Vdrive alarm coming on

(wakefarmer) · (wakefarmer) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 09-08-2012, 7:19 PM

We have a 2002 malibu vlx. After 20 minutes of pulling riders the alarm begins to sound (when we slow the boat the alarm sounds, we try to increase the speed and the sounds like it is about to die, but if we pull it back into neutral it continues to run fine, however the alarm continues to sound.) If we wait five minutes, the boat is normal again.

We have checked the impeller and it looks fine.

(Raf1985) · (Raf1985) **Join Date: Mar 2012** 09-08-2012, 7:29 PM

Isnt the vdrive alarm for the vdrive oil and not the impeller?

(hillbilly) · (hillbilly) **Join Date: Aug 2002** 09-08-2012, 7:30 PM

Have you checked the v drive fluid?
Could be just low enough to sound the alarm while moving slow then reaches the sensor when pulling?

(boardman74) · (boardman74) **Join Date: Jul 2012** 09-08-2012, 8:20 PM

Like said if it's the Vdrive alarm thats for the Vdrive transmission and has nothing to do with the impeller. That would only apply to engine temp. The engine would overheat way before the transmissions got hot.

It more than likely has to do with fluid level in the Vdrive.

(wakefarmer) · (wakefarmer) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 09-09-2012, 9:51 AM

Fluids seem fine

(Raf1985) · (Raf1985) **Join Date: Mar 2012** 09-09-2012, 10:05 AM

time to take it to a shop then. Thats better than risking your v-drive

(boardman74) · (boardman74) **Join Date: Jul 2012** 09-09-2012, 3:03 PM

You can always swap the sensor out and see if that takes care of it.

(wakefarmer) · (wakefarmer) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 09-09-2012, 3:35 PM

Just had it out again and works fine some of the time. Then you go to engage it to move forward and the alarm sounds and it slips and won't run properly. Then you can shut the boat off and it will be fine again. Very random.

(boardman74) · (boardman74) **Join Date: Jul 2012** 09-09-2012, 3:56 PM

If the Transmission/Vdrive is slipping as well as the alarm going off I would strongly suggest you stop driving it as you ARE doing damage. If its slipping it is being damaged. If you continue to drive it that could be the difference between a $500 repair and a $2500 one. Not to mention a total failure miles from the ramp.

There is a huge difference between an alarm going off randomly and the Trans/Vdrive slipping. Get it looked at before you take it out again. You have a pretty significant issue going on.

(wakebordr11) · (wakebordr11) **Join Date: May 2001** 09-09-2012, 9:40 PM

Is the v drive and transmission separate units? Check the fluid in both??

(wakebrdjay) · (wakebrdjay) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 09-10-2012, 2:19 PM

Yes engine to transmission to v drive to prop shaft.Yes 30wt oil in v drive trans fluid in trans.

(wakefarmer) · (wakefarmer) **Join Date: Nov 2007** 09-10-2012, 8:23 PM

Ok talked to a dealer today and he says if the alarm goes off it goes into a limp mode so you are able to get to shore. So I'm thinking this is the mode that makes me think it is slipping.I didn't ask him but do you think if I disconect the pressure switch and it runs fine could it be a faulty switch.ob

(wakebordr11) · (wakebordr11) **Join Date: May 2001** 09-10-2012, 8:37 PM

Have you checked BOTH fluids?

(Raf1985) · (Raf1985) **Join Date: Mar 2012** 09-10-2012, 9:00 PM

If you disconnect the sensor it might automatically go into limp mode. If it doesnt, you run the risk of damaging something. I might be wrong but I believe that sensor detects a loss of pressure also.