Low voltage alarms on 2008 250XS

[Jamie]

I'm getting a warning alarm alot on my 2008 250XS... I'm sure this is a low voltage alarm because it only does it when I using the trim at a slow RPM speeds. I can see the guage fall below 12 volts and the alarm will come on as soon as I release the trim swicth it will go off. The problem seemed to start not long after I had the trim motor replaced under warranty. I have replaced the battery thinking that might be a problem but it still does the same thing. I have checked to connections on the new trim motor and they seem to be OK. Could it be a connection on the trim switch at the streering wheel? I really hate to have to take it to the dealer since diesel fuel is $4.00 a gallon and the dealer is 80 miles one way. Any thoughts?

[howieranger]

Jamie what is your voltage at idle when not using the trim? Is this a smart craft reading or an analog gauge. I doubt the trim switch would cause an excessive current draw. Does your battery meat Mercury"s minimum? Is the problem when you first launch the boat or after using it awhile?

[Jamie]

It is an anolog gauge and it reads 14+. I can also look at my lowrance and check battery voltage and it will read 14.2 and then go down in the 11 volt range when I use the trim for very long. The battery is the correct size per Mercury. It does it all day doesn't matter if its first thing in the morning or late in the day. I have greased all of the trim parts and checked the oil in the trim tank and everything looks good.

[howieranger]

It sounds like a battery with low capacity. Have your battery load tested even if it is new.

[Phoenix Jim]

if it is a battery look at the sears 31 cranking battery. My 08 250 XS loves that battery. Plenty of power all day!

[EuropeanAM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Jamie &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">It is an anolog gauge and it reads 14+. I can also look at my lowrance and check battery voltage and it will read 14.2 and then go down in the 11 volt range when I use the trim for very long. The battery is the correct size per Mercury. It does it all day doesn't matter if its first thing in the morning or late in the day. I have greased all of the trim parts and checked the oil in the trim tank and everything looks good. </td></tr></table>

Jamie:

Let's go back to the beginning.

Please define WHAT BATTERY you have, and WHAT THE CAPACITY RATINGS ARE of the battery. Be specific!

Also- CHECK BATTERY TERMINAL CONNECTIONS as follows:

-CLEAN
-ENGINE CABLE INSTALLED FIRST!
-Remaining lugs "largest to smallest"
-FINISH OFF WITH A STAINLESS LOCKNUT (DO NOT USE WINGNUTS)

[Jamie]

Don,
I have an interstate group 31 marine battery. I'm not sure of the numbers on the battery. I'm away from the boat this week. I replaced it with the same battery since I hadn't had any problems for the first couple years. It seems to crank the engine fine even with after a long day of fishing or even on a cold morning start up.

[EuropeanAM]

Check those capacity ratings. Then have the battery LOAD TESTED.

Remember- if the battery is AT (or near) the MINIMUM CAPACITY for the engine: once you've run your pumps, graphs, or any accessories, IT NO LONGER MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS.