2014 21ec won’t start!

My switch is just above the strainer, key goes in from the battery side through the board between the batteries and the engine.
 
TylerFromEverett":233cfnbp said:
I’m the same set up as you, Newf. Traced everything, checked voltage along the way and it seems that something has failed either with the on/off control panel, or the MDI itself. My tach went out and Fluid Motion replaced it under warranty. When it failed, it would light up and beep, but no display. The boat would start.

When my starting battery died, the tach would come up, but the battery didn’t have enough juice to fire the starter.

The ground wire that connects to the bottom of the engine broke once and the tach would light up and beep, but the engine would not turn over. I thought it was the MDI and right before I ordered one I noticed the loose ground wire.

When I thought it was the MDI then, I called Pacific Power Group and they told me a new MDI would be about 900 bucks and would not be covered by warranty, even though the engine was replaced with the whole emissions recall thing. This is absurd, that these MDI boxes fail so frequently and people have to shell out 900 bucks every time. Looks like some MDIs have been recalled, but the part number on mine is not part of a recall. So now, I either shell out 900 bucks or figure out how to rid my system of the MDI all together and wire up old school gauges and a push but start. Looks like some have done that. How annoying! I’ve only had the boat a year and it’s been one thing after another. All electrical. At least I’ve learned a lot doing the work myself.

I’m going to keep scratching my head before I pull the trigger on the MDI. I just want to cruise, dudes! It’s March tomorrow!

Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

Hey Tyler,

Sorry to hear of this issue you are having and sounds like you have narrowed it down to the MDI box. When you get a chance would you send me the serial number of the engine? I would like to talk with Volvo on this and see if there is anything I can do or find out on this. My email is kevinlamont@rangertugs.com.

Thanks,
 
Do an online search and you will find Volvo MDI boxes fail frequently. Damn electronics on marine engines.
 
Kevin Lamont":3s1ukh32 said:
Hey Tyler,

Sorry to hear of this issue you are having and sounds like you have narrowed it down to the MDI box. When you get a chance would you send me the serial number of the engine? I would like to talk with Volvo on this and see if there is anything I can do or find out on this. My email is kevinlamont@rangertugs.com.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Kevin, thanks a lot for always being so helpful. I was going to email you this morning but you beat me to it.

I'll email you some photos right now. Fingers crossed Volvo comes through. I get that boats are expensive, but $900 for a small electric unit with a known history of failure is a hard pill to swallow.
 
Not sure if you have the solution yet but have you checked for corrosion on the starter solenoid wires.
I had a similar issue and found even though there was no visible sign, the spade/ring terminal had some corrosion.
Cleaned and all was fine.
Easy check and no cost.
 
I’ll check this close later tonight. Did you have the same symptoms as me? No power to the tach/control panel? Or would it just not turn over, but the tach would light up? Thanks!
 
Be sure to double check with VP before purchasing an MDI box. Two years ago, after reading about the MDI problems, and having the emissions engine swap, I queried VP about the box on my NEW ENGINE. Turns out it was not an updated one! They sent me a new one at no charge, which I keep on the boat; the original is still working fine.

CN
 
Captain Nice":yrtk6zch said:
Be sure to double check with VP before purchasing an MDI box. Two years ago, after reading about the MDI problems, and having the emissions engine swap, I queried VP about the box on my NEW ENGINE. Turns out it was not an updated one! They sent me a new one at no charge, which I keep on the boat; the original is still working fine.

CN
Click to expand...

I spoke with Volvo customer relations today. Waiting for a reply. Pacific Power Group suggested I reach out to Volvo directly as I am out of warranty. Hoping Volvo comes through with a "good faith" replacement of the MDI unit since they're prone to failure.

Last night I rechecked the following:

  • Battery voltage is 12.6 (both)
    All wiring intact, secure
    I do NOT have a starter battery disconnect key/switch
    Unbolted all wires, cleaned with a brush, retightened
    Checked voltage where the positive wire connects to the starter. It's 12.6 volts, which indicates that the connections and voltage are sound, also indicates that the MDI has failed and is not powering up and allowing the system to "call for a start." Correct me if my diagnosis is flawed.
    Checked all connections at the MDI
    Checked all connections at the tach and the control panel

No dice.
 
