Merc Shift Actuator fault Alarm Question

I keep getting a shift actuator alarm and it says STBY I clear the alarm and its fine. Shop told me no codes. Anyone have this issue or know what may cause it. Boat is a 2018 202 GL Pro V with a 300 HP Merc Verrado Pro.

Thank You

I assume you’re talking about a L6 Verado since you said it was a Pro? I only ask because the V8’s had a shift actuator service bulletin on the early ones, and 2018 would be right around the release of V8.

Normally you can’t have a fault popping up for you, and not have one saved on the engine. I would question whether or not the dealer is checking active faults or your fault history. If the fault isn’t actively going off when checked they will have to look in the history.

Yes it is the V6, they checked with the GM tool. I called mercury that said no issues open with my motor.

Any clues as to what this could cause this fault ?

Lots of things can cause a shift fault to show up on your engine, but without the actual fault(not what’s displayed on a gauge) it’s tough to say. Does the fault go off just at key on, engine running not shifting, or engine running while shifting? The DTS system can be sensitive to voltage so it would be worth making sure all your battery connections are clean and tight as well as the power and grounds on the engine.

Honestly I would find a dealer with the actual Mercury diagnostic computer so you can view fault history. The fault will be there. The electronics for DTS can be very hard to diagnose without the fault, and the computer hooked up to watch what the actuator and control are doing.

It happens when I shift leaving the doc usually. They told me G3 showed no issues. Voltage and batteries and connections all good.

Im trying to learn what the purpose of this fault is to track it down.

I have triple 2006 275 Verados with the same issue, when I use the boat for the first time in the day I get a shift fault indicator about three minutes from the dock, I use the boat the rest of the day and no more faults. I’m very interested to find out if you have resolve this issue.

check the neutral safety switch, if it is failing you will get a non critical fault.