Help with Multifunction Tach/oil/Trim gauge

[Bruin]

Hi. I'm new here. Looks like an excellent source for assistance. I'm having problems with the tach/oil/trim gauge on a '92 90hp 2 stroke Yamaha. I just put it in the water for the summer season. When I went to start it, the battery was weak (even though the storage marine was suppose to have charged it before reinstalling) but I boosted it and it started right up. The multifunction gauge is not working properly though - it is flashing and is very dim. The LCD numbers are only partially appearing. Could this be caused by a defective or weak battery or is there something else I should be checking. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[delfinasul]

Re: Help with Multifunction Tach/oil/Trim gauge

Seems to be an pour contact problem or regulator problem.

 

[Bruin]

Re: Help with Multifunction Tach/oil/Trim gauge

Thanks for the advise. Did I bit more troubleshooting today. I hooked it up to a reliable power source to eliminate the battery but got the same result. I also checked all the connections and they appear to be good. The gauge is still dim and appears to be flashing FF or Fr as well as the temp and red oil indicator. If it's the regulator, is there a way I can test that? All other electrics on the boat seem to be working properly. Any additional thoughts would be appreciated. The motor seems to be running fine but I'm thinking it's best not to drive it - thoughts? Thanks.

 

[delfinasul]

Re: Help with Multifunction Tach/oil/Trim gauge

I think could be a defective gauge if you tested with regulated power source and he did the same. Try with another batery put the contact on but not start engine and see if gauge still flashing. If regulator is not working batery could not be recharged or could be damaged. One way to check if regulator works ok is to check tension on the batery with a multimeter with and without engine running. In other way you could take the gauge and test on another engine.

 

[Bruin]

Re: Help with Multifunction Tach/oil/Trim gauge

Thanks delfinasul. Appreciate the help. I've put in a new battery with the same result. Will test with a multimeter as you suggest.

 

[Bruin]

Re: Help with Multifunction Tach/oil/Trim gauge

It ended up being a faulty tach. I installed a new tach and all is working. Thanks for the help. Unfortunately the new tach didn't come with instructions - it has "set" and "mode" buttons. What are these for?
Thanks again.