F250 check engine light

[JackintheBoat]

On Saturday my starboard 2009 f250 was running fine for about 30 mins at high Rpms then powered itself down in safe mode not allowing more than 32-3400 Rpms, not enough to stay on plane. Check engine light came on but no overheating or oil pressure alarms or beeping etc. turned it off and on several times but never could get it out of safe mode. Back home on trailer held the mode button down 10 secs and it gives the 01 code, which means all ok.

Does the motor have to be running to show the code or just the key on? Was expecting a code for cam sensor or fuel pressure cause I thought the low pressure fuel pump could have gone out. 1,100 hours

Something else but this sounds dumb, I have not reset the maintenance reminder on the gauges last few times I did my 100'hour services. Would it put it in safe mode if it gets so many hours beyond 100 ?? Port motor is fine

Appreciate the help of course shop is backed up so hoping it's something simple electrical a sensor etc

[fairdeal]

powered itself down in safe mode not allowing more than 32-3400 Rpms, not enough to stay on plane. Check engine light came on but no overheating or oil pressure alarms or beeping etc. turned it off and on several times but never could get it out of safe mode.

I think "safe mode" is not more than ~2,000 rpms - and you would have gotten an alarm

suspect what you have is a fuel supply problem

[JackintheBoat]

Thanks
Just trying to figure out why I can't get the code

Do I have to start the engine to get the code?

[pstephens46]

I believe Fairdeal is implying no code would have registered.

[rodbolt17]

the tach will only display a code if it is active.
no codes for any fuel issues.

oil control valves can fail,the filters can clog wont cause any running issues other than sluggish acceleration.

hunt another rabbit.

[JackintheBoat]

when you say active, you mean I have to be underway and the check engine has to read out, then I can hold the mode button down 10 secs to see the code?

so maybe it didnt got into safe mode if I had it up to 3000 RPMs, when it was brought back down to idle the motor was shaking pretty good. I agree it sounds like its not getting fuel.

where would you guys start, with all the filters, kinked hoses, fittings, etc?

How would I know if its a bad fuel pump, I wouldnt think it would even run with a fuel pump failure, I had this happen on a previous boat, wouldnt stay running.

thanks for the help much appreciated

[fairdeal]

active means the alarm condition is currently present

if a sensor causes an alarm condition - but then returns to normal -
the ECU may record that the alarm occurred
but Rodbolt says the tach will not display that (only the YDS software can see it)

your engine runs off a miniature fuel tank called the VST
there is a fuel pump inside it - which must run

there is another fuel pump - the "lift" pump -
which pulls fuel from the boat tank to keep the VST full

its quite possible for the lift pump to "work" -
but with a system problem that does not consistently keep the VST full

[JackintheBoat]

thanks, and the "lift" pump is the same thing as the low pressure fuel pump I believe.

ok will have to have it diagnosed with the computer, sounds like the error code wont stay on the tach like Rodbolt says.

If I get it determined that it is the lift pump, is this a difficult job to replace? Of course all shops around here are slammed and trying to get her back for an upcoming tournament.

thanks

[fairdeal]

you are correct - lift = low pressure

the lift pump itself is not difficult to replace, "digging down to it" takes some effort

I think its safe to say though, that with many - maybe most - problems like yours
the lift pump gets replaced - but doesn't solve the problem

it eventually turns out to be a clogged filter, or a collapsed hose,
or a leaking filter gasket,
or a bad pressure regulating valve

most running problems with 4 stroke Yamahas are fuel related
but as Rodbolt said, "no codes for any fuel issues. "

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Not knowing the exact MODEL # of your engine, here's a parts digram, parts #23 is the LP pump:

2006 and Later F250BTUR Yamaha Outboard FUEL INJECTION PUMP 1 Diagram and Parts

Fairdeal, would the "check engine light" on the dash illuminate (as the Op's does) should it be a pump, fuel issue, etc? I wouldn't think so but it is illuminating...

A print out I gather should be enlightening...

[JackintheBoat]

I am having the computer read it tonight. One mechanic told me that a faulty fuel pump would not normally throw a check engine light. Dont know that to be true or not.

[rodbolt17]

I'll say it once more.
NO CODES FOR ANY FUEL ISSUES.
water detect will throw a code and a check engine and an audible if in neutral.
water detect wont cause any running issues until the water gets into the VST.

[JackintheBoat]

ok no codes for fuel issues

how about this:

a mechanic just told me there is a small filter thats hard to get to that is after the lift pump and before the VST tank, he has seen them clog before. Its white with a black cover or something on it. Cleaning that might do it.

When I did my last service I didnt reset the gauge and the "maintenance required" is flashing, he thinks its possible since I havent bothered to reset that it may have thrown the "check engine" light off. Or the fact it wont get up to RPMs and idles rough also could set it off.

What do you think about the above Rodbolt...

[rodbolt17]

I think you need to find a mokanik.
preferably one with a master tech hat.

you can run hundreds of hours with the maint lamp flasing.
it simply is a reminder.

can a filter clog and cause poor performance? yep.

it is called maint for a reason.

[JackintheBoat]

thanks and yes have a mechanic looking at it tonight. All maintenance religiously performed never a problem in 1,200 hours but I guess its at that age when thing will happen.

so there is a small filter before the VST that is worth checking out

thanks for the feedback