91 Evinrude VRO Constant Alarm Horn

[Clamman 1]

I have a 1991 Evinrude (Model VE40TLEIA). When I turn the key from off to on, not start, just on; the VRO warning alarm begins to blare; loud and continuously. Previously, at this point, the alarm only sounded one polite beep, indicating it was functioning properly. However, on this,my first outing of the year I got this annoying continuous alarm! And, that was before I even engaged the starter. Well, being the intrepid, and frequently stoopid, sort, I decided certainly, there can't be anything seriously wrong with my outboard, I haven't even started it yet. So, I turned the key to start. The engine started, and ran perfectly. OK, it ran perfectly, if you just ignore the incredibly loud, constantly blaring alarm.
As I said, this was the first time I started the motor since last year, and it cranked as soon as I hit the starter, generated a full flow of water from the moment it turned over and produced the typical amount of blue smoke for idle speed. All the while, sounding the alarm.
I let it run for a minute or so, then shut it off, and came back home hoping I could find some advise from the experts here as to what might be wrong. Oh, by the way, I topped off the oil tank just before the last trip last year, and it is still virtually full.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Rick.]

I'm fairly sure a constant alarm means overheat. You could try a search on the subject as I'm sure there will be lots of posts. Best of luck. Rick.

 

[Clamman 1]

Thanks for your reply Rick. I had read that constant alarm meant overheat, but thought that since the last time the motor ran was eight months ago, and it was running fine then with no alarm sounding, and this year the alarm started before the engine even turned over and the temperature was 59 f. so the block was 59 f too, it could not possibly be overheated.
I am NOT an outboard mechanic, and do not know how the bloody things operate. I used to know automobile and small engines, but not since computers took over, and I never could translate from automobile to marine engines. So I am hoping someone will read this and say, "Oh hell, I know exactly what your problem is. Anytime your alarm sounds continuously as soon as you turn the key and while the engine is apparently running properly, you just need to ___________!"
Hope springs eternal. And thanks again for taking time to reply.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Problem: Key turned to ON (Eng cold & NOT running), Warning horn sounds steady & constantly.

Trouble shooting procedure: While horn is sounding, remove the TAN wire from the horn.

Results:
1 - If horn continues to sound = Horn is faulty.

2 - If horn shuts off immediately, one of the sensors at the engine is faulty OR that TAN wire is grounded out somewhere. To test sensors (If needed), with horn sounding, disconnect sensors, one by one until horn stops sounding, at which time you've found the faulty sensor.

3 - To check the TAN wire for shorts, disconnect it from the horn and unplug the main electrical plug from the engine, then check as needed for shorts with a ohm meter. NOTE that there are times when a wire will short out within the large main electrical plug at the engine... in which case, cut the wire and jump the plug to eliminate that type short.

 

[Clamman 1]

Thank you so much Joe! That is exactly the precise and concise advise for which I was hoping. I will go out and check it out a soon as it stops raining. I will let ya know the results.

 

[Boatbum11]

So, what were your results?

 

[Crosbyman]

looks like he " clammed " up….:tape2: