2001 Utopia beeping

[soundguy]

Over the weekend our 2001 Utopia beeped 4 times about every 2-4 minutes. I've seen a list of what the beeps mean somewhere, but can't find it in the manual.

Oil level checked ok (even added some), gas level checked ok (even added some), started up easily, water coming out of pee hole wasn't too hot but warm...we drove it home hopefully with no damage.

Does anyone know what 4 beeps means and how to fix?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[despower]

I don't have the same boat as you - I checked my shop manual and I couldn't find a code similar to yours. But since you have premium membership, you should be able to access the shop manuals on this site. Detailed explanation of the beeper codes are in the engine management section. Maybe someone with the same ski can be more helpful.

 

[soundguy]

We looked through the book but couldn't find anything. I'm sure it's there because I remember reading it, but doggonit I can't find it! I guess I'll go page by page. Thanks for the suggestion and stay warm!

Scott

 

[hkr4444]

4 beaps

Not sure if this applies for you. Was engine running? was DESS on plug?

For my boat, the manual says

4 Short Beeps at Different Interval = DESS key has been left on its post without the engine running. Remove DESS key to prevent battery discharge.

 

[despower]

In mine, there is an entry for four short beeps, but the repeat interval is every three seconds. That is a beeper code 4, and on my model, there is no failure associated with that code. Code 2 is the only one that sounds similar (2 beeps every 58 seconds) and that could be a sensor problem (either TPS, WTS, EGTS or MAPS).

 

[don't sink]

Soundguy- keep this post going! I too would like to know all the beep codes- can't find the answers anywhere on the net or manuals! In fact- i do not even know if our Utopias should or should not beep during issues!

I think yours is the oil pressure or low oil deal. I removed my injection system before I could get to know the beeps but I think I read the 4 beeps are oil related.

 

[despower]

I don't know how useful these codes would be for you since they are from the Sportster model. Both my user manual and shop manual contain this list, although the shop manual is much more detailed in the description of the codes and possible diagnosis of the problem. (for example, beeper code #2, which I am currently experiencing, has a dozen or so pages how to check for problems with the MAPS, TPS, EGTS and WTS). Can anyone else confirm that these codes are not in the 2001 Utopia shop manual? I would be shocked if they weren't there somewhere.

I could post the pages from my shop manual, if that would help. But like I said, it isn't the right model. Can a Utopia expert chime in here?

 

[despower]

I'm not sure how kosher this is (the moderators should let me know if I shouldn't be doing this), but here are the beeper codes and short explanations for Sportster 2006 LE DI.

Note that this is rather useless without the shop manual to help with further diagnosis... but there you go.

 

[rookie101]

Mercury Beeps

That's good information for the 4-tec folks despower, but soundguy is running the Mercury in his Utopia.

The beeps for the Mercury can be a couple of things depending on the gauges installed. A constant tone indicates an overheat problem, the four beeps with a pause before repeating is low oil, and for the water sensor in the fuel/water separator Mercury just states that it will be a "series" of beeps.

Your problem Soundguy is low oil level in the small engine mounted oil tank. If the tank appears to be completely full, check the sensor for continuity. With the tank full and the sensor working you should get "NO" continuity between the two wires of the sensor and when low your multimeter should read good continuity.

If the tank ever does go low you need to bleed the air from it in order for it to completely fill to the top. To do that just simply run the engine (on the hose or in the water) and loosen the cap on the small tank until oil starts to leak out. Then tighten the cap.


Aaron:cheers:

 

[soundguy]

Aaron is right - I am running a Mercury Optimax 200. I've been told it's a GM engine but don't know for sure. Because the 4 beeps would stop and take so long to come back, I continued to run the engine only to get it home (about 20 minutes). It didn't matter what speed I ran - the interval was the same. Had the beeping never stopped, I would have immediately shut down the engine and called SeaTow (my buddies).

I was running up the coast in the ocean when the beeps started. I immediately headed to the first ship store I could find (about 10 minutes away) and got 20 gallons of ethanol free gas and a gallon of Quicksilver oil that I've always used. Even though I visually check the oil container before going out without fail, I didn't want to take any chances that it was my lack of attention that caused the problem. I guessed that if either of those were the cause the beeps would disappear. The beeps continued.

I haven't had a chance to check the oil reservoir on the engine yet (my son in law is going to Afghanistan and we spent the past few days there seeing him before he goes) but I am pretty sure that during my visual inspection of the engine that it was low. I remember thinking it was unusual but thought maybe it was because it hadn't been run in about 10 days. I am hoping that filling that reservoir is the solution because then my problem would be solved. If not, I am capable of checking the continuity as you suggested. Either way, they both seem to be inexpensive fixes (finally!).

