[d5dekeyser]

I’ve got all kinds of fun electrical problems it seems. First off, the radar is giving me an error code 6 alert as soon as the battery switches are powered on. This is a Garmin system (exact model unknown), that had to be taken off the boat for shipping purposes when I purchased it. When the radar went back up, it gave me these errors right from the start and it was an electronics guy that re-installed it for me after shipment. Where can I start with this one? I don’t know alot of details but I need to poke around before purchasing a new system (which is what 2 electronics guys have told me I need). 

The auto pilot is another issue. I get “hydraulic pump overload” and “ECU circuit overload issues” at separate times and the unit will not hold a course. I’ve also been told this needs a new system. 

A bigger issue is that new systems won’t work with my current chartplotters, so I’d have to upgrade those as well. Yikes. 

I want to see if there are some things I can try to do on my own in order to possibly salvage this equipment. I don’t know a ton about these electronics but I’ll be damned if I’m going to just fork over $20k plus right away to replace everything, so I’ll be diligent in my efforts here.

[Sans Peur]

When you start up the system see if you can get the about menu. That should give you the model number of the unit. Then call Garmin. Back when I had Garmin on my boat they were pretty helpfull.

Was the system working before you disconnected it? Could be something simple like a data cable not fully plugged in. Same for the autopilot.

[jclark003]

From what I can recall error code 6 represents a voltage irregularity on Garmin equipment. Check all connections and if possible connect a digital volt meter up top to verify voltage. That you get this message after battery switches are turned on seems a little strange. Do you power everything down before switching batteries off?

The AP error sounds like the pump is drawing too much current or there isn’t enough current being supplied to the AP computer. Possible the two issues are related. If it were me I would pull the power (fuse or breaker) to the autopilot, then reset the radar and go from there. You can disconnect the pump from the autopilot computer to see if that is what is causing the overload.

As for the “new systems” not working with your chart plotter it might help if you detail your equipment. You should at least be able to get your AP and chart plotter to communicate using NMEA 0183.