Electronic throttle issue

VolDad · **Posted:** Sun Sep 13, 2015 5:07 pm

I had the strangest thing happen to me this weekend. First, I have a 2010 Vista with EVC electronic throttles. After a short run I came off plane and was idling. The STBD engine surged to about 1,500 RPMs then quickly back to normal about 3 times in a row. I also could smell a strong gas oder. Then I got a fatal error - I quickly shut the engine off. After making some checks I decided to restart the engine. It seemed to be ok. But it did it once more about 10 minutes later. But then has not done it since. Has anyone else had anything like this happen? If so was it the wiring, throttle or the control computer - just wondering what is more likely to fail. Thanks for nay info

Graham R · **Posted:** Mon Sep 21, 2015 9:49 am

The first thing I'd check is the engine ground connections, they are usually not well protected by the factory and do corrode. The EVC system works using something like 5V I believe, it is super sensitive to voltage drops due to ground issues.

VolDad · **Posted:** Sun Aug 14, 2016 1:45 pm

OK after my original post on the electronic throttle issue, it has done this a few more times. The EVC error message is that has "lost communication" with the throttle. It's only the starboard engine - never the port. I contacted my local mechanic that deals with Volvo . . they said they didn't have the right computer to work on the boat, wanted me to buy the $2100 computer so they could fix it. But they said it appeared to be the electronic throttle. Well, I've been dealing with the issue for a year and now its to the point that I can no longer trust the boat to get me back to the slip. So I ordered a new throttle, $900 - but I have NO idea how one can get to the throttle . . its not like my old searay's this one is bolted from the bottom. Why would four Winns make some thing that I have to cut a hole in the boat to get to the bottom of the throttle and get to the bolts. Has anyone had to replace theirs and what am I missing? I tired going through the dash, but my arm only has one elbow so it won't bend that way - any ideas would help Thanks

Thalasso · **Joined:** Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:45 pm **Posts:** 333

Ordered a $900.00 throttle and not really sure that's the problem?
I would have gone here for the test equipment first or at least talked to them first. It isn't like you won't need it down the road
http://www.rinda.com/

jnizi · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:03 pm

I would start with the basics of electronics. Loose connections and bad grounds are the usual suspects for something like this.

I found this document online. It shows the wiring of the throttle assemble and the connections to the engines. http://hweiteh.com/download/b/IPS/Manua ... 20IPS1.pdf

Best of luck.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Mon Aug 15, 2016 5:28 pm

Where are you located? Are there any Volvo mechanics near you? You can call VP and they should be able help you locate someone who can diagnose the issue.

TFD2001 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:13 am

Had a friends houseboat, with electronic throttles, started doing some weird things. Turns out, the boat had a separate battery for the throttle system, and it was just done. Replaced the battery, and all has been well since then..

VolDad · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:39 am

Yes I called a Volvo mechanic - said they didn't have the right computer, wanted me to purchase the $2100 tool to diagnose whether my $900 throttle was bad. . otherwise someone from Volvo would have to get involved . . . . I've waited 5 months for them to "get involved" . . . same issue. I'm an engineer and I've performed all the checks I can. This is basically a CAN bus communication, so shielding is important and the connections I can see are fine, cable is in great shape. Throttle will be here Wednesday - so tonight I'll try to figure out how to get this one out - not like most throttle assemblies that are removed from the top - this one is from the bottom. My idea is to remove the storage box and get my hand in there that way. Once I swap it and it hopefully fixes the issue, I'll see if I can figure our this issue with this one.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:05 am

Ahhh...progress....
Great if not for the cost...

Is this a complete drive by wire system?
Is the drive or transmission also shifted electronically?

For cost you can't beat mechanical controls.

VolDad · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2016 10:41 am

Yes it is completely by wire (although mine does not have the steering unit). But if I had the steering unit I could have auto pilot - cool huh (sarcasm). All is great until something goes wrong - and the number of things that can go wrong are infinitely more than with a good old cable.

Graham R · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2016 3:29 pm

The ultimate irony of EVC. Fly by wire, but the gear change is done by an actuator that moves a cable. Pointless complication. Stiff cable, = the EVC system will not select gear and makes the engine go into limp mode.

VolDad · **Posted:** Tue Aug 16, 2016 4:23 pm

Pointless complication . . . perfectly said.

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Aug 17, 2016 10:11 am

I feel the same way about electronic shifters on cars. What's the advantage for the driver? none!

VolDad · **Posted:** Wed Aug 17, 2016 9:02 pm

Ok the throttle came in, Thanks for the fast service from Great Lakes Skipper . . - I was able to get the old throttle out. I had to remove the storage compartment, this required a floor jack to help break the glue and push it up and out. Then my arm was just barely long enough to reach through and get the bolts on the bottom of the throttle . . I did find that you do have to calibrate the throttle . . I stumbled across how to do this online . . so all worked. Only time will tell if this was the issue. If anyone has to replace an electronic throttle on Volvo EVC - I can help.

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Aug 18, 2016 7:51 am

Great feed back, I'm sure it will help someone else dealing with the same issue.

www.iFourWinns.com

Electronic throttle issue

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