Volvo D6 Gremlins. I'm stumped – HELP PLS!!

You will get a chassis conflict but the Vodia won't clear that. The programme in that PCU/HCU will be compatible with that engine only. Had a PCU fault the other day swapped with the other engine all worked. Just purchased a pre programmed PCU but the serial number is needed for it to all be compatible.

Sometimes as VP says a simple plug out can do it. Even seen a pin out. This is where the plug was knocked out and then replugged in but bent one of the contacts. Remove all plugs and check it could be a cheap fix
 
When you buy a new HCU,PCU, or ECU it will be empty unless you specify it to be preloaded. If you buy a used one it will have another engines software I.D. and the system will reject it, it also could have a different software version from the one you already have, a mate here in Norway recently bought a used ECU from a wrecked engine in the UK and had it posted over, (his was fried when the shorepower blew a fuse!) I went into the Volvo server to find out which software his motor has, as its all on file with VP, he had current software but there was a new version available. If you download current its free, if you download an upgrade its chargeable, I loaded the current version into my Vodia and went to the boat and downloaded it which overwrites the existing software from the other engine, we did an autoconfig and it fired right up.
So I would doubt any claim saying just plug it in and it will work if you are buying used as you will have nonstop conflict messages, it may start but I doubt it, and you probably will struggle to get past autoconfiguration.
So just to repeat you can't clear chassis conflict errors with a Vodia, they can only be cleared by overwriting with the correct original software that the HCU,PCU, and ECU left the factory with, and which are electronically I.D.'d to each other. Vp has ALL engines on file with the current software version they are running as when we do a download we have to connect the Vodia back to their server within 28 days to confirm the software is now in the engine, otherwise we get a £600 bill, that way the files are always up to date and accurate.
 
8 pin plug on the side of the engine above the air filter-pull back the plug conduit, find the red & the black cable; identify which pins they are. Pull the plug out, check the appropriate pins on the engine side (the male pins) for battery voltage-if not there then the EVC system won't have power.

Next remove the green datalink cable from the right hand side of the PCU-check appropriate red & black pins on PCU side for battery voltage-if not there the HCU cannot power up.

Next remove green datalink cable from HCU-check the cables red & black pins for battery voltage-if not there the HCU cannot power up.

No issue with swapping control units, sometimes they work without an auto-config (although always with chassis ID conflict alarm), other times it needs auto-config to get things working. If it's from the twin engine it's ok, if it's a unit with an unknown history I'd steer clear!

If you find anything wrong with the cables etc. check for pushed back pins & broken crimped sections as suggested by someone else-seen that lots. If it's been happening for a while then perhaps a dodgy connection that's finally gone, but if it's a sudden failure then it could be bad news for a control unit unfortunately. Swapping bits is the best DIY route for diagnosis-you've got a full set of spares right next to it!
 
Mercuryman spannerman andyroonot - many thanks for your advice.
I will be back down on the boat tomorrow so will change over HCU and see what happens

spannerman - is the software download very expensive?
JTB kindly posted this link the other day to a parts website showing the HCU and all other relevant bits. https://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-explodedview-7746210-30-8819.aspx
in the pricelist it says "HCU UNIT not programmed - Euro 1,832.50." OUCH!!
It says "Software ordered separately or downloaded with Vodia Euro385.00 (1 x 3586261:Software)
But then also says "Software 3586259 Out of production Vodia-programming. This p/n can not be ordered"
SO not really clear what I would need to order IF my HCU is dead. Does MarinePartsEurope charge me E385 for software, give me a receipt which i then show to the VP engineer when he turns up with Vodia?

JTB - note your caveat emptor comment, But if Coastalrides is selling a new VP HCU for £500, why would I pay Euro1,800 for it via an official parts dealer? is there a real risk here. i am waiting for specific confirmation that it is NEW and a genuine VP part.

I have been boating all my life and love boats but this kind of ballache cryptic problem is just so disheartening it is almost making me want to sell!

Many thanks to you all. I will post an update once i have done the swap and other checks recommended above.
tommiedee
 
******UPDATE*******
MIXED FEELINGS!

Managed to get down to the boat to do some more investigating. I swapped over the HCU unit from starboard working engine to PORT and it fired up perfectly. Only issue was fwd was reverse and vice versa.
Lights on port side of EVC too which is all welcome news. I tried auto configure but it didn't work. How long do I have to hold down D and N buttons for? I have the basic EVC B2 with no display panel. When I follow part 12 instructions to auto configure it says hold down both of those buttons until all lights illuminate. I held them down for about 20 seconds but the lights did not all come on just D and N lit up.
But at least I saw that starboard HCU unit when plugged into port electronic circuit made the port engine work. Just in case, I also plugged in the starboard circuit into the port HCU but it didn't work. No power to dash or EVC on starboard side.

Mercury man - I didn't have a meter and therefore didn't do the voltage checks you suggested above although I did check the connectors and they all looked good - clean with no bent pins or corrosion. I assume given my HCU swap and check above that I don't need to do these voltage checks as if there was a problem, the port engine would not have started using the starboard HCU unit?