Tyler, Good job on trouble shooting! It looks like you have narrowed it down to the MDI box. Hope the fix is not expensive and you get back on the water! Your lucky that this happened at your home port and not out on a cruise! That is why a emergency start is needed on these boats! First priority is to get back in port safely and fix problem later. Good luck. Bob

PS: Let Dave know he should spend more time at the fish cleaning station than he does at the fuel dock! Also limit his use of bow thruster it wakes me up from my beauty nap and God knows I need it!
Bob
 
Thanks, Bob.

I got a remote start switch on order.

Also, I don’t tell Dave anything. He’s the boss and he’s retired. He’s earned his right to do whatever the he’ll he wants.
 
Volvo is sending me out a new MDI part number 23231607.

This will replace part number 23195776.

They are sending it at no cost. They are not covering the install or providing a warranty on this part. Should be easy to install; I hope it’s more robust than the failed part.

Special thanks for Kevin Lamont for his help to resolve this.

I’ll update when I install the new MDI.
 
TylerFromEverett":1k5i9lub said:
Volvo is sending me out a new MDI part number 23231607.

This will replace part number 23195776.

They are sending it at no cost. They are not covering the install or providing a warranty on this part. Should be easy to install; I hope it’s more robust than the failed part.

Special thanks for Kevin Lamont for his help to resolve this.

I’ll update when I install the new MDI.
Click to expand...

Tyler,

Thats great to hear!! Glad I could help but cant take much credit, sometimes a phone call or email can give lots of help!!

Thanks,
 
You totally helped me troubleshoot and answered all of my 12v questions. 🙂
 
Update.

MDI arrived today.

I installed myself, simple enough.

Success! Tach fires up and beeps. Have not started engine yet, as the boat is on land, but should fire up.
 
TylerFromEverett":1ao07d2l said:
Update.

MDI arrived today.

I installed myself, simple enough.

Success! Tach fires up and beeps. Have not started engine yet, as the boat is on land, but should fire up.
Click to expand...


That's great news Tyler. I just sent you a PM regarding running your engine on land. Not sure if it went through as it shows in the outbox but not in sent mail. Try sending me a PM when you get a chance. Might be something wrong on my end.

Thanks
Newf
 
Thanks, Newf. I just didn’t have time to pull the hose out tonight. I’m just glad the tach lit up; it’s a promising sign. I really appreciate your help. I’ll be reaching out when I do my motor mounts!
 
This may be worthless because I have a yanmar
I would have the same issue.
I would have to start the engine by jumping the 12v from the battery to the starter solenoid.
I used an engine remote starter switch fro Auto Zone
After troubleshooting for literally 2 years problem boiled down to starter relay to the upper rear
of the diesel.
Don't know how a volvo looks but got to be the same principle. Personally I would jump it to be sure
it runs (if that works on a volvo) than figure out why the sewitch doesn't work.
Good luck
R21ec Marietta GA
 
Launched the boat and went to Langley today for lunch. Everything is back to normal operation. What a beautiful PNW day. Glassy water, no wind, ran at 8 knots all day which felt like flying in my 21.
 
8 Knots?!?!?! Were you going downhill? I never see 8 knots.

Glad shes all fixed up!
 
Hello - it appears that my 2014 ranger tug 21 has fallen into the MDI failure as with a lot of Volvo engines. I just uncovered it yesterday having been stored on a battery charger all winter and when I powered up the engine initially it wouldn’t start and no power to the head unit. Turn the batteries on and off and then the engine starts spontaneously without even pressing the on off start button. The off button won’t even turn the engine off and I have to use the Killswitch on the motor. It will even start in gear without any prompting as soon as the power is turned on. It sounds like I’ve narrowed it down to the MDI box which has failed on lots of prior Ranger tags. I’m just curious how to see if my MDI is covered under the Volvo warranty and if anyone has had any experience in replacing it or if I have to bite the bullet and spend $800 to buy it online. I’ve read this entire thread and I seem to have all the symptoms that everyone else has when they are black box fails. I have a 2014 Volvo penta D1-30 any advice would be helpful.
 
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