low volt alarm 2006 opti 200hp

[logger8614]

I have a ranger with a 2006 opti/60hrs under warranty. Last two trips smartcraft has generated an alarm. 1 beep and flashing pic of engine. Always with throttle under 1000 rpm in a 5 mile /hour zone. It will cease with slight throttle advance. Took it to dealer and 200 dollars later I have a new battery and the same problem. Computer diagnostic showed low voltage event. Happens after a good 7-10 minutes at lowest of thrust. At running speed smartcraft reads 14.2 volts.
Sitting in driveway smart craft reads 11.9 volts after two hours on water and no charge / first run on new battery. I ran radio and tilt trim a couple of times to dissipate surface charge for reading in driveway.
Is this a phantom alarm, is my alternator on the fritz, possible loose wire?
Oh by the way should I ask for /expect any consideration for paying for initial diagnostic when I take it back to dealer on Monday or has that ship sailed. Feel like two bills to not solve problem should be considered by dealer on Monday. Am I out of line?
Thanks in advance Joe--wish the answer was a can of sea foam

 

[Silvertip]

Re: low volt alarm 2006 opti 200hp

What does the SmartCraft voltage read when the alarm goes off? DFI engines need a fair amount of power to run the injectors and ECU. During prolonged idle/no wake operation alternator output may not be sufficient to keep the system voltage above the low voltage trigger. This may be a characteristic of the engine although even at idle/off idle there should be enough output to keep voltage above the trigger. I would certainly let the shop know that the battery didn't help and what you are experiencing. But work with them to determine what is happening. Keep and eye on the voltmeter and log events as they occur (engine rpm, what you have running at the time, time at that rpm, etc). All of that information is helpful for diagnostic purposes. Perhaps it is just a marginal voltage regulator that is causing the problem.

 

[logger8614]

Re: low volt alarm 2006 opti 200hp

Thanks for the speedy reply Silver tip. smartcraft read 14.2 at time of alarm. Radio was on, maybe always is when these alarms happen. Radio is run off cranking battery. time at rpms was approx 6-10 minutes. Rpms were high 800's. I went at these speeds longer than actual 5mph zone to see if I could trigger the alarm and lucky me I did.