check engine light woes

[mglorios]

Tonight in my 1999 sportstar, the check engine light came on. After stopping and restarting, it went off for a while but blinked off and on as I approached 25 mph, then stayed on. It's in the lift now and I need to know what I can do to figure out the problem. Oil Pressure and Temp were OK. BTW, the fuel guage reads 1/4 tank max for about a year and drops to 0 as you run the tank out. Thanks for anything you can offer. I never had any problems with my ski supreme and wonder if I should have kept it. I am the sole owner of this boat and it has had numerous problems in the last 3 years.

[erkoehler]

Sorry to hear of your difficulties. Don't worry, once you get the bugs worked out you will love the boat.

Welcome to the board.

Now, in regards to your question, check your oil, and transmission fluid for starters. Eliminate all of the quick items first, then start to tare into it or take it to a dealer.

JimN or enginenut will be able to get you straightened out, or call SKIDIM and they are always willing to help

[JimN]

Can you list the other problems you have had along with any repairs that have been done? How is it running? Which motor do you have?

You can see the engine codes the same way you would with a GM car or truck. If you can get a scan tool, it will put the ECM in diagnostic mode and then you watch the check engine light for the flashes. It starts by flashing 12 three times(1, pause, 2) then any codes that are stored will show up. Post any codes here and I, or someone else, will let you know what they mean.

[mglorios]

Thanks

I checked the fluid in the trans, couldnt tell if it was low. I added 1/4 pint and the light was not on as bad, mostly flickered when traversing wakes. I added another 1/4 pint (its really hard to tell what the level is). The light stayed off untile I opened it up, then it came on and stayed. I stopped and waited a minute, then started it and it was fine. Did the same thing, full throttle, with the same results.

How do I put the ECM in diagnostic mode and where can I buy a scan tool?

I also would love to find the shop manuals for the boat.

Finally, the left speedo is not working, it acts stuck, moves very little between 40 and pegged never goes below 40.

fuel guage reads 1/4 tank regardless of how much fuel is in the tank, until it drops below 1/4, then it seems to be accurate.

[bucky]

fuel guage reads 1/4 tank regardless of how much fuel is in the tank, until it drops below 1/4, then it seems to be accurate.

This, at least, i have some experience with. It sounds just like a bad sending unit on the float. If it is, it will have to be replaced for not much money. Good luck. :)