Intermittent Depth Reading on Garmin 741xs w/ Airmar In Hull

[Banjo]

Was out for a cruise Fri. in my 2015 2120 and was getting intermittent on and off depth readings on my Garmin 741xs. This occurred at all various speeds and I switched from my Nav page to the Sonar page with same results. The Garmin MFD and Airmar Inhull Transducer were installed by my dealer, Hilton Head Boathouse, when I bought the boat new. Until now the systems have performed flawlessly and I was wondering if any of you could give me some suggestions for troubleshooting before I have to bring in a professional technician to fix it.
Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Brent]

Here is an article https://www.boatus.com/magazine/archive ... inders.asp


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[Brent]

Check transducer lens is clean and clean it to be sure.

Next, start checking wiring connections from it to helm . Maybe poor crimps. Check power and data cable to unit is clean and secure.

Check pos and neg wiring esp having a good ground.

On the MFD , update firmware and start checking settings.
Is it on Auto? Turn off, use it.

Lastly Tinkering. Little things not mentioned .


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[warthog5]

Fluid has leaked out of inhull X-Ducer's reservoir is low on fluid.....Decades ago the fluid to use was Mineral oil Then they switched to non-toix antifreeze,like used in a RV.

 

[Banjo]

Here is an article https://www.boatus.com/magazine/archive ... inders.asp


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Thanks Brent...I will try those suggestions and the ones in your second post.

 

[Banjo]

Fluid has leaked out of inhull X-Ducer's reservoir is low on fluid.....Decades ago the fluid to use was Mineral oil Then they switched to non-toix antifreeze,like used in a RV.

Thanks Wart...How do I fix the leak and replenish the fluid in the X-Ducer? I presume that the fluid to use is non-toxic antifreeze.

 

[warthog5]

I'm not sure which X-Ducer you have.......But I'm guessing this one. A P79

http://www.airmar.com/productdescription.html?id=3

Remove the screw/screws twist the unit apart and look inside the cup/cavity. Refer to # 9 on page 4 of those instructions.

FWIW: I've installed one of those....I think they are a PITA. Reading the numbers, getting the top level, pouring fluid in the cup and all thru a small piehole typically.

 

[warthog5]

Check transducer lens is clean and clean it to be sure.

Next, start checking wiring connections from it to helm . Maybe poor crimps. Check power and data cable to unit is clean and secure.

Check pos and neg wiring esp having a good ground.

On the MFD , update firmware and start checking settings.
Is it on Auto? Turn off, use it.

Lastly Tinkering. Little things not mentioned .


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

None of that will do any good if the reservoir on the X-Ducer is low or empty.....The X-Ducer can Not shoot the siginal thru air....It needs liquid to do it.

 

[Banjo]

I'm not sure which X-Ducer you have.......But I'm guessing this one. A P79

http://www.airmar.com/productdescription.html?id=3

Remove the screw/screws twist the unit apart and look inside the cup/cavity. Refer to # 9 on page 4 of those instructions.

FWIW: I've installed one of those....I think they are a PITA. Reading the numbers, getting the top level, pouring fluid in the cup and all thru a small piehole typically.

Well I finally had time to do what Wart recommended in the above post and it worked! As he said it was a PITA working through the 8 inch pie hole but it only took about 15 minutes as I did not have to remove any screws but rather just twist the top off of the transducer, fill it with propylene glycol, and twist top back on. Hopefully it will go another 4.5 years before another refill.

All of us should feel very lucky and fortunate to have a Marine Electronics Specialist (wizard) like Wart active on this forum ready and willing to help out us less savvy members. Once again, Wart to the rescue!

THANK YOU WART !!!

 

[warthog5]

Glad it all worked out for you. :mrgreen:

If that was mine.......I'd be thinking ahead to do a replacement and jump to a 1000watt thru Hull X-ducer for a late Christmas present... :lol: