Volvo Penta Ignition

[glynsue]

Starting-Running Volvo Penta 2003
I have noticed that when I turn the ignition on ,a red battery light shows, I go through the start
sequence and the Volvo 2003 3 cylinder engine starts first time, and runs smoothly
the other two lights do not light.
This is the first Volvo 3 cylinder I have ever had, so please can you help a novice

Glyn Williams
Skye

 

[PaulRainbow]

Starting-Running Volvo Penta 2003
I have noticed that when I turn the ignition on ,a red battery light shows, I go through the start
sequence and the Volvo 2003 3 cylinder engine starts first time, and runs smoothly
the other two lights do not light.
This is the first Volvo 3 cylinder I have ever had, so please can you help a novice

Glyn Williams
Skye

Do they come on when you press the "test" button, If not, first job would be to check the bulbs Glyn.

EDIT Ignore the test button, it only checks the buzzer.

 

[rogerthebodger]

If you rev the engine doe the red light goes out or does it stay on.

If it does go out it shows the battery is being charged if it does not go out there could be a problem with the alternator

 

[glynsue]

Hello all,
red goes out when engine starts.
I will try test button later when I am in the Marina.
I did not know if this engine has an alternator
as only gauge fitted shows RPM, no charging details
or temp.
As I admit , the sailing bit is fine, outboards are ok Old Volvo 3 cylinder diesels
are in a world of there own

 

[rogerthebodger]

I would recommend that you take some pictures of the engine front top and from the rear.

Is the engine started using a battery if so do a voltage measurement of the battery with engine running then stopped then compare the voltages

 

[Stemar]

The VP2000 series has a bit of a reputation, mostly from people who don't know the correct starting procedure. I had one for years, and starting was pretty much first time, every time, though it did need a bit of churning when there was ice on the deck.

You can download the owners' and workshop manuals from here

 

[VicS]

Starting-Running Volvo Penta 2003
I have noticed that when I turn the ignition on ,a red battery light shows, I go through the start
sequence and the Volvo 2003 3 cylinder engine starts first time, and runs smoothly
the other two lights do not light.
This is the first Volvo 3 cylinder I have ever had, so please can you help a novice

Glyn Williams
Skye

Al three warning lights should illuminate when first switched on .
They should all go out when the engine is running

The audible alarm should be tested after switching on .

Read your owners manual.

If you have mislaid the manual you can download one from VP's website at Manuals & Handbooks | Volvo Penta UK & Ireland ( you only need to enter 2003 in the "product designation box" )

 

[glynsue]

I will take pics Friday when I check the boat (Buchanan 24) and
find the engine spec, and re-submit my plea for help.
I copied my start procedure from the YB , ie Pump throttle twice while in neutral,
pump the stop controls in and out twice, leave throttle open fully and away she goes.

Glyn
Skye
Tollesbury

 

[VicS]

Do they come on when you press the "test" button, If not, first job would be to check the bulbs Glyn.

Doesn't the test button only test the audible alarm. See the schematic for the panel in the owners manual

 

[VicS]

I will take pics Friday when I check the boat (Buchanan 24) and
find the engine spec, and re-submit my plea for help.
I copied my start procedure from the YB , ie Pump throttle twice while in neutral,
pump the stop controls in and out twice, leave throttle open fully and away she goes.

Glyn
Skye
Tollesbury

The correct starting procedure is described in the owners manual.

.

 

[glynsue]

A general point, is it normal on my model of engine to have no gauges, no temp, no charging rate
just a rev counter.
Glyn
Skye

 

[VicS]

A general point, is it normal on my model of engine to have no gauges, no temp, no charging rate
just a rev counter.
Glyn
Skye

There are two possible panels.

The basic panel like yours or one with temperature and oil pressure gauges and a volt meter.
Also keyed and keyless variants

An auxiliary panel with the gauges may have been available as an accessory.

 

[glynsue]

Hello, thanks, can mine be changed to the alternate version?

 

[Stemar]

I've a feeling that the control panel is no longer available, but you could buy and fit the instruments separately. You'd need to change the sensors on the engine, as the ones you have will almost certainly be simple on/off switches. As for a voltmeter, I'd connect it between the switched side of the domestic battery isolator and the domestic -ve, as that will also give an indication of the state of charge. >12.5v is good, below 12v, time to reduce the load, and if it's still below 12v, time to get some charge in. Those are figures for flooded lead-acid batteries, other types may be different - completely different for LiFePO.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Doesn't the test button only test the audible alarm. See the schematic for the panel in the owners manual

Yes, of course, my bad.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Posters are referring to the sate of charge and how to check it.. Is it not the case that the fault lies with his temp. and pressure lights/sensors. the charge indicator appears to be working indicating that the alternator is operating.
Edit:- Has he checked that the bulbs are OK?