Volvo Penta IPS 500 Steering failure

[rubberduck]

RD , the whole system is electric , the steering oart is in the upper drive and it’s a very simple system .
I’m assuming you are on the east coast ?
How old is the boat , I’m seeing a lot of corrosion issues on the D6/IPS boats these days particularly the targa 44.
If the faults re occurred many times then there must be a wiring bad connection issue which if the system sees a break or incorrect resistance it goes to limp mode.
Has the dealer split the loom plugs , cleaned the terminals to the steering motor .
That’s a start , who have you had look at it?

She is on the south coast at the moment where I am not up to going so bringing back to Essex. All wiring checked, he had an old helm (unused) which did the job, now awaiting her arrival.
If I ever get over this she will be back in East Cowes, who I might add have been brilliant.

 

[Imagine2]

Hi there,
Sold our Nimbus Nova 42 Petrolia last March and then recently accidentally bought a Rodman 41 !
Despite survey & sea trial it is proving a money pit already.
It has VP IPS 500 engines /drive

Main current problem I'm hoping someone can help with is the EVC repeatedly reporting 'limited steering - limited RPM'.
Sometimes the boat will run for 2hrs before this occurs. Sometimes only 20mins. Stopping and starting the engines clears the fault but once it has occurred the fault normally comes back within a few minutes. The fault forces the boat into 'limp mode'.

I have had VP 'engineers' on the boat 3 times and they can't tell me what is going on. The EVC shows fault codes 4.2.3 & 4.4.9. I can see in the Volvo manual that this is a problem with steering but the Volvo engineers can't even give me any more detail or suggest what to do. This issue is always happening on the starboard drive.

Any advice ?
Thanks in advance.

Hi there,
Sold our Nimbus Nova 42 Petrolia last March and then recently accidentally bought a Rodman 41 !
Despite survey & sea trial it is proving a money pit already.
It has VP IPS 500 engines /drive

Main current problem I'm hoping someone can help with is the EVC repeatedly reporting 'limited steering - limited RPM'.
Sometimes the boat will run for 2hrs before this occurs. Sometimes only 20mins. Stopping and starting the engines clears the fault but once it has occurred the fault normally comes back within a few minutes. The fault forces the boat into 'limp mode'.

I have had VP 'engineers' on the boat 3 times and they can't tell me what is going on. The EVC shows fault codes 4.2.3 & 4.4.9. I can see in the Volvo manual that this is a problem with steering but the Volvo engineers can't even give me any more detail or suggest what to do. This issue is always happening on the starboard drive.

Any advice ?
Thanks in advance.

Hi Petrolia
Have you ever solve this “limited steering” problem. I have the same problem and the mechanic can’t seem to solve it yet after couple months. It is intermittent appearing and become more frequent overtime. We even replace the top part of the pod. Please share any ideas or resolution you may have discovered.

 

[Ratkins]

Hi Petrolia
Have you ever solve this “limited steering” problem. I have the same problem and the mechanic can’t seem to solve it yet after couple months. It is intermittent appearing and become more frequent overtime. We even replace the top part of the pod. Please share any ideas or resolution you may have discovered.

Hi


have you had aprogram wipe and reloaded with latest update

 

[jrudge]

I am 100% neutral on ips. Clever. Accept if it goes wrong it could be expensive.

It is a worry to read things like a wipe and reprogram. ... in a boat.

I feel the same when my tv says “ click here for a software update. “It’s a tv !

 

[Flipper630]

So have you got the problem solved with the IPS Steering System ? I planed to buy a second Targa 37 CFC with this IPS 600 System. But get scared now when I read this about the failures and I also find another one as have problems with this IPS System here
Volvo Penta IPS system — the best docking system for leisure boats, if it doesn’t stop working!

 

[Imagine2]

I haven’t gotten mine solved yet. After I replaced the drive head, The problem is less frequent but it is still there. It is an intermittent problem. On trials out couple weeks ago after replace the head, 1st time no error, 2nd time same errors twice, 3rd time long trip no error. The mechanics replace the resolver yesterday, I will need to try it out for couple trips and see. Sorry no good news. I am still waiting for the user Petrolia to share any idea if he has solve his problem.

Petrolia, if you see this, please share your experience. Thanks.

 

[BobLud]

Our IPS system suffering this same intermittent steering issue. Have had the resolver replaced (v expensive) but it's made no difference. Have cleaned connectors as best I can..no difference. Waiting to hear from VP. I'll share any news if and when an answer found.

