Error Codes DF140

[CHRISNESBITT]

I have two DF140's (2004). One started with an error that I cannot find in the maintenance manual. It a continuous on/off blinking light. I removed the ECM from the good motor and installed it on the bad. This corrected the problem, at least temporarily. I was in the process of searching for a new ECM. In the meantime the other motor has come up with the exact same error. I cannot believe that both motors have now got failed ECM's within the space of a few weeks.
Can someone please confirm what the error code is before I go ahead and buy two very expensive ECM's.

Many thanks,

Chris.

[Harper]

Which of the four lights is flashing, Chris?

[CHRISNESBITT]

Harper, I'll have to check but from memory it is the third from the left. I'll take a look this evening, sorry.

[Solarman]

Is it possibly a Maint code, can't believe both units are bad either. Switch them back, maybe it will be good again. Unless there was a bad run on the ecm's at that time??
May be batteries getting weak? Old? Hate to see you buy the ecms if not the problem.

Best of luck. Just some thoughts?

[Harper]

The reason I ask, Chris, is because there are four lights:
1. oil pressure
2. check engine
3. engine temperature
4. rev limit

They are not in the same order, left to right, on all instruments. But if it is something other than the check engine light, it is less likely to be the ECM and more likely to be a sensor, or as Solarman suggests, a maintenance reminder, such as oil change (in the case of a flashing oil pressure light).

[CHRISNESBITT]

It's the oil pressure light, I changed the oil pressure switch for a new one and still no change ??

[Harper]

Try this, Chris.......The constant flashing of the oil light will happen every 100 hours on the motor. It's a reminder that an oil chnge is due. To reset the oil change reminder, turn on the igniton switch (don't start, just turn it on) remove the kill switch plate (the little doodad on the lanyard that you're supposed to attach to your belt loop when underway), then within ten seconds, pull the kill switch out three times. You are supposed to hear one beep if successful. Turn the ignition switch off and replace the kill switch plate.

A whole helluva lot cheaper than replacing two ECMs for no reason, right?

Now......do you have an owners manual for your motor? If not, it might be a good idea to get one. It, too, is cheaper than an ECM, and it will tell you little secrets about your motor, such as oil change reminders.

[CHRISNESBITT]

Harper,
I did try the reset with no luck but will give it another go. I maybe didn't do it correctly? I do have an owners manual but couldn't find the error code I have in there. I did have a "professional" come over and take a look and he came up with the ECM problem after switching them over! (Professional's are hard to find in the islands!).
Glad to hear your confidence I don't need a new ECM. I figured two would be too coincidental.
Thanks, I'll report back............

[Harper]

The oil change reminder is the only reason that I know of for a continuous flashing of the oil pressure light. If your emergency kill switch is bad, it won't do the reset, of course. so you might want to test it. Simply start the motors up and turn them off by pulling the plate off the switch, and see that it actually turns the motors off. It's a good idea to test the kill switch periodically anyway, to make sure it will work when you need it to. Of course, if it doesn't turn of the engines, then the switch is bad and needs replacing.

[CHRISNESBITT]

Mike,
So far so good, my second attempt at the "reset" was successful and the oil lights have gone off. I clearly did it wrong first time around. I forgot to check if the kill switch actually works but will check it too.
Thanks for your time and patience on this forum for novices like myself (and my so-called mechanic).
Until next time!
Chris.

[Solarman]

Thnx Chris for the update... Think I'd change mechanics too, for future needs. Lol

Good luck, happy boating.