My Garmin and Volvo aren't communicating

[1Mainer50]

My 2017 R29 was running great when we hauled her in November. After winterization, indoor winter storage, we launched three weeks ago, but without the Garmin receiving any data from the engine or fuel tank. The auto pilot is also off-line. Fuses look OK at the panels. No one seems to have an easy fix, and suggestions include the possibility that a small battery, location undetermined, may be the cause. I had some warranty work done around the hot water heater after haul out to fix a drain line issue, and have wondered if there is a connection in that area under the helm seat that may be broken. The Volvo screen has data, but nothing is registering on the Garmin, which is my primary data source.

Any thoughts out there on where I should look next? The boating season is too short up here to lose any time!

 

[knotflying]

You may be on the right track. Many times looking at what you did last leads to the problem. Other than that I could not tell you where to look.

 

[BB marine]

I had the same problem finally found the issue. The back bone N2K needs a power source. If it doesn't have power there is no communication. I spoke with Garmin several times in my quest to resolve the problem. I pulled the Back bone to find the yellow power lead that is supposed to power the back bone for the N2K to work so communication is achieved. No yellow power cord. Andrew told me that a few boats had the N2K powered thru the fusion radio. This was the case with my boat. The fusion radio needed a reboot and shut the power of to the( NRX power) a setting in the fusion radio. This setting is power supply used for fusion controllers at other locations in the boat. It is not intended to be used as a power supply for the back Bone.(As per Garmin). After rebooting the fusion (hold power button for approx 10 seconds) allow it to reboot then go into settings in the fusion and turn the NRX on see if your equipment starts to communicate. If it does that is your problem.Garmin told me that this power configuration would destroy the radio. With the equipment on board N2K requires to much power for the NRX. They advised me to wire a yellow power cord and fuse it. After doing this I have never had the issue again. My fusion radio still works but it continually freezes up and needs a reboot it was compromised as Garmin said it would be. It turns on but the screen shows Fusion radio only and receives the last tuned station but no other function works.

 

[1Mainer50]

Thanks, Brian. Will take a look at this and post whether it resolves the issue. Pretty odd wiring approach...

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello,

Please call my cell when you are heading to the boat. I do not believe you are wired the way Brian explains. It is often too easy to think things are all done the same on all models but they are not. The fact is we have six different factories and things are done a little different at each one.

Andrew
(253)230-0727

 

[1Mainer50]

Andrew - thanks for this feedback. I can head to the marina tomorrow at a time convenient to you so let me know what works.
Phil