Beeping from helm with key on

[Okiecobalt262]

help please...just bought preowned 02. 262 how do you listen to stereo with key turned to left position without the constant beep coming from helm? Hoping to find answers before Thursday trip to lake for Memorial Day
Thank you

[AsLan7]

help please...just bought preowned 02. 262 how do you listen to stereo with key turned to left position without the constant beep coming from helm? Hoping to find answers before Thursday trip to lake for Memorial Day
Thank you

.
Hey OC262. Welcome to the Cobalt Chat forum. So glad you found us!

Your key being turned counterclockwise to the left (accessory position) should never energize the engine start alarm which you mentioned. It should only be heard when you turn the key to the right as a test before starting the engine.

The great thing is you are listening to the stereo correctly ....with the ignition key turned to the left your hour meter and the engine accessories are not running. We just have to figure out why the beep is being heard.

Are you hearing the engine alarm when you turn the key to the right (clockwise)?
If not, the small black alarm module may be wired to the wrong side of the ignition switch. It is a small black plastic piece a little bigger than a quarter underneath the dash. I'm sure you'll find it when you look under the dash and listen for it. The ignition key is easy to undo. Carefully use a pair of needle nose pliers on the thin nut holding it to the dash. Turn the nut counterclockwise and it will loosen allowing you to pull the ignition cylinder out of the dash from the backside.

Let's troubleshoot this and get you going for Memorial Day.

Please post pics when you have the chance. Just click the attachment tab at the bottom and then upload from your phone or computer.

....and again, welcome aboard mate!

.

[Okiecobalt262]

Thank you and for the quick reply. Ya we were detailing yesterday and after about 30-40 seconds after turning key to left to turn on stereo we’d here intermittent beeping from helm. I just thought it was reminder that key was in on position (left) (sort of like a car when you don’t put seatbelt on) and assumed it would eventually stop.
Yes when turning to the right there is a beep to start motor.

[AsLan7]

Thank you and for the quick reply. Ya we were detailing yesterday and after about 30-40 seconds after turning key to left to turn on stereo we’d here intermittent beeping from helm. I just thought it was reminder that key was in on position (left) (sort of like a car when you don’t put seatbelt on) and assumed it would eventually stop.
Yes when turning to the right there is a beep to start motor.

.
Ok, I thought you were hearing the beep immediately when you turned the key to the left. Are you sure it's an engine alarm?
How new are your batteries?

Also check your drive reservoir (Mercruiser) that holds the outdrive fluid. If that is low the alarm can trigger but I believe only with the key turned right.

Is it a single beep? Multiple beeps. Steady tone?

Mercruiser or Volvo Penta?

An ECU scan will also tell you the issue.

Finally, make sure it is not the depth finder alarm. This is often confused with the engine alarm. Toggle the switch to set your depth alarm to zero. My guess is the beeping will go away.

Cheers.

.

[Okiecobalt262]

Thank you it’s Volvo 7.4MPI. It’s an intermittent heap after about 30 seconds

[Okiecobalt262]

Yes I will try depth finder today. Betting that’s it. I’ll let you know

[AsLan7]

Yes I will try depth finder today. Betting that’s it. I’ll let you know

.
Roger that. And don't forget the pics.

.

[Okiecobalt262]

Headed to boat now. Thank you so much

[Big Block Power]

Not sure if you resized it, but by those pictures you already have the boat. Plus Beware of that marina they have the Corona and they are advertising it

[AsLan7]

.
Nice spot bbp!

....and thanks for the pics OC262. That boat is soooo sexy! Best model to come out of the factory.

.