47 Intrepid with quad 350’s = Yesterday the port motor would not start up initially. A code registered on the display saying “engine actuator voltage is low”. After a few more attempts the engine cranked up and the code was no longer shown on the display. Engine was shut off and cranked up again with no issues.

While under way the port engine ran fine and appeared to be supplying adequate charge to the battery (14.2 volts). However, when ever the engines were being trimmed up or down the port motor would suddenly loose RPMs for as long as the tilt/trim was engaged.

By the end of the trip the port motor would not trim up at all. The boat was connects to shore power over night and battery charge was on. This morning the motor trimmed up normally and engine cranked fine with no codes.


Port engine battery was load tested and showed to be fine.

Any ideas what may be going on?

Start tracing battery wiring and ensure the switches/VSRs are in the connected/on position.

The fact that that it is impacting all engines tell you it is a system issue and not engine related.

the issue is islolated strictly to the port motor. The other three are fine.

Use a volt meter to check voltage at the alternator, hot stud on the engine and the battery then.

Low voltage from a bad connection, corroded cable, or intermittent bad battery (loose plate for example). Start following the charging circuit and grounds.

If the battery tested fine, you’ve got a loose connection or corrosion somewhere. Start checking at the engine and work your way towards the battery switch and then to the battery.