Depth Finder Troubleshooting

[chrisolson91]

Hey all, I'm brand new to the forum and just picked up a 2002 Cobalt 206 as my first boat. Was hoping to get some help on troubleshooting my depth finder. It's reading extremely high values and I can't figure out why. Not sure if the transducer is bad or maybe it's just user error since I can't seem to find a user manual for the depth finder anywhere.

Attached are some photos of what I have for a transducer and depth finder. There was also a third party fish finder added at some point by one of the previous owners. Not sure if that plays into anything related to the factory depth finder but thought I'd mention it for some context.

I would just take into the shop but they don't seem interested in trying to troubleshoot the factory setup and just want to replace the whole thing which I want to avoid if possible so I can keep the nice integrated dashboard look.

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[NautiWeasel]

That transducer looks to be aftermarket to me, possibly for the Eagle depth/fish finder. Usually (don't quote me, because it may have been different 20 years ago) but usually the transducers for the Cobalt depth finders are in the bilge area, under the engine somewhere. It's possible that's not even hooked up to anything, or was malfunctioning at some point in the past, which is why a PO installed the Eagle.

[chrisolson91]

That transducer looks to be aftermarket to me, possibly for the Eagle depth/fish finder. Usually (don't quote me, because it may have been different 20 years ago) but usually the transducers for the Cobalt depth finders are in the bilge area, under the engine somewhere. It's possible that's not even hooked up to anything, or was malfunctioning at some point in the past, which is why a PO installed the Eagle.

Yes after some continued research I did find that transducer was indeed inside the bilge area. Shows what little I know!

I unscrewed it and this is what it looks like...is this supposed to be filled with antifreeze like I've seen in some other threads?

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[jhnmdahl]

Propylene glycol to fill it, and silicone caulk to seal it (Airmar recommends GE Silicone II).

[chrisolson91]

Propylene glycol to fill it, and silicone caulk to seal it (Airmar recommends GE Silicone II).

Thank you! Hopefully that takes care of it and I'll be back in business!

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us Chris….

Thanks for the pics too for diagnosing purposes on the forum.

And welcome aboard mate.

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