Garmin Autopilot ECU location C-30

[Bird Dog]

The Garmin autopilot on my 2016 C-30 CB wouldn't fire up on my last cruise because the ECU couldn't be found, according to the prompt on the screen. Perhaps it accidentally got disconnected, but I don't know where to look to find it's location. It worked on the prior cruise. Any clues or suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[Skippy]

I recently experienced this error message. Unplugging and replugging all the connectors on the NEMA buss corrected it. I did all as there are maby 9 and it is mounted in a tight spot starboard below helm accessed via lower left cabinet in V berth. The box you are looking for is really behind lower galley Drawer but hidden and probably not faulty. This trouble shooting procedure was recommended by Garmin rep.

 

[Bird Dog]

Thanks. I'll check out the buss. BTW when you refer to the V berth are you meaning The Cave berth - if so would it be at the foot of the berth? Thanks again.

 

[SJI Sailor]

On our C30 the NMEA bus (if I understand correctly) is behind the helm in the head electronics cabinet. I think that is different than RTs.

FWIW, one thing I did a while ago was replace the string of single 1-port NMEA connectors with a Garmin 5-port piece. That freed up a bit of room (used to connect more devices) and also seemed like it could be more reliable because of fewer connections.

+1 to trying to reseat them. When I made that bus replacement, I found some much looser than others.

 

[Bird Dog]

Thanks. That makes more sense and I've opened that panel in the head before. There is a Navigation fuse/breaker box/buss, for lack of a better description, as I recall. Boat is new to me so I'm just getting to know her. Thanks again.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Good luck! The other thing Garmin would probably say is to install the latest firmware updates for everything. Also to power on in a specific sequence: chartplotter, autopilot, and engine always last.

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Bird Dog,

As SJI mentioned, the bus is indeed in the head cabinet behind the mirror. You'll have access to the bus there and can check the connections. Also, definitely perform a software update as recommended. This will ensure any software issues are resolved if it does not turn out to be hardware related.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[Bird Dog]

Thanks to all. Good info.