www.iFourWinns.com

Hi,

I have built in Faria instrument (depth, water & air temperature) and I noticed that my water temperature stopped working (air temperature is not working since I bought my boat).
Where are those sensors located and how could I replace them?
I might buy whole new unit with sensors, but still need to know where the present sensors are.
I am more worried about water temperature sensors, but it would be nice to get air sensor working too...
Boat is Vista V258, 2008.
Thanx!

This document shows the wiring diagram for the guage and the wire colors which should enable you to follow the wires from the guage to the sensors. The installation instructions specify that the air temperature sensor can be placed anywhere inside the boat except the engine compartment, the water temperature sensor goes as low as possible on the transom and the transducer should be through the hull in the engine compartment.



http://faria-instruments.com/site_manua ... manual.pdf

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Thanx.
So, the depth sensor and the water temperature sensor are not the same piece?
I could hen buy just a spare temperature sensor, if I can get it somewhere...
I need the air sensor too though...

My Faria setup only does depth. If you have depth/air/water temp. then there must be one sensor for each, unless the transducer and water temperature functions are combined.
The air temperature sensor is probably a simple thermistor mounted somewhere dry inside the boat so there's not much to go wrong there. The depth and water sensors are more exposed and the wiring needs to be checked and make sure the sensors are not obstructed by weed, etc.
Have you considered only replacing the gauge and sees what works?

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Well, I think that the gauge is working fine because it shows depth, it used to show the air temp and the water temp...
Now, for the air temp and water temps, I can only see "--" (air last year, water this year...)
I would like to see the water temp sensor separated from depth sensor, cause it would be easier to replace then...
Do you have any idea where the air temp sensor could be located? How can I find it?

It might be that that your gauge is only partially working - I replaced my original gauge because some functions stopped but some remained.
To find the air temperature gauge go to the back of the gauge where the cables are attached. You need a red and black pair of wires (inside the cable cover). Follow it or give a tug and see if the air sensor appears, it might not be far away as its position inside the boat is not critical as long as it is not in the engine compartment. It is only a type of resister (thermistor), it has no moving parts. The colours for the water temperature are white and black.



This is what thermistors look like. I doubt if you have anything more complicated but they could have covers over them. New ones are easily soldered in. Last time I bought one it was much less than a dollar. You need to know the impedance of the old one.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Thanx for this detailed explanation.
I'll give it a try...
So you think that, if I replace the thermistor with some other, i will work with my gauge?
Although it's not original Faria...
And what about water temp thermistor?

Can someone tale a pocture or explain where exactly the water temperature sensor is located on Vista V258, 2008.
I just coldn't have foun it this weekend...
As I was getting the trim pump changed before the season, I am suspicious that the workers might have disconnected/damaged/lost this sensor...
Thanx