boats did you install the engines in?

I didn't install them in new boats, I installed the D4 and D6 engines with DPH drives in old boats as complete repowers.

My father was in the trucking industy and I have been around diesels forever. Diesels usually run fine if you keep the fuel and air filters clean. I have already changed all three fuel filters three times in 50 hours. I have valvtech bio guard and valvtech diesel guard in the fuel and have added over 120 gallons of fresh Shell diesel to the tank since my last trip to Mexico.

You have a computer controlled electronic diesel in your boat. Your problem has NOTHING to do with fuel or air. You have an electrical/electronic problem.
This ain't no truck.

 

[hjackson123]

Re: Volvo D4 225 Trim Tab and Stalling Problems

Don,

Thanks a million!!!! I feel better aready. You just gave me the info that I have been looking for. That should take care of the trim problem. The problem I have with the dealer is that they sell diesel boats but are not authorized to work on diesel engines. I have sent them a letter describing all the problems (long list example engine mount bolts are cross threaded at a 30 degree angle and do not even have lock washers) the boat and will be taking it to them late this month. Like I said before, the authorized Volvo Dealer (Outdrive Exchange in Costa Mesa) that I took the boat to did not have a clue as to what was wrong with the boat and still charged me for the service. Part of it was for changing the oil but I calculated that the warranty parts were around $240.00 to align the engine and replace a colapsed fuel line. I will contact Volvo before taking the boat in to make sure they coordinate the repair. Since the boat had the engine problems since day 1 I think that they should take it to the Volvo dealer not have me drag it around. A trip to the dealer is over 240 miles round trip and my truck gets about 5.2 miles to the gallon. I have requested a refund from the dealer for the engine repair work.

Now if I can find out the same info for the stalling problem. Like I said before I have already found out that other boats with the D-4 stall which is probably another factory issue. I know the boat leaks. The contact between the hull and deck at the stern and port and starboard sides of the boat had no sealant between the hull deck contact. Water flowed like a stream into the boat at this connection at certain speeds. I fixed this problem with 5200. Pried the contacts apart and filled with 5200 until I could see it ooze out in the engine compartment. I am requesting that they dealer check the outdrive connection to the transom and all other fittings. It appears that Seaswirl is allergic to silicon or sealant. Also found a thur hull connection leak and a hose connection that leaks behind the live well. Only way you can see it is to take pictures with a camera. Can't get my head between the engine and deck. Please let me know if have any additonal info on the stalling problem. Hopefull Volvo has a fix for this one to. The website where the stalling problem was describe is a pay site. Guess I will pay and see what the 4 or 5 answers to the stalling problem were.

By the way I could not read the codes. Did not have my glasses, I was wet, tired and cold during the 5 hour ride back to Oceanside. Have glasses on the boat now.