So is my next step to order a HCU or get the local Volvo Guy down with a vodia. I heard that they have very little experience of D series (which is likely given the fact probably only 3-4 boats on island have these engines) and that the guy who was trained on vodia has now left them. Does it require specialist knowledge and training for what I need.
Given how I feel about Volvo I assume that even if they plug-in vodia it will shown no fault but ask for a blank cheque !!!

Tommiedee (about to become a pauper...thanks Volvo)
 
So with the original HCU have you got dash lights etc? Sounds like the HCU has gone down similar to what I had recently. It could be its lost a program or the whole thing is US.

A programmed HCU is about £1600. You will need you engine number ready for this. Vodia might pick up whats missing. Or then again it could come up with unable to communicate with the box.
 
Mercuryman- With the port (sick) HCU I have nothing, no dash lights, no EVC lights, absolutely dead when I turn key.

With starboard one swapped into port wiring, everything works. Just the Gears are back to front.

Think I will get VP guy down for an hour with his vodia just to see what if anything it picks up before I order a new HCU.
Did you have to get new HCU in the end?
 
Could you not take both ecu to a electronics repair company so they could use the good one to compare ,worth ago ,ihave done the same on electric wheel chair ,
 
TommieDee said:
Mercuryman spannerman andyroonot - many thanks for your advice.
I will be back down on the boat tomorrow so will change over HCU and see what happens

spannerman - is the software download very expensive?
JTB kindly posted this link the other day to a parts website showing the HCU and all other relevant bits. https://www.marinepartseurope.com/en/volvo-penta-explodedview-7746210-30-8819.aspx
in the pricelist it says "HCU UNIT not programmed - Euro 1,832.50." OUCH!!
It says "Software ordered separately or downloaded with Vodia Euro385.00 (1 x 3586261:Software)
But then also says "Software 3586259 Out of production Vodia-programming. This p/n can not be ordered"
SO not really clear what I would need to order IF my HCU is dead. Does MarinePartsEurope charge me E385 for software, give me a receipt which i then show to the VP engineer when he turns up with Vodia?

JTB - note your caveat emptor comment, But if Coastalrides is selling a new VP HCU for £500, why would I pay Euro1,800 for it via an official parts dealer? is there a real risk here. i am waiting for specific confirmation that it is NEW and a genuine VP part.

I have been boating all my life and love boats but this kind of ballache cryptic problem is just so disheartening it is almost making me want to sell!

Many thanks to you all. I will post an update once i have done the swap and other checks recommended above.
tommiedee
Click to expand...

I've sent you a PM.
 
seastoke said:
Could you not take both ecu to a electronics repair company so they could use the good one to compare ,worth ago ,ihave done the same on electric wheel chair ,
Click to expand...

Considered that seastoke but can't find anyone who does it. Marine engineer on IOM did it on a yanmar unit a few years ago and am waiting for name of electronic engineer he used. Problem several people raised is they could run up a big bill trying to fix it, I live in the IOM, they think they fixed it, send it back to me, I plug in doesn't work, send it back to them they do some more repairs, send it back it still doesn't work, then
I need a Volvo engineer to test etc
All that could end up costing quite a lot and still leave me needing a new one
It is a difficult choice! we also don't have experienced Volvo engineers on the Isle of Man and I'm hopeful that fitting a new HCU will be the easiest job for him rather than diagnosing why a repaired one is not quite working properly
Don't get me wrong, I am not over joyed giving Volvo so much money! but with a boat that is only eight years old next month and still a sizeable investment, I would rather just get it replaced with a genuine part.

Having said all that if anybody knows of a reputable electronic engineering firm who routinely repair SUCCESSFULLY and easily Volvo electronic parts please let me know
Thanks
Tommiedee
 
Sorry can't tell you the price for downloading as I live in Norway which is probably the most expensive place in the world to have it done! From your post its the HCU which has gone down as when you swapped it and everything worked then you have established that the rest of the system is fine, so if you order a preloaded HCU its plug and play, just needs an autoconfig and throttle and power trim calibration and you are good to go. Both Marineparts and VP will sell you it either empty or preloaded, It sounds like the local engineer isn't so hot on EVC so I'd go for a preloaded one so he doesn't get out of his depth and run up labour charges which could then exceed the difference in buying preloaded v empty.
The Coastalrides price sounds like a used one to me, so will need an engineer to overwrite the software with a Vodia like I did for my mate who also bought a used ECU from the UK.
 
***UPDATE - IT IS FIXED AT LAST***

Ordered the new HCU from RK Marine pre programmed with software, £1600 (ouch), plugged it in, immediately had power to port dials and port EVC. Wouldn't start but after quick calibration and then auto configure, it fired up perfectly. Expensive "repair". Thanks to all of you and your great support, advice and help I got to the bottom of this mysterious problem in the end, helped Volvo meet this month's financial targets and I am now back on the water.

