Check Engine Alarm

[ZO6]

My check engine alarm comes on sometimes when I am acceleratiing and triming out and lowering my hydraulic jack plate at the same time. My merc monitor shows nothing but the alarm rings until i push exit on the lowrance.
I have a large deka agm battery and the voltage drops from 14.2 to 12.2 on acceleration. I have checked battery connections all are tight and have lock nuts. Could this be a battery problem? Thanks!

[EuropeanAM]

Suggested steps:

-Charge battery fully and LOAD TEST to confirm it meets (or preferably EXCEEDS) the minimum Specification of: 800 CCA or 1000 MCA

-Confirm ENGINE CABLES are installed on battery posts FIRST, remaining lugs stacked largest to smallest, then finish off with Stainless Locknut (wrench tight).

-Confirm ENGINE END of battery cables are clean and tight (especially the GROUND cable, located down below the starter).

-Verify battery voltage with engine running. After approximately 5 minutes, you should be seeing 13.1-14.5 VDC (approximately).

[ZO6]

Thanks for the tips! Will do all. Battery is Deka 8A27M 2yrs. I have an on board Dual Pro 4 bank charger! All the lights are green after a hard day of useage after overnight charging. It has been surprising to me that the start battery is charging several hours at times. Normally, I do not run anything but the LCX 28 continuously. I do have 2 auto bilge pumps that stay on all the time and are on that battery. Have not been seeing much of a voltage drop even after long runs. Are you suggesting the voltage drop should occur after 5 min. at idle?
Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

Not suggesting a voltage DROP.

Simply suggesting that after the engine has been running for five minutes, voltage should have INCREASED into the above noted voltage range (indicating that the alternator is doing it's job, at least to some extent).

[ZO6]

I have the boat in the water and docked and will remove tomorrow to check fittings on the starter. Disconnected the battery charger after it has been charging all night. All green! Trimmed down with the hydraulic and pt on motor. Motor started normally. Voltage according to merc monitor after 7 min still in the 14.0 - 14.3 range. Shut down. Put charger back on. Charger indicated 4 lights for several minutes. That surprised me seems like a big charge for such a small amount of useage.
Thanks

[ZO6]

Thanks for the tips! Will do all. I have an on board Dual Pro 4 bank charger! All the lights are green after a hard day of useage after overnight charging. It has been surprising to me that the start battery is charging several hours at times. Normally, I do not run anything but the LCX 28 continuously. I do have 2 auto bilge pumps that stay on all the time and are on that battery. Have not been seeing much of a voltage drop even after long runs. Are you suggesting the voltage drop should occur after 5 min. at idle?
Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

Mitch:

I'm going to suggest that you give me a call before proceeding further.

You're misunderstanding some basic principles, which we need to clear up.... including:

-Green light on charger is NOT necessarily an indication of a GOOD battery
-Voltage readings and/or green light on charger are not indications of perfect connections
-We're not looking for any voltage drops after a 5 minute run

I'll be glad to assist you with some pointers....