Yamaha outboard fault codes (DTC codes) are three-digit numeric codes used to diagnose malfunctions in the motor. These codes can be read with a Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic kit, but sometimes they appear directly on the gauge.
If you want to find out more about the topic and read the official Yamaha outboard fault codes on one list, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
What are Fault Codes on a Yamaha Outboard?
Just like vehicles and heavy machines, most Yamaha outboard motors feature an onboard computer, known as the ECM (Engine Control Module). This micro-computer is considered to be the “brain” of the motor.
In case of a malfunction, the ECM generates a code that describes the given problem. These codes are often accompanied by a flashing check engine light.
The latter alerts you about the issue while reading the code helps identify the malfunction.
Yamaha fault codes are known by many names including error codes, service codes, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Note that this diagnostic system is only present in midrange and large-size outboards, 30 HP and up.
How do You Read Fault Codes on a Yamaha Outboard?
Simply put, the three ways to read fault codes on a Yamaha outboard are as follows:
- Read them on the gauge
- Extract them with a Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic tool
- Take the boat to a Yamaha dealership or service shop
Let’s take a close look at each!
Read Fault Code on the Gauge
If you are lucky, you can read the fault code right on the gauge.
On many boats, the information station display or the tachometer is designed to display fault codes.
Some of these gauges can even display the meaning of the code, while others only show the alphanumeric fault code.
If you want to read the codes on your gauge you have to locate the service functions in the menu, which is intended to display the self-diagnostic result of the engine. If you can’t find this function, you may want to check your owner’s manual.
The simplest gauges don’t even display the code, they only have a check engine light, which only serves to alert you that there is a problem.
To check the error code on these boats, you have to attach a special diagnostic tool to the motor.
Let’s see how it’s done!
Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic Tool
If you can’t extract the fault code from the gauge, you will need a Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic tool to read it.
Also known as a Yamaha diagnostic scanner, the YDS kit contains software and a diagnostic cable.
The former has to be installed on a laptop while the diagnostic cable is for connecting the laptop to the outboard’s diagnostic port.
Where is the diagnostic port on a Yamaha outboard? On most models, you can find it under the cowling, mounted to the side of the engine.
Just connect the cable and install the software on your laptop, which will help you read and interpret the current fault code.
The key advantage of the Yamaha YDS Marine Diagnostic tool is that it can be used for many different purposes, including:
- Reading and resetting the fault code(s).
- Reading the EMM module identification.
- Reading sensors and actuators in real time.
- Reading of technical parameters in real-time.
- Tests operation of the electric fuel pump.
- Tests sensors and actuators in real time.
- Tests operation of the injectors and high voltage coils.
- Generating the graphics of engine operation.
- Reading the serial numbers of the injectors.
- Replace the injector and injector data file.
- Reading of temperature and voltage of the TPS.
- Printing or export of diagnostic data to PDF files.
- Other tests and analyzes.
Take Your Boat to a Dealer
If you don’t have a YDS Diagnostic Tool and don’t even want to invest in one, your last option is to take the boat to a Yamaha dealer or a professional service shop.
Although this involves some hassle and expense, a shop can not only read the code for you but can also help with repairs.
How do You Clear Fault Codes on a Yamaha Outboard?
You can not only read but also clear the fault codes on a Yamaha outboard with a YDS Marine Diagnostic tool.
Note that the error codes that are stored in the ECU can only be cleared with this tool.
Just make sure that the malfunction has been fixed before clearing the code. Fault codes are generated for a reason, so deleting them without inspecting the engine is definitely not recommended!
In some cases, a defective sensor can foul the system, generating an error code without the presence of an error.
If you can’t find any malfunctions but the error code keeps coming back, it’s time to take your motor to a professional.
How do You Reset the Check Engine Light on a Yamaha Outboard?
Once the repair or maintenance has been done, the check engine light should automatically disappear. If this does not happen, you can still reset the error code and the check engine light with a YDS scanner tool.
On certain boats, you can also reset the check engine light on a Yamaha outboard with the gauge.
The check engine light often appears due to a scheduled maintenance reminder. Unfortunately, in many cases, the light gets stuck even if the maintenance has been done.
When this happens, resetting the maintenance interval time should fix the issue.