This forum truly is an amazing place and I am so grateful to all who gave advice and thoughts. I just hope that mysterious electronic gremlins only hit me once! Now it is fixed, I am moving boat from Isle of Man to Ireland (River Shannon) and all going well will be doing the 80 mile passage to Dun Laoghaire Monday morning and from there by road transport to Carrick on Shannon in the West.

Thanks again forumites!

Tommiedee
 
TommieDee said:
***UPDATE - IT IS FIXED AT LAST***

Ordered the new HCU from RK Marine pre programmed with software, £1600 (ouch), plugged it in, immediately had power to port dials and port EVC. Wouldn't start but after quick calibration and then auto configure, it fired up perfectly. Expensive "repair". Thanks to all of you and your great support, advice and help I got to the bottom of this mysterious problem in the end, helped Volvo meet this month's financial targets and I am now back on the water.

This forum truly is an amazing place and I am so grateful to all who gave advice and thoughts. I just hope that mysterious electronic gremlins only hit me once! Now it is fixed, I am moving boat from Isle of Man to Ireland (River Shannon) and all going well will be doing the 80 mile passage to Dun Laoghaire Monday morning and from there by road transport to Carrick on Shannon in the West.

Thanks again forumites!

Tommiedee
Click to expand...

Welcome to Ireland!

If I can do anything for you, shoot me a PM. I'm on Lough Corrib but we won't be too far away. If you're ever over West please join us for a refreshment!
 
Hi Folks,
Im having similar issues with 2 same boats, a 2007 Cranchi Endurance with Twin D6-350's and a 2012 Cranchi Endurance D6-370's, both mated with a DPH-A. Here is the issues below.

I have purchased 1x PCU 2nd hand from the UK, however when installed to any of the troublesome engine, I only get engine start. Cannot trim function, nor gears working properly. They get stuck in drive or reverse. All actuator has no issues nor the shift mechanisms. I am not successful in trim calibration as it wont allow the trim to function. Ive been reading about auto config, is this possible with a mismatched ID PCU?

Is it possible that a 'software' suddenly got lost? Before this, we had intermittent issues but never showed 56 on the trim angle. Now the trim one the faulty side completely stopped working. Both boats were on shore for 3-4 months during monsoon season and these gremlins appeared just as it launched back to the water.

Confused what would be the right step forward,

Thanks
Christopher

Que Sera-Sera ( 2x D6-370A-B & 2x DPH-A)​



​

Fault:

-Starboard trim functions intermittent and indicates 56 when does not function, Yellow warning light appears on tachometer. Engine no start



Troubleshooting:

-Calibrating has been performed and no difference

-Checked trim pump, sensors, wiring, PCU, HCU, all seems normal condition.

-Checked and cleaned trim relays and sockets.

-Swapped sides and problem followed


Cranchi 41 ( 2x D6-350A-B & 2x DPH-A)

​

Fault:

-Port Engine Loss of trim function (Indicator shows 56 and no function up or down). Tachometer showed TRIM OIL TEMP 42949 degrees Celcius. Engine no start



Troubleshooting:

-Swapped PCU and problem followed to Starboard. Starboard loss of trim function and indicator shows 56. Tachometer showed TRIM OIL TEMP 42949 degrees Celcius. Swapped sides and problem followed.
 
Lax207 said:
Hi Folks,
Im having similar issues with 2 same boats, a 2007 Cranchi Endurance with Twin D6-350's and a 2012 Cranchi Endurance D6-370's, both mated with a DPH-A. Here is the issues below.

I have purchased 1x PCU 2nd hand from the UK, however when installed to any of the troublesome engine, I only get engine start. Cannot trim function, nor gears working properly. They get stuck in drive or reverse. All actuator has no issues nor the shift mechanisms. I am not successful in trim calibration as it wont allow the trim to function. Ive been reading about auto config, is this possible with a mismatched ID PCU?

Is it possible that a 'software' suddenly got lost? Before this, we had intermittent issues but never showed 56 on the trim angle. Now the trim one the faulty side completely stopped working. Both boats were on shore for 3-4 months during monsoon season and these gremlins appeared just as it launched back to the water.

Confused what would be the right step forward,

Thanks
Christopher

Que Sera-Sera ( 2x D6-370A-B & 2x DPH-A)​



​

Fault:

-Starboard trim functions intermittent and indicates 56 when does not function, Yellow warning light appears on tachometer. Engine no start



Troubleshooting:

-Calibrating has been performed and no difference

-Checked trim pump, sensors, wiring, PCU, HCU, all seems normal condition.

-Checked and cleaned trim relays and sockets.

-Swapped sides and problem followed


Cranchi 41 ( 2x D6-350A-B & 2x DPH-A)

​

Fault:

-Port Engine Loss of trim function (Indicator shows 56 and no function up or down). Tachometer showed TRIM OIL TEMP 42949 degrees Celcius. Engine no start



Troubleshooting:

-Swapped PCU and problem followed to Starboard. Starboard loss of trim function and indicator shows 56. Tachometer showed TRIM OIL TEMP 42949 degrees Celcius. Swapped sides and problem followed.
Click to expand...
Try a PM to spannerman who may be able to recall the problem as the posts are from 2014
 
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