Check Shift Actuator - Volvo Penta

[Rob21]

I have Volvo Penta 2009 D6 IPS600s in my boat (EVC-C). At random times, one of my engines cuts out and throws a “check shift actuator” code. This code goes away after restarting the engines and the boat functions normally again until the problem reoccurs. This has happened both when cruising and when docking with the joystick. My volvo dealer couldn’t do any better than telling me that they think it is a communication error between the ecu and the pcu (but I don’t have much confidence in them). If anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[jwfrary]

First action would be clean and reset all the plugs, often sorts it out.

Faults like this can be tricky to track down unfortunately

 

[Beneteau381]

I have Volvo Penta 2009 D6 IPS600s in my boat (EVC-C). At random times, one of my engines cuts out and throws a “check shift actuator” code. This code goes away after restarting the engines and the boat functions normally again until the problem reoccurs. This has happened both when cruising and when docking with the joystick. My volvo dealer couldn’t do any better than telling me that they think it is a communication error between the ecu and the pcu (but I don’t have much confidence in them). If anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it!

Check to see if you have negative earth engine isolation. If so check the relay connection block.

 

[Moodysailor]

It's been a while, so I happily stand corrected, but from memory the shift actuators on those are hydraulic solenoids in the transmission.

If so, I'd get an oil change done. Back in the very early days of IPS we had some solenoids that threw up some strange faults as they had some contamination in them.

Also check the cables and connections as mentioned above, especially the power supply to the IPS. There can be a big current draw when docking/maneuvering due to steering loads, if the power getting to the IPS drops a little bit (more common on 12V systems) this can throw up a few faults as the feedback loop work on voltage differential.

 

[Beneteau381]

It's been a while, so I happily stand corrected, but from memory the shift actuators on those are hydraulic solenoids in the transmission.

If so, I'd get an oil change done. Back in the very early days of IPS we had some solenoids that threw up some strange faults as they had some contamination in them.

Also check the cables and connections as mentioned above, especially the power supply to the IPS. There can be a big current draw when docking/maneuvering due to steering loads, if the power getting to the IPS drops a little bit (more common on 12V systems) this can throw up a few faults as the feedback loop work on voltage differential.

iirc the hydraulic actuators are worked by tubular solenoids. These are actuated by relays, low voltage or bad connections in the relay block cause weird things to happen to the gear selection and also the start stop systems?

 

[Moodysailor]

iirc the hydraulic actuators are worked by tubular solenoids. These are actuated by relays, low voltage or bad connections in the relay block cause weird things to happen to the gear selection and also the start stop systems?

Yes, and the steering in IPS. The same thing was an issue on EDC engines (different cause, but same effect). We also saw some sensors fail 'within range' so would not trigger a fault but would cause some funky problems.

 

[oldgit]

Put this on the MoBo forum ! Lots of experience over there.
You are not alone.

 

[Rob21]

Thank you all for your responses! I am going to start by cleaning all connections. I have also followed the advice of @oldgit and put this topic on the MoBo forum as well. Any new ideas/responses are greatly appreciated!!

 

[Rob21]

Check to see if you have negative earth engine isolation. If so check the relay connection block.

How can I check for negative earth isolation? I really appreciate your help.

 

[Beneteau381]

How can I check for negative earth isolation? I really appreciate your help.

Generally speaking, negative earth isolation means that the engine block etc doesnt use the engine block as a common negative connection. This to avoid electrolysis amongst other things. Some engines require the block to be grounded to earth so glow plugs, electronic injectors, etc. can switch. VP has a habit of using relays to switch negative to the block so that when these "things" need to be "switched" the block is temporarily earthed by relays. I dont know whether your particular installation uses this system BUT a good rule of thumb with issues like this is to do what others have said, check connections. Older VP installations used relay blocks where the relays I refer to were plugged in. They work loose, the connections get verdigris on them. Faults intermittent like this are usually due to bad connections.