But I have to know more (sorry). What would cause this to get low? Is there a pump somewhere that keeps it full? Would low oil level in the main tank contribute to causing this? Is this something I should add to my visual inspection checklist of the engine area before I take it out, or should I check it every third time (or other interval)?

I have a couple other performance issues and get the impression you are likely a mechanic or other techically based 'expert'. I would like to run another problem by you to see if the local Merc dealer was trying to rip me off or if their explanation of a problem is correct via email if you don't mind. If you prefer for me to open another ticket, I can gladly do so.

I have mechanical knowledge and experience but have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to marine engines, especially my SeaDoo. I had my Kaw Jetski for 9 years and never had a problem with it so I guess I was a little spoiled.

One last question: how come getting the beep codes for the different models is so difficult for everyone? Is it in the manual and I missed it?

 

[rookie101]

In order for the large reservoir tank to keep the smaller engine mounted tank full it needs to be pressurized. To accomplish this there is a pulse line running from the bottom of the engine to the tank to supply pressurization. If the large tank becomes to low, or there are any leaks (air or oil) it will not hold pressure.

Start by checking the basics. Make sure the fill cap is tight and that the "O" ring is in good shape. Next check to see that the two large caps on the reservoir are tight and sealing well, then make sure the line running to the engine mounted tank is not kinked, or collapsed. If all that looks good try running the engine while the cap on the small tank is loose and oil should start to seep from it.

If everything checks out and it is still beeping the sensor may be bad, just check it with the continuity check that I gave you.

Aaron:cheers:

 

[boatmonkey82]

they utopia does not use the dess system , it runs the mercury harness used on the outboards . no computer to speak of . your engine mounted oil tank is at the front top of the motor , its a very common problem for the level sensor to get stuck in the down or low position . just unscrew the cap and make sure its not stuck . VERY IMPORTANT be sure your caps are tight and seals are good on BOTH tanks as this is a pressurized system , any air leak can and will cause engine failure . this motor also has a lil warning module on the bottom of the motor under the starter area should have a blk/yellow wire some purples , some blues ' oil system ' and some tans . your purples are you 12+ for the module and alarm , your light blues go to the engine oil tank , your tans are you engine heat sensors and your black with a yellow tracer is your stop circut and your blacks are the grounds . when certian peramiters are reached on the engine it will beep or beep and limit your rpms via this warning module . very simple system . can give false readings or inaccurate readings sometimes though . all your engine knows is if its overheating solid beep or if it has oil beep beep . it has no clue if the oil pump is working or not due to no sensors after the engine oil tank . i have also seen a loose battery cable cause some funny beeps . i also dont think that perticular motor has the fuel filter with water sensor built in , i know the efis do but not the carb motors , although you do need to have a fuel / water filter kit on it regardless . good luck and hope i tought you somthing :rant:

 

[soundguy]

SUCCESS!! After inspecting the oil tank mounted on the engine I discovered it was about 1/2 full (or 1/2 empty, depending on your attitude). After making sure the main tank was full, I filled the oil tank on the engine. I bled it as instructed while running the engine connected to a water hose. At no time did I hear any beeps.

At this point I assume that the oil tank mounted on the engine was low due to low volume in the main tank. I also have to assume that the sensor was functioning properly and continues to do so.

I'll be running it on the water this weekend and will keep all the folks that have shown concern informed. I appreciate all your help and a shout out to Aaron who guided me through it!

Scott:hurray:

 

[don't sink]

So here's my beef with this system- while you were bleeding the system there was no oil going into your motor?
That scares me! How long will the system let the motor run before the warning beeps turn on? And how long can you run without oil before damage is done??

 

[soundguy]

As far as I can tell, I never was completely out of oil in the engine mounted tank but the sensor was telling me something (the level) was low. Before I added oil to the engine mounted tank, I used a straw as a dipstick to determine the oil level (it was about 1/2 full). I have to guess that if the engine wasn't getting any oil that the beeps would have been continuous (like if it's overheating) at which time I would have shut down the engine immediately.

Bleeding the system is little more than running the engine, loosening the engine mounted tank cap until the bubbles escaped and the oil came out slowly. It's pretty easy to tell if you loosen the cap whether air and oil (or just oil) is coming out.

I hope this helps. It's not a bad system; the warning system worked fine. I just didn't know what 4 beeps every 2-4 minutes meant.