Based on our research, the exact procedure is as follows:
Check engine reset on Command Link gauges:
- Turn the engine OFF and the engine start switch ON.
- Press MODE button for 4 seconds to activate the custom mode.
- Press SET button to switch to the resetting display.
- Press SET + MODE button at the same time for 1 second to reset the elapsed time to “0 h.”
- Press SET Button for 1 second to return to the normal display.
Press the Set button for 1 second from step 3 to cancel the resetting of the elapsed time and return to the custom mode selection.
In contrast, on newer (non-Command Link) gauges the reset procedure for the check engine light is as follows:
- Press and hold the MODE button down for 5 seconds.
- Then select CAL1, which is calibration 1.
- Then hold the MODE and SET buttons down TOGETHER for 1 SECOND.
- This will reset the gauge and clear the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT off the display.
- This will reset the display if it’s a service reminder.
Note: These processes are not necessarily applicable to all Yamaha outboards. The exact process may vary by model, but it’s always described in the owner’s manual.
Yamaha Outboard Fault Code List
For your convenience, we’ve compiled the official Yamaha outboard fault codes under one roof:
1 – Normal (No Faults)
13 – Incorrect Pulsar Coil Signal
14 – Incorrect Crank Position Sensor Signal
15 – Incorrect Engine Temperature Sensor Signal
17 – Knock Sensor
18 – Incorrect Throttle Position Sensor Signal
19 – Incorrect Battery Voltage
22 – Incorrect Atmospheric Pressure Sensor Signal
23 – Incorrect Intake Air Temperature Signal
24 – EX CAM Position Sensor
25 – Incorrect Fuel Pressure Signal
26 – Incorrect Injector Signal
27 – Incorrect Water in Fuel Signal
28 – Incorrect Shift Position Switch Signal
29 – Incorrect Intake Air Pressure Sensor
31 – No Tach Signal Output From ECU (OX66)
33 – Ignition Timing Slightly Corrected due to
Starting a Cold Engine
35 – ECU Processing Information (OX66)
36 – ECU Processing Information (OX66)
37 – Intake Air Passage (Electronic Throttle Valve)
or ECU Processing Information (OX66)
38 – ECU Processing Information (OX66)
39 – Oil Pressure Sensor
40 – ECU Processing Information (OX66)
41 – Overrev Control During Ignition Cutoff Operation (OX66)
42 – Overheat Control or No Oil Control (OX66)
43 – Buzzer Sounding (OX66)
44 – Incorrect Engine Stop Lanyard Switch Signal
45 – Shift Cut Off
46 – Overheat Switch
49 – Over Cooling
59 – ECM Memory (For Trouble Record Only)
62 – 98 Low Fuel Pressure
68 – VCT (S Bank) Starboard Valve Pulley Abnormal Advance
69 – VCT (P Bank) Port Valve Pulley Abnormal Advance
71 – S bank IN Starboard IN CAM Position Sensor
72 – P bank IN Port IN CAM Position Sensor
73 – OCV (S Bank) Starboard Oil Control Valve
74 – OCV (P Bank Port Oil Control Valve
75 – RCS
76 – RCS
77 – RCS
78 – RCS
79 – RCS
80 – RCS
81 – RCS
82 – RCS
83 – Tirm/Tilt Angle Sensor
84 – RCS
85 – IDM Ioncurrent Detection Module
86 – Y-COP Immobilizer, Theft Deterrent.