 

[Volvo hater]

I have had the same issue and have only used my boat 2 hours in over a year. Volvo Penta with sterndrives and Joystick. I replaced the steering sensors, lift cylinders, every hydraulic line, the Steering computer, a power steering control valve, power steering pump.

Immediately after I start it up, it goes into Limp mode with a “Steering warning” error. The error on the Volvo Penta display shows:

MID 250
FMI 7
PSID 10
OCC 6

I have spent $40,000 on this boat in repairs however the issue still has never been fixed. After the Power steering control valve, 1 0 014VP21914259 VALVE $2,173.33 and all of the power steering lines (and purged the system) the boat worked for 1 hour until the same issue arose again. Im depressed and have no where to go… local techs have no idea.

Can anyone assist? I have a Volvo certified rep coming in from 4 states away next week ($$$$$$$$) and I would like to provide him a little direction before head so that he can possibly purchase/ bring parts with him.

I just want to get this fixed!

 

[Volvo hater]

Hi again,
Thanks for all your imputs.
I bought the boat from a private seller through Why Boats acting as broker.
The steering error we now see didn't show up on the sea trial but I suspect the seller knew there was an issue.
I've now had further input from Volvo and an independent ex Volvo engineer and it seems likely it's the 'resolver' that's failing. I looked online briefly and it seems the resolver costs +/- £1500 !!!!!!!
Absolutely outrageous price in my opinion. Seems to be a titchy little part.

The independent guy is reviewing VP vodia job logs and if he is sure the resolver is at issue I guess I have to bite the bullet & get a new resolver fitted. It will be a real bummer if I go to that cost and it doesn't solve the problem. Maybe I'd be better off with a new pair of IPS drives than continue with these very early versions ?

Thanks again.
P

Hi again,
Thanks for all your imputs.
I bought the boat from a private seller through Why Boats acting as broker.
The steering error we now see didn't show up on the sea trial but I suspect the seller knew there was an issue.
I've now had further input from Volvo and an independent ex Volvo engineer and it seems likely it's the 'resolver' that's failing. I looked online briefly and it seems the resolver costs +/- £1500 !!!!!!!
Absolutely outrageous price in my opinion. Seems to be a titchy little part.

The independent guy is reviewing VP vodia job logs and if he is sure the resolver is at issue I guess I have to bite the bullet & get a new resolver fitted. It will be a real bummer if I go to that cost and it doesn't solve the problem. Maybe I'd be better off with a new pair of IPS drives than continue with these very early versions ?

Thanks again.
P

I have had the same issue and have only used my boat 2 hours in over a year. Volvo Penta with sterndrives and Joystick. I replaced the steering sensors, lift cylinders, every hydraulic line, the Steering computer, a power steering control valve, power steering pump.

Immediately after I start it up, it goes into Limp mode with a “Steering warning” error. The error on the Volvo Penta display shows:

MID 250
FMI 7
PSID 10
OCC 6

I have spent $40,000 on this boat in repairs however the issue still has never been fixed. After the Power steering control valve, 1 0 014VP21914259 VALVE $2,173.33 and all of the power steering lines (and purged the system) the boat worked for 1 hour until the same issue arose again. Im depressed and have no where to go… local techs have no idea.

Can anyone assist? I have a Volvo certified rep coming in from 4 states away next week ($$$$$$$$) and I would like to provide him a little direction before head so that he can possibly purchase/ bring parts with him.

I just want to get this fixed!

 

[jrudge]

The issue I assume is that the kit is complex and they expect a load of trained spanner men to suddenly be able to diagnose complex electronics and Networks. Cars for a long time have used fitters not engineers. Fitters fit. They just used diagnostics / informed guess to determine the faulty part ans replace. The parts of course cost ££££. All males have the same issue. It is a mess

 

[volvopaul]

I have had the same issue and have only used my boat 2 hours in over a year. Volvo Penta with sterndrives and Joystick. I replaced the steering sensors, lift cylinders, every hydraulic line, the Steering computer, a power steering control valve, power steering pump.

Immediately after I start it up, it goes into Limp mode with a “Steering warning” error. The error on the Volvo Penta display shows:

MID 250
FMI 7
PSID 10
OCC 6

I have spent $40,000 on this boat in repairs however the issue still has never been fixed. After the Power steering control valve, 1 0 014VP21914259 VALVE $2,173.33 and all of the power steering lines (and purged the system) the boat worked for 1 hour until the same issue arose again. Im depressed and have no where to go… local techs have no idea.

