Warning alarm

[cbuchs]

I have a 2003 Captiva 232 and i have read previous posts about the warning alarm for high temp, low oil, low drive oil. I had the alarm sound with 3-4 beeps last weekend as i was just leaving the dock. At the time, i didn't know what the alarm was so i continued on. Later in the afternoon, the alarm sounded again so i checked the reservoir for the drive lube and it was low. i added fluid and did not hear the alarm. after being anchored for a couple of hours, i started the engine and the alarm sounded and would not stop. I checked all of the fluids, temp was cold as we were sitting still for several hours. Any ideas as to why the alarm will now not quit? is it possible i got air in the drive lube system? The reservoir was never completely empty!! HELP!!

[Dream 'Inn]

I'd say it is possible that the float got stuck at the bottom, but if the alarm initially went off after you filled it then I wouldn't think that would be it.  (although still worth checking)  Kind of curious what caused you to lose so much fluid in the first place.  You shouldn't lose that much in an entire boating season.  Did the gear lube look ok?  Not chocolate miky looking?  Do you notice any in the bilge or a sheen behind the boat?

[cbuchs]

yes, the lube in the reservoir was green but looked fine...no milky color that i could see. the level was just at the "add" line so i'm not sure where it is going. I think i'm going to drain the fluid this weekend and see what it looks like coming out of the lower unit. I forgot to mention that while we were anchored, i had the drive in the up position and i started the engine and revved it in neutral. It sounded like marbles when revved. However, when the drive is lowered slightly, the noise goes away. I'm not sure if this is normal when the drive is all the way up but it definitely concerns me. i may just pull the drive and inspect the u-joints and gimbal bearing while i'm at it.

[Vuja De]

Try not to run your motor with the drive up.   Don't ever do it if possible.
If you do, the grinding marble sound is what you'll hear.

I don't think your gear lube alarm would or should go off if the level is down to the ADD line.
Should be lower than that.

I'd try running around the lake again, drive down, before any major maintenance.   

[NateDogg]

Try not to run your motor with the drive up.   Don't ever do it if possible.
If you do, the grinding marble sound is what you'll hear.

I don't think your gear lube alarm would or should go off if the level is down to the ADD line.
Should be lower than that.

I'd try running around the lake again, drive down, before any major maintenance.   

I'll second that! Don't run the motor when the drive is all the way up (trailer mode).  Rookie mistake on my part, and it resulted in needing replacement of the gimbal bearing.  It was worn (1997 boat), and that finished 'er off!  Sounded like a coffee grinder, but now it's smooth as silk.

[Gene]

So thats what that noise is...