Electronic Vessel Control has developed immensely since it's initial launch. Seeing EVC-C these days feels a bit like being in a museum. Whether you have an old D6 or the newest rocking EVC2 here are a few pointers to help you enjoy your EVC vessel.
1) Maintain your batteries! A good portion of the computer failures we see accompany the discovery of unstable voltage supply to the network. A boat that didn't get on shore power while it was at the yard, or a battery charger failed and the owner didn't realize until the engines wouldn't start. Completely disconnect your batteries from each other every 6 months and run a load tester on them. We like the Foxwell testers off Amazon. If any single battery is bad, replace all of them. You might think buying batteries is expensive but wait till you have to buy Volvo computers.
2) Service the connectors! Pull apart the connectors periodically and look at the pins. Especially any connections at outside helm stations such as at the flybridge or at a rear docking station. I like to do this while I have the batteries apart for testing like above so I know the network isn't powered. Don't be scared to use Electrical Contact Cleaner and a small brush or emory cloth to clean the pins and sockets. Make sure you get a good click when you push them back together. If the corrosion is bad enough consider repining the connector. You can get kits and tools pretty cheap on Amazon these days.
3) Know how to pull your codes! This is always the first thing I ask when someone calls to tell me they have an EVC alarm or code, "Do you know how to get to your Warning Manager?" . For some reason, Volvo does not display the actual code in the warning screen that pops up initially. But, there is usually a way to pull the code without the fancy Volvo computer. If you have the 7" color display simply to go Settings > Warning Manager. You'll find the ability to review and find the actual codes a technician uses to get suitable actions from the manuals. If you're hiring a technician, give them the code and ask them to bring parts with them to save money on travel!
4) Keep Spares. Volvo parts only go up in cost. Couple rising prices with occasional supply chain issues and backorders, if you want your vessel ready at all times, carry spares. Most local techs will program the drive line ID when you need it if you're cool about it and tip nicely.
Need more help with your EVC system? Shoot us an email today.
