Hey guys. I have a Formula 260BR with a 496Mag that is acting up. From idle I can get the boat on plane and then after about 15 seconds I get a short 2 second warning beep and the boat comes back down to idle. I figure that this is "Guardian" mode. The boat idles and starts fine. There is not a beep every minute or two. Only when it powers itself back down to idle.

Anyway, I don't have a trailer (the boat sits on a lift). I'm thinking that the chances of getting someone to come out to my dock and read my codes is going to be slim and/or expensive. So I've been reading about the Rinda Scan Tool and Diacom software. Which would be better for me? I have a laptop. The chance of me ever using this on a friends boat is fairly slim. Would I be happy with the $400 scan tool vs. the $580 Diacom software?

Thanks for the help!

If you haven't used a scan tool before you may find Diacom a little intimidating, but it's not hard to use, and you'll find it's easier to make a diagnosis when you can see all data parameters and Freezframe memory contents instead of endlessly scrolling through a tiny one line display.

Thanks alot for your input Dave. Once I get the codes with a reader, do I need a Merc PCM manual to tell what they mean?

Thanks again for your help!

Most of the codes for the 496/PCM555 are self explainitory, like "ECT Coolant Overheat". But if your not sure, you can ask here and I (or somene else) will explain, but having Merc service manual #33 (PCM555 Diagnostics) on hand would be helpful.

When you are getting an alarm, the cause of the alarm will be in the "Active Faults" list. If you are not currently getting an alarm, then you will want to retrieve the Freezframe Memory / Fault History and it will show you what caused previous alarm events.

is this software available for general public to buy?
or is service/dealer only?
is on disk to run on a laptop or is it standalone unit?

You can purchase it and yes, it runs on a laptop. I bought my kit for 400.00 on eBay.

http://www.rinda.com/marine/marine.htm

anyone have a disc i can borrow for a weekend

You need the software and the proper engine wiring harness adapter to sync with your laptop, which comes in the kit. Tow it to Appleton and I'll help you out

Hugh, I have the diacom on my laptop and usually have it out on the river when staying at the GRH. Last time I had it, we hooked it up to Johns BAJA and Bruces Pantera, pretty cool tool.

I will let you know the next time I am out there in the event you are around to hook it up.

lmao, thanks
Heck for the price of that tow I could probably buy both the Diacom software and the Merc Scan tool

whats better, the Scan tool or the software?