Repair for Dead Gauges 2003-2006

[shoeskier]

@techbeer
Hi TechBeer
I have a 2003 Ski Nautique 196 and I believe I have narrowed down my problem to failed gauges. I have the StarGazer master Module and the StarGazer gauge seems to be working properly, including RPM. The tach needle just went limp and the speedo quit working last summer. The boat has a paddlewheel, but I don't believe that cable is connected to the master module, or to the speedometer. There is a wire that comes out of the Paddle Wheel assembly, but I cannot locate it anywhere in the dash area. The GPS Cable is connected to master module, so I believe that the analog speedo is also fed from the GPS and not the paddlewheel.
I hope this makes sense. From reading this forum, it appears that you are able to repair these gauges.
Can you contact me directly to coordinate? I just signed up, and cannot send a direct message.
bmahnke@mac.com

[SilentSeven]

On a 2003, the factory speedo input is from the stern pitot pickups.

The factory speedo does not connect to the paddlewheel. The paddlewheel should be connected to the paddlewheel input on your Perfect Pass master module. Prior to the stargazer update done to your boat, the PW would have been the primary PP speed input. However, IIR...with a stargazer setup, the PW input is not required but will supplement the PP output by providing water temperature. Does your PP display water temperature? You may find the PW cable near the PP box...it will be a dark grey cable with a very thin flat plug end. Take a look for it....

If both the speedo and tach gauges are dead but all other functions work (like the LED functions), it's possible the gauge internals have failed. Techbeer can help you with these.

It's possible there is more to your speedo issues like someone disconnecting the pitot feeds to the Faria box but that's like an advanced topic after you provide some more information.

[TechBeer]

shoeskier I'll send you an email also but wanted to comment for the entire community. SilentSeven is 100% correct. I assume your gateway has pitot tube input(s) which you should seriously consider plugging up to avoid water ingress. But of course that will disable your speedometer. The LCD will still function but the needle will not move. I have developed a fix for that which is posted here https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...re-speedometer

As far as fixing the gauges, yes I can do that. We can take that off-line.

[Bill]

Tech Bear--I am also in the no rpm guage or oil pressure guage category. 2004 ski. I unhooked the pitot tubes last year. Please advise as how to procede. Thanks Bill

[PBMconstruction]

Hi TechBeer, I have 2003 Nautique 210. My oil pressure gauge stopped working, the light and everything. All other gauges work. I was told you could help? Thank you.

[Rforth]

Trying to get my email to Techbeer, I can’t post or reply for some reason. Ronnieforthmon@sbcglobal.net

[Bostonwheeler]

Looking at purchasing a 2006 SAN 220. Gas and voltage haven’t been working consistently and perfect pass display is blank (own mentioned when perfect pass screen worked the gauges would work). Does this sound like a gateway issue? My understanding was this year didn’t have the same issues as the 2000-03s.

[SilentSeven]

Gas and voltage haven’t been working consistently

This sounds like a repairable gauge problem.

perfect pass display is blank

Likely not related. But helpful to see if your PP gauge plugs into the gateway box or into a PP standalone master module. Also....do you know if the PP has been upgraded to a Stargazer setup?

Edit: The early gateways (up to about 2005) used a water pressure driven pitot input for dash speed. Dash speed is different than perfect pass speed. Around 2006, the dash speed switched to use the paddlewheel which was shared with the perfect pass system. The concern on the early gateways is failure of the water pressure sensor in the gateway which in theory would allow water into the gateway box. I think the actual occurrences of this failure have been low but many of us (me included) disconnected the pitots from the gateway as a safety measure.

[Bostonwheeler]

Being a 2006 is it “easy” to confirm if it’s a paddle wheel? If maybe some early 2006s weren’t.

it doesn’t have star gazer, but seems some people have had success removing moisture from the display and correcting the issue.

This sounds like a repairable gauge problem.



Likely not related. But helpful to see if your PP gauge plugs into the gateway box or into a PP standalone master module. Also....do you know if the PP has been upgraded to a Stargazer setup?

Edit: The early gateways (up to about 2005) used a water pressure driven pitot input for dash speed. Dash speed is different than perfect pass speed. Around 2006, the dash speed switched to use the paddlewheel which was shared with the perfect pass system. The concern on the early gateways is failure of the water pressure sensor in the gateway which in theory would allow water into the gateway box. I think the actual occurrences of this failure have been low but many of us (me included) disconnected the pitots from the gateway as a safety measure.

[Brucetheshark]

Looking at purchasing a 2006 SAN 220. Gas and voltage haven’t been working consistently and perfect pass display is blank (own mentioned when perfect pass screen worked the gauges would work). Does this sound like a gateway issue? My understanding was this year didn’t have the same issues as the 2000-03s.

Hi, Don't let this stop your purchase, just plan on $500-$800 to repair the gauges and GW box. I have a very early 2006, 196LE. I think your issue is probably internal to the gauges, dead dried out capacitors. Techbeer can repair those for you, he did mine. I suggest to send him the Gateway box and all your gauges, he would replace the capacitors in the gauges and check the gateway box ability to run your gauges. I'm an automotive mechanical engineer, Techbeer is a EE, I met him to hand off my parts and again to pick them up, he's very good and a nice guy, we're all lucky to have his help with this issue.

[Russ B]

TechBeer
Hi Tech Beer, I’ve been chasing my gauge issues for a long time now. At times they work and at times they don’t work. Last winter I opened
up the gateway box and found no evidence of water infiltration. My brother who is a 30 yr electronics repair tech inspected the boards and found no issues. I’ve checked the plugs and wiring and I’m now to the point where I think it’s likely the gauges. Just frustrating because it’s very intermittent issue. I can’t send you a PM because I have not posted enough. Can you PM me to let me know if you can help test and repair them for me?