Picked up new ordered Z519 this weekend . While doing the 2hr break in noticed the Speedo wasn’t working.
I notified the dealer but was wondering if anyone else has had this issue with new Ranger? Hoping a simple fix I could do with the trip to dealer.
By chance is your graph linked to you gauges? “If so”, you need go to settings under network. Not sure if L/U pick up for speedometer is still a place to check!
I have HDS live units not linked as far as I know. Back of gauge doesn’t have place for tube.
The new mercury analog gauges run off of digital information from the smart craft. Including the tac, speedo, trim, and water pressure. Mine didn’t even come with the digital water pressure sensor on the engine, I had to add it to get the analog (dial gauge) and the built in digital gauge to read any water pressure. The speedo may just need calibrated not sureOriginally Posted by bigsky
Sir, I would call Lowrance C/S number, 1-800-324-1356 and check with them, I’m sure that unit is under warranty. if that doesn’t help then head to the dealer!!
I can’t see where that would have any thing to do with Lowrance. It’s a matter of what came on the Merc and how Ranger installed it.
Yes you can simply display gps speed on the Lowrance screen but that is internal to the Lowrance unit.
Butch Derickson
2011 Z521 w/250 hp SHO
Traverse City, Michigan
Yes there are two mechanisms that are tracking speed.
speedo that is connected to the lower unit that uses pressure to push the needle on the console.
there is also a gps based speedometer which uses changes in gps coordinates that is a part of the electronics/lowrance fish finder.
I believe the OP is saying the gauge on the console is not recording any change in speed. The one that is connected to the lower unit. If this is the case your dealer can nail down the cause. My gauge works most of the time. Sometimes it sticks at 0 and I wonder if this is due to an air bubble or other small obstruction gets stuck in the tube preventing pressure from pushing the gauge as intended.
edit: third possible is a merc monitor, but doesn’t appear OP has this as part of his engine package. If so, it’s the same, see the dealer.
Last edited by BoilermakerZ519; 05-11-2021 at 11:21 AM.
The newer 500 series boats do not use a PITO connection to the speedo from the pickup in the lower unit. The installed speedo is either has a internal GPS sensor (most likely) or a transducer that sends an electrical signal to the speedo from the lower unit. The transducer can be located under the splash well or on the motor. Call your dealer he SHOULD know more than us.
2018 Z521L 250 PRO XS V8
Thanks guys for the input. The speedo doesn't have a a tube type fitting. It also is not connected to the Lowrance units, so I can only assume howieranger is correct. 2 hours on boat and back to the dealer I go.
When all else fails check for wood in the water input tube. Twist it out with a small drill bit.
Interesting about the pitot tube. Doubt it is an internal gps. Maybe it does send a signal but still connected to a pressure sensing sensor like a pitot tube. If so this might help minimize the chance of water collecting in the tube leading to the gauge and being a freeze risk. Idk.
Ranger started using the pressure transducer for speedo and water pressure in 2010 with the Z500 series to solve the water freezing in the gage problem. My L boat has a GPS speedo that I think the started with 2018 L boats.
2018 Z521L 250 PRO XS V8
I would guess that the issue is with debris in the small hole in the lower unit. If that is the case, you should be able to see the wood sticking out or shoved down in it. You can take it back to the dealer if you want but it will just get clogged again. Like was said, you can clean it out yourself or you can live with it knowing that GPS speed is more accurate anyway.
2021 Ranger Z519 Mercury 225 Pro XS Four Stroke
Do you have analog or Mercury Smartcraft gauges? that determines your starting point.
On a more positive note, how do you like the boat? How fast have you had it. This is what I want for my next boat.
2017 Ranger 518 w/ Evinrude 150HO G2
Boat has Analog speedo gauge. Pilot tube to sensor on motor sending signal to gauge, I located the pilot tube going to sensor and can blow thru line, no restriction. Trying to figure out how to test sensor with meter . Trying to figure out if its the gauge or sensor. The pilot line going to sensor has a tee on the sensor one side of the tee has about 12" of extra tube with cap on end, When I remove the cap I can blow thru line and feel the air coming coming from the pick up hole on LU.
Ok. Yep it makes sense to me that it is still a pitot tube but now connected to a sensor. If the tube is clear, I think there are three things left...the wires and connectors, the gauge itself, and of course as you said the sensor. If there are no obvious disconnects on the wires on both ends, you can eliminate the first variable. The others will require the dealer to assess. If the dealer is too far away maybe a local authorized mercury dealer can assist? Also maybe check in on the merc engine thread and ask don weed about his opinion? He has seen it all and is very familiar with the engine. Remember to include your engine serial number in your post.
Sent you a PM question about speedo
If it has the pressure transducer in the splash well in hooking 1 wire from it will move the gauge one direction. Then touching the removed wire to the other wire will move it the other
2011 Ranger z521/2023 250ProXS
Follow up... Dealer found bad GPS puck "antenna".
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