Neutral Safety Switch; Control System Maintenance - Four winns 338 Vista Owner's Manual

When the engines are in proper syn chronization, the
throttle levers may not neces sarily be in the same
position.
B. Shifting and Control Speed
1. Move shift/throttle lever(s) to the neutral idle
position. Placing the shift/throttle levers in the
neutral detent position will engage neutral start
switch and allow engine to start.
NOTICE
For additional information, refer to the section
on "Starting and Oper ation" in the engine
manu facturer's manual.
DO NOT shift into FORWARD or REVERSE
unless engine is running. Damage to the shift
system could result from trying to shift without
the engine running. Carefully check function of
all control and engine systems before leaving
the dock.
2. To go FORWARD - move the shift/throttle lever(s)
forward. Once forward gear engagement is
complete, push shift/throttle lever(s) forward until
desired speed is achieved.
3. To go in REVERSE - move the shift/throttle
lever(s) rearward. Once rearward gear engage-
ment is complete, push shift/throttle lever(s)
rearward until desired speed is achieved.
DO NOT shift from forward to reverse when
the boat is planing.
NOTICE
DO NOT shift if engine speed is above 800
RPM.
4. To go from FORWARD to REVERSE, or RE-
VERSE to FORWARD; always pause at NEU-
TRAL and allow engine speed to return to idle.
5. After shifting is completed, slowly push throttle
lever(s) forward/rearward until desired speed
is achieved.
Control Systems - Section F
Any time the boat is operated, be aware of
changes in shift system operation. A sudden
increase in shift effort of the shifter levers, or
other abnormal operation, indicates a possible
problem in the shift system. If this occurs, the
following precautions must be taken:
• With engine running and boat securely tied
to the dock, shift drive into forward and
reverse to ensure there is gear engage-
ment.
• When docking the boat, all docking maneu-
vers must be performed at slow speed. Pay
special attention to other boaters. Passen-
gers should be informed of potential
problems and precautions taken.
If you suspect there is a problem, see your MerCruis-
er or Volvo Penta dealer as soon as possible for
® ®
proper diagnosis and required service or adjustment.
Continued operation could result in damage to the
shift mechanism and loss of control.
F - 3

NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH

Every control system has a neutral safety switch incor-
porated into it. This device prohibits the engine from
being started while the shift lever is in any position
other than the neutral position. If the engine will not
start, slight movement of the shift lever may be
necessary to locate the neutral position and disen-
gage the safety cutout switch. Should control adjust-
ments be necessary they must be done by a autho-
rized service technician.
F - 4

CONTROL SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

These electronic binnacle controls are designed to
provide years of trouble-free operation with virtually no
maintenance required. Do not attempt to repair the
control unit yourself. Repairs must be performed by
an authorized service technician.
If the control unit comes in contact with salt spray,
simply wipe the affected surfaces with a cloth damp-
ened in fresh water.
Owner's Manual Page 65