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Mercury Axius Manual

Joystick piloting for sterndrives
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Models Affected
The content in this manual applies to Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives as implemented on the following MerCruiser
power packages:
Engine Configuration
4.5L V6
6.2L V8
Welcome
You have selected one of the finest marine power packages available. It incorporates numerous design features to
assure operating ease and durability. With proper care and maintenance, you will thoroughly enjoy using this product for
many boating seasons.
This manual is a supplement to the operations manual provided with your engine, and provides additional information
about using and maintaining the Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives propulsion system. To ensure maximum
performance and carefree use, we ask that you thoroughly read this manual.
The serial numbers are the manufacturer's keys to numerous engineering details that apply to your power package.
When contacting your authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer about service, always specify model and serial numbers.
Keep this manual with the product for ready reference whenever you are on the water.
Thank you for purchasing one of our products. We sincerely hope your boating will be pleasant.
Mercury Marine
Warranty Message
The product you have purchased comes with a limited warranty from Mercury Marine. The terms of the warranty are
set forth in the Warranty section of the Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual included with your power
package. The warranty statement contains a description of what is covered, what is not covered, the duration of
coverage, how to best obtain warranty coverage, important disclaimers and limitations of damages, and other related
information. Be certain to review this important information.
Mercury Premier Service
Mercury evaluates the service performance of its dealers and assigns its highest rating of "Mercury Premier" to those
demonstrating an exceptional commitment to service.
Earning a Mercury Premier Service rating means a dealer:
•
Achieves a high 12‑month service Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score for warranty service.
•
Possesses all of the necessary service tools, test equipment, manuals, and parts books.
•
Employs at least one certified or master technician.
•
Provides timely service for all Mercury Marine customers.
•
Offers extended service hours and mobile service, when appropriate.
•
Uses, displays, and stocks an adequate inventory of genuine Mercury Precision Parts.
•
Offers a clean, neat shop with well‑organized tools and service literature.
Read This Manual Carefully
The operator (driver) is responsible for the correct and safe operation of the boat, the equipment aboard and the
safety of all occupants aboard. We strongly recommend that the operator read this Operation, Maintenance and
Warranty Manual and thoroughly understand the operational instructions for the power package and all related
accessories before the boat is used.
IMPORTANT: If you do not understand any portion of this manual, contact your dealer for a demonstration of actual
starting and operating procedures.
Engine Horsepower
200
250
300
350
WARNING
!
Sterndrive Model
Bravo Three
Bravo Three
Bravo Three
Bravo Three

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Summary of Contents for Mercury Axius

  • Page 1 Models Affected The content in this manual applies to Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives as implemented on the following MerCruiser power packages: Engine Configuration Engine Horsepower Sterndrive Model Bravo Three 4.5L V6 Bravo Three Bravo Three 6.2L V8 Bravo Three Welcome You have selected one of the finest marine power packages available