When diagnosing issues with a marine vessel, knowledge of fault codes is essential. Gone are the days when you could simply tinker with an engine’s parts to fix it. Today’s inboard marine engines are much more advanced and require specific diagnostics and calibrations when breakdowns occur. To connect to your engine and perform these needed repairs, you’ll need a reliable marine vessel diagnostic kit to pinpoint the exact cause of a malfunction.

Today, Triad Diagnostic Solutions will be explaining some of the most important fault codes on a Volvo Penta engine – A popular marine inboard engine. We’ll also discuss codes in general and why they’re so important.

What Are Fault Codes?

Fault codes, also known as Diagnostic Trouble Codes, are codes used to determine what is causing a malfunction in an engine. Marine technicians read these codes by plugging the diagnostic kit directly into the onboard ports.

Why Are Fault Codes Important?

Fault codes are incredibly important for shipyard and vessel maintenance as they make it possible to manage and measure engine health and function. Thanks to these codes, marine techs can instantly diagnose problems before they cause a breakdown. Jaltest Marine diagnostic kits provide a full suite of dealer level functions such as reading and clearing fault codes, performing bi-directional tests and parameter resets, troubleshooting and repair information, circuit diagrams, and technical specifications like torque specs, bolt patters and belt routing. All of these benefits support a proactive approach to help streamline maintenance and boat upkeep.

How to Read Fault Codes

The first number found in a fault code tells technicians whether it is specific to the boat’s manufacturer or a generic code that applies to all systems. The last three numbers of a fault code provide context regarding the specific circuit and system.

Important Codes For a Volvo Penta Marine Engine

Now that you have an understanding of why fault codes are important and how you can read them, let’s talk about a few codes specific critical codes to a Volvo Penta Marine engine that can cause breakdowns and potentially serious damage to your engine:

  • Coolant Temperature (Code 6.1, PID/SPN 110): Caused when the coolant temperature is too high.
  • Oil Pressure (Code 6.6, PID/SPN 100): Caused when the oil pressure is too low.
  • Piston Cooling Pressure (Code 6.7, PPID 8/SPN 520192): Caused when piston cooling pressure is too low.
  • Battery Voltage, CIU (Code 6.9, PID/SPN 158): Caused either when there is a short circuit to negative, a faulty alternator, or a faulty battery/battery cables.
  • Crankcase Ventilation Pressure (Code 7.7, PID/SPN 153): Crankcase ventilation pressure is too high.
  • Injection Pressure (Code 8.3, PID/SPN 164): Caused by either fault in the fuel pump, fuel supply, harness, or sensor.
  • Pressure Valve (Code 8.3, PSID 97/SPN 679): Caused by leakage in the pressure release valve, the pressure release valve being stuck in an open position or being stuck in a closed position.
  • Preheating Sensor (Code 8.6, SID 70/SPN 729): Caused by either a fault in the cable harness or in the preheating relay.

Understanding Fault Codes With Jaltest Software!

Here at Triad Diagnostic Solutions, we offer a variety of diagnostic kits equipped with Jaltest software that will help you perform diagnostics and repairs on your marine vessels. Here are just some of the features offered by our popular Jaltest Marine Complete Diagnostics Full Kit:

  • Real-time data monitoring
  • Automatic detection of systems and error codes
  • Bi-directional testing
  • Parameter reset capabilities
  • Configurable Condition Based Maintenance PM and Service Scheduling Processes

Trust no less than the best when it comes to diagnosing marine fault code errors and issues! Browse our shop today and find the next diagnostic tool that will make all of the difference for your business. Or contact us and ask about our great financing options to complete your purchase.

Photo by Alina Kacharho on Unsplash