Can anyone assist? I have a Volvo certified rep coming in from 4 states away next week ($$$$$$$$) and I would like to provide him a little direction before head so that he can possibly purchase/ bring parts with him.

I just want to get this fixed!

Great name for this forum .
I said to myself when Volvo sold this type of propulsion it would be big trouble , the same as IPS , it proves you need big pockets .

It sounds to me you have been a guinea pig for a company that’s incompetent, doesn’t know the product and has failed miserably to fix your issue .
couple of questions, did you have water in your steering oil ?
Have you still got the old parts , what country are you in , I’m assuming the states .

 

[Volvo hater]

There was no water in the steering oil to my knowledge.

Yes, I have the old parts.

 

[petem]

I have had the same issue and have only used my boat 2 hours in over a year. Volvo Penta with sterndrives and Joystick. I replaced the steering sensors, lift cylinders, every hydraulic line, the Steering computer, a power steering control valve, power steering pump.

Immediately after I start it up, it goes into Limp mode with a “Steering warning” error. The error on the Volvo Penta display shows:

MID 250
FMI 7
PSID 10
OCC 6

I have spent $40,000 on this boat in repairs however the issue still has never been fixed. After the Power steering control valve, 1 0 014VP21914259 VALVE $2,173.33 and all of the power steering lines (and purged the system) the boat worked for 1 hour until the same issue arose again. I'm depressed and have no where to go… local techs have no idea.

Can anyone assist? I have a Volvo certified rep coming in from 4 states away next week ($$$$$$$$) and I would like to provide him a little direction before head so that he can possibly purchase/ bring parts with him.

I just want to get this fixed!

A twin engined boat with a bow thruster is relatively easy to manoeuvre with some basic skills and without a joystick.

I'd rip out all of the joystick rubbish and fit a stern thruster (if you really need one and it's not fitted at present).

Ask VP for your money back or sell the bits on eBay!

 

[volvopaul]

Great name for this forum .
I said to myself when Volvo sold this type of propulsion it would be big trouble , the same as IPS , it proves you need big pockets .

It sounds to me you have been a guinea pig for a company that’s incompetent, doesn’t know the product and has failed miserably to fix your issue .
couple of questions, did you have water in your steering oil ?
Have you still got the old parts , what country are you in , I’m assuming the states .

I cannot see why they changed all parts especially the steering pump , they only do that when the oils been contaminated as per the valve . The early rams had issues but were cheap the later ones have the sensor separate which makes sense .
sounds like an electronic issue possibly a bad earth or power feed causing an imbalance on the system for you to have the same problem. The problem is obviously a part outside what they have fitted and possibly something staring you right in the face .
Did they change the joystick ?

 

[Volvo hater]

Volvo Paul,

Thanks for the reply. I think they were probably guessing at the issue. They have not changed the joystick and that was something I had asked consistantly about for the year. Do you think that is a good place to start? I have a Volvo field rep and another tech driving from 3 states away next week to look at it ($$$$$$$$$) and I would HATE if they drove clear over and not have the parts, then have to drive back ($$$$$$$) a week later when the parts were ordered.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

A twin engined boat with a bow thruster is relatively easy to manoeuvre with some basic skills and without a joystick.
I'd rip out all of the joystick rubbish and fit a stern thruster (if you really need one and it's not fitted at present).
...

Mine's got the VP sterndrives and joystick, plus BT. easy enough even for a beginer to learn how to drive it. The boat came with the Aquamatic (was a stock boat) and it does work very well. But I'd not pay for it as an option and I'm a bit worried that it'll pack up outside of warranty. Next boat will be shafts I reckon.

 

[spannerman]

Post deleted

 

[Alfredoa86]

Hey guys,
I have the same exact issue. Vp stern drive with joystick.

the issue happens intermittently and is isolated to the starboard side. I read on another forum that it could be a sensor on the steering ram but I havnt confirmed. I’m bringing the boat to marine connection on Monday as she’s still under warranty. Hoping this get resolved ASAP.

 

[Volvo hater]

Hey guys,
I have the same exact issue. Vp stern drive with joystick.

the issue happens intermittently and is isolated to the starboard side. I read on another forum that it could be a sensor on the steering ram but I havnt confirmed. I’m bringing the boat to marine connection on Monday as she’s still under warranty. Hoping this get resolved ASAP.

Did you determine the issue?

 

[Alfredoa86]

Hey

Did you determine the issue?

Hey guys I wanted to update everyone here. Got the issue resolved. It was a sensor on the steering cylinder.
We needed to replace the whole cylinder as apparently the sensor cannot be removed from the assembly.