 

[boatmonkey82]

like i said , alway be sure all of your oil caps are tight and no air is leaking . the motor pumps air into the main tank and the air pressure pushes the oil into the engine tank . also i have seen 3 of these motors break a oil line on the motor so inspect those , grab em and shake em ect , again this motor does not know if the oil pump is working it just knows it has oil in the motor tank . your engine tank should not have gotten low keep a close eye on it . if you ever stop oiling it will prob blow up before it overheats especialy at 6 grand . if you want to be safe at the expense of a few spark plugs from time to time then pre mix your fuel at about 75:1 or 100:1 ratio , it will not hurt a damn thing at all , so if your system ever stops oiling then it has a back up

 

[firedude411]

This thread is 2 years old, but I have a question somebody might be able to help me with. I am getting the Beep Beep Beep every 2-4 minutes or so with an oil light on the gauge. I have the 2003 Utopia 205 with the 240 merc. Having read a bunch and checked that my oil reserve was indeed full and when I loosen the cap oil quickly leaks out I know that my motor is getting oil. So I figured a bad sensor and since my meter died I just replaced the sensor. Still getting the beeps!! What I don't understand, if the sensor is supposed to be an open circuit why would just unplugging it not stop or bypass the sensor? I still get the beeps. I don't want to bypass the alarm mind you, just trying to trouble shoot. It is possible the new sensor is defective as well still haven't replaced my meter! Help me please.

 

[thomsoma]

firedude411, I am getting the same issue. My oil tank got low and I had the same beeping. 4 Beeps every 2 minutes. I refilled the oil tank, I bled the oil by loosening the cap, but I get the same beeps... Unfortunately, I have yet to find a solution either...

 

[johnhibbs]

I have the 240EFI M2 engine and two things will cause 4 beeps, low oil or the water/fuel separator filter is full of water. The red light on the fuel guage will come on if the oil is low or the water/fuel separator is full of water. There is a sensor wire at the bottom of it.

 

[firedude411]

John,

Thank you, I joined as a premium member to get the manual for my 2003 utopia because it looked as though it was there before upgrading. I did find a newer version than the one I downloaded last time I upgraded, but it is for the 2002. It does appear that it is the same motor though. I did see in that manual the same warning signal (beeps) are for the fuel/water and low oil, but I have not read that the same light is illuminated. On my gauge, the light in directly next to the oil symbol and thats why I have been concentrating on the oil sensor and tank. Everything is checking out great for my oils system, so I am now going to replace the fuel/water filter and see how that goes. Thanks for the help.

Do you know if the light next to the oil symbol is the same light illuminated for the fuel/water alarm?

Thanks again.

Jeff

 

[johnhibbs]

On my boat there is only one light. year 2001 challenger. I just found out about the dual purpose light function this year. I had the 4 beeps and the light would flash on/off once in a while. I thought I had a oil problem but it turns out the water/fuel filter was full of water.

 

[firedude411]

Yeah based on everything so far, I believe that is probably what the problem is. I did pull the filter and really didn't notice any water but who knows. I have to wait a few days for anyone to carry the part locally, so I am out of luck until then.

Do you know if there is a way to bypass that sensor for trouble shooting purposes?

 

[johnhibbs]

I don't know how that sensor works.

 

[firedude411]

Update....

Ok, finally bought a new meter and decided to check the resistance in both the new and used oil level sensors. As it turns out the old sensor is bad(I may have damaged it after removal) but the new sensor is good. So I know that the float must be bad. I took the tank off and opened it to dissect the float. This has to be the worst design flaw I have seen in a long time or designed for failure! There is a small round magnet that is attached to the bottom of the float which rides up and down the sensor shaft. I repeat on the bottom!! So when the glue or whatever fails, the magnet just sits on the bottom of the shaft while the float rides up and down as expected. Why is the magnet not on top of the float? Anyway, I repaired the float and epoxied the tank back together and all worked great, no alarm. Yeah!!! Well, not so fast! I am not going to risk the epoxy failing while having fun out on the water, so I will be ordering a new tank. No reason to risk a total rebuild for an $80 tank. The epoxy did allow me to test without issue though, I am sure that saved a lot of money in a mechanics bill. I appreciate everyone's help.

The key here is test the sensor resistance first when trouble shooting. That will quickly tell you if its the sensor or the float and if both check out, look towards the fuel/Water filter. But I would bet 9 out of 10 times it will be the float due to the poor design.

 

[firedude411]

New tank arrived and installed!!

Back on the water soon.