2016 G23 (H6) - NCRS Tab (25A) Short

[JamesBeardTX]

Hey everyone. Looking for some guidance before hauling the boat to the dealer.

(Pardon the AI summary - just easier to have it summarize my troubleshooting that re-typing it all )

Diagnostics performed:

• With the actuator unplugged, pressing Reset Fault clears the 25A short.
• Reconnected the actuator and the 25A short has not returned.
• Power Diagnostics now shows No Fault on every circuit.
• Removed the actuator and powered it directly from a 12V battery.
• Actuator extends and retracts normally.
• NCRS plate and linkage move freely.
• LINC accepts NCRS commands (1-5) and the displayed value changes correctly.
• However, the actuator never moves when commanded through LINC.
• LINC Displays an exclamation point notification by every NCRS setting other than 5.

Questions:

1. Is there an NCRS calibration/relearn procedure on a 2016 G23?
2. Is there a position sensor or feedback device that can inhibit actuator movement without generating a 25A fault?
3. Has anyone seen a PDM output fail in this way?
4. Could it still be a bad actuator?

Any ideas appreciated. I did find this - I did search through the forums and found this thread -2016 g23 ncrs circuit fault - PlanetNautique Forums

Could be as simple as replacing the actuator. From that thread, it seems the actuator can work but is just drawing too much current. I want to rule out a PDM/LINC issue before doing that though.

Thanks!

[jpwhit]

I would suspect that output of the PDM has failed. It’s rare because the outputs are electronically protected, but I have seen it before. There could be a short in the wiring between the PDM and the actuator so check out the wiring before replacing the PDM. I would verify this is the problem by disconnecting the appropriate PDM output connector and wiring a test circuit to the output for the NCRS actuator. To do this you need spare connector housings and pins.

[bturner]

There's a good chance that as you state, that the actuator works with no load is experiencing either an electrical issue under load or the jack screw is binding under load causing an over current situation. My thoughts would be to....

• Ohm out the suspected actuator and test it against the one that's working.
• Contact Lenco which I believe makes these and see what they can suggest. If there's an issue here, I'm willing to bet they've seen it. https://lencomarine.navico.com/contact-us/
• Swap the actuators and see if the problem follows the actuator. Both should be the same which should allow for this test.

I've replaced a couple of these over the years. They used to have an issue where the seal would degrade and allow water intrusion into the motor and cause various issues mostly related to a tab no longer responding or being stuck where the motor finally gave up. Best outcome on this one is that it's an actuator which is a pretty good bet as most marine system failures occur with electrical devices on those that move. In this case you have both.

[JamesBeardTX]

2016 G23 NSS/NCRS Fault Troubleshooting Guide (Learn from my mistakes!) - Apologize for yet another AI summary!

Symptoms

• LINC displays "NCRS Tab (25A) – Short"
• NCRS plate does not move
• NSS tabs operate normally

---

Step 1 – Power Cycle & Reseat the Actuator Connector


Before assuming anything has failed:

1. Turn the battery switch OFF.
2. Disconnect the 2-pin Deutsch connector at the NCRS actuator.
3. Inspect for:
   • Corrosion
   • Moisture
   • Pushed-back terminals
   • Damaged locking tabs
4. Reconnect until it fully clicks.
5. Turn the battery switch back ON.

Sometimes simply reseating the connector is enough to restore a poor electrical connection.

---

Step 2 – Properly Reset the Fault in LINC


This is the step that initially tripped me up.

Go to:

Settings → Diagnostics → Power Diagnostics

Highlight the NCRS Tab (25A) fault first, then press Reset Fault.

Simply pressing Reset Fault from the diagnostics page does not clear the selected fault—you must first navigate to and select the fault entry.

If the fault immediately returns, continue troubleshooting.

---

Step 3 – Test Using Dealer Mode (Most Important Step)


Don't skip this.

The PDM/LINC does not necessarily command the NCRS actuator while the boat is sitting on the trailer.

That means checking for voltage at the actuator connector without simulating the boat underway can send you in the wrong direction.

Enter Dealer Mode:

• Preferences
• System
• Dealer Settings
• Password 1919

Then enable:

• Demo Mode
• Speed Simulation

Now command the NCRS through its full range.

This allows the PDM to operate the actuator just like it would on the water.

If you're diagnosing on the trailer, I believe this step is essential. It would have saved me several hours.

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Step 4 – Swap in a Known-Good NSS Actuator


If Dealer Mode still doesn't resolve the issue, temporarily connect one of the working NSS actuators to the NCRS harness. The NSS and NCRS connectors are in the starboard engine bay. Removing the small panel in the back of the bay makes it very easy to reach. You can also remove the blower hoses and reattach after if you need more room to operate.

• Once you have connected the NCRS actuator plug to the NSS actuator plug, try engaging the starboard NSS plates while speed simulation is set to a surfing speed.
• If the actuator is good, it will respond to the NSS changes.

This quickly tells you whether the issue is likely:

• the actuator,
• the wiring,
• or the PDM output.

It's one of the highest-value tests because it requires almost no tools and doesn't require buying parts.

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Step 5 – Bench Test the Actuator


Only after the previous steps would I remove the actuator.

Disconnect it from the wake plate and apply 12V directly to the motor.

Reverse polarity to drive it both directions.

• I was able to rig up a quick test system using alligator clips and some spare wire and connecting it to the boat battery.

Verify:

• smooth extension and retraction,
• no binding,
• wake plate moves freely.

This confirms whether the actuator itself is mechanically and electrically functional.

---

Final Thoughts


In my case, after:

• reseating the connector,
• properly resetting the fault,
• using Dealer Mode with Speed Simulation,
• and cycling the system,

the NCRS began operating normally again.

Biggest Lessons Learned

1. You must select the fault before pressing "Reset Fault" in LINC.
2. Dealer Mode + Speed Simulation is required for meaningful on-trailer testing of the NCRS system.
3. Don't assume a disappearing fault or lack of voltage on the trailer means the actuator or PDM has failed. Verify the system is actually trying to command the actuator before drawing conclusions.