87 – Remote Control System
98 – 62 Low Fuel Pressure
112 – ETV ETS (ECM-sub)
113 – ETV ETS (ECM-System)
114 – ETV ETS (ECM-Main)
115 – ETV ETS (Throttle Valve Open)
116 – ETV ETS (Throttle Valve Closed)
117 – ETV ETS (Driving Motor P Short)
118 – ETV ETS (Driving Motor N Short)
119 – ETV ETS (Driving Motor Connector Open)
121 – ETV ETS (Communication Error)
122 – ETV ETS (Driving Motor Heat)
123 – ETV ETS (Driving Motor Relay)
124 – TPS MTPS Open
125 – TPS MTPS Short
126 – TPS Throttle Position Sensor Character Fail
127 – TPS Sub Throttle Position Sensor Open
128 – TPS Sub Throttle Position Sensor Short
129 – ETV MTPS
131 – APS/ETV
132 – APS/ETV
133 – APS/ETV
134 – APS/ETV
135 – APS/ETV
136 – ETV ETS Comm. Error Main
137 – ETV ETS Communication Error Sub
138 – ETV ETS (ECM Main)
139 – ETV ETS (ECM Sub)
140 – ETV
141 – ETV ETS Throttle Position Sensor Voltage
142 – ETV ETS Return Spring
143 – ETV ETS Comm. Error
144 – ETV ETS Low Voltage Mode
145 – ETV ETS Throttle Valve
146 – SPS Main SSS Power Short / Ground Open
147 – SPS Main SSS Power Open / Ground Short
148 – SPS Sub SSS Power Short / Ground Open
149 – SPS Sub SSS Power Open / Ground Short
150 – SPS SSS Character Fail
151 – SPS
152 – SPS
153 – SPS Shift Motor Over Current
154 – SPS Shift Motor Deadlock While Stopping
155 – SPS Shift Motor Deadlock While Operating
156 – Comm. Error 1 Channel Engine remote Connector
157 – Comm. Error 2 Channel Engine remote Connector
160 – MSLPS 1 Main Power Short / Ground Open
161 – MSLPS 1 Main Power Open / Ground Short
162 – MSLPS 1 Sub Power Short/Ground Open
163 – MSLPS 1 Sub Power Open / Ground Short
164 – MSLPS 1 Watching Fail
165 – MSLPS Character Fail
166 – MSLPS 2 Main Power Short / Ground Open
167 – MSLPS 2 Main Power Open / Ground Short
168 – MSLPS 2 Sub Power Short / Ground Open
169 – MSLPS 2 Sub Power Open / Ground Short
170 – MSLPS 2 Character Fail
171 – SSLPS 1 Main Power Short / Ground Open
172 – SSLPS 1 Main Power Open / Ground Short
173 – SSLPS 1 Sub Power Short / Ground Open
174 – SSLPS 1 Sub Power Open / Ground Short
175 – SSLPS 1 Watching Fail
176 – SSLPS 1 Character Fail
177 – SSLPS 2 Main Power Short / Ground Open
178 – SSLPS 2 Main Power Open / Ground Short
179 – SSLPS 2 Sub Power Short / Ground Open
180 – SSLPS 2 Sub Power Open / Ground Short
181 – SSLPS 2 Character Fail
183 – Station Selector System Fail
184 – Lever Selector System Fail
186 – Sub Station Communication Error
187 – Lever Pickup Abnormal
252 – FC Invalid Code – Engine Overheat
Key:
- ETS: Electronic Throttle System
- ETV: Electronic Throttle Valve
- OCV: Oil Control Valve
- MSLPS: Main Station Lever Position Sensor
- MTPS: Main Throttle Position Sensor
- RCS: Remote Control System
- SPS: Shift Position Sensor
- SSLPS: Sub Station Lever Position Sensor
- SSS: Shift Position Sensor
- TPS: Throttle Position Sensor
Disclaimer: This list is for informational purposes only! For more information, please check the official factory manuals.
Takeaways – FAQs About Yamaha Outboard DTC Codes
What are fault codes on a Yamaha outboard?
Fault codes (a.k.a. error codes or DTC codes) are 1-3 digit diagnostic codes that identify specific malfunctions.
How do you read fault codes on a Yamaha Outboard?
On many boats, the outboard fault codes can be read on the gauge. If this function is not available, the code can be extracted with a Yamaha Marine Diagnostic tool.
What is error code 23 on a Yamaha outboard?
“Incorrect Intake Air Temperature Signal”
What is error code 25 on a Yamaha outboard?
“Incorrect Fuel Pressure Signal”
What is error code 26 on a Yamaha outboard?
“Incorrect Injector Signal”
What is error code 28 on a Yamaha outboard?
“Incorrect Shift Position Switch Signal”
What is error code 58 on a Yamaha outboard?
“Failed to Reach Operating Temperature”
What is error code 86 on a Yamaha outboard?
“Y-COP Immobilizer, Theft Deterrent”
What is error code 87 on a Yamaha outboard?
“Remote Control System”
References:
