8.1 gi-b intermittent self test warning

[Ol’M@cD]

Evening all. New to the forum and could use some assistance troubleshooting my new to me 2002 262 with 8.1 gi.

Boat ran great first outing. Second outing it acted hard starting first off the trailer and would start then die almost as if the key switch was turned off. Did this a couple times before getting off the trailer then was fine the remainder of the day.

Third outing was this past weekend and hard start was notably more consistent. Don’t have to crank it or anything but would cycle the key, wait for the ECU self-test beep and crank right over. May idle slightly high 800-900 rpm per the tach for a bit then die as if I turned off the key. No rough idle or miss, just shuts down. It did this a few times before idling fine. I eased away from the marina watching gauges, everything indicating and running smooth. Began to throttle up and as rpm increased it died again as though the key was turned off. This cycle continued until I could get it loaded back on the trailer.

Nothing was consistent about the run time, rpm, wiggled the ignition key (no effect), may run 5 minutes throughout the rpm range and shutoff while underway, may die right after start up. Only indication I noticed was the ECU self test warning horn would not always sound when the key was cycled.

Is there any fuel sensor or anything that would tell the ECU to shutdown? The boat did have 1/2 tank of fuel, not put in by me, when purchased but ran fine through before purchase test runs and my first outing which consumed probably 1/4 of it. Mechanic inspection noted no codes or concerns before purchase.

Any direction or recommendations is greatly appreciated as we love the boat but discouraged to be troubleshooting after only a couple trips.

[CBO]

I would start with the basics. Battery connections, battery voltages, grounds, safety switch lanyard, fuel filter, cap and rotor, new fuel, and wire connections throughout. It's usually something very simple.

[Ol’M@cD]

Thanks I’m gonna work down the list this weekend. Hoping simple is the solution.

Didn’t know if the ECU “self check” alarm not always sounding on startup could narrow it down to a potential short list of sensors or circuits?

[Ol’M@cD]

Problem solved. Had a bad battery reading good voltage but dropping out under load.

[CBO]

Glad to hear it was an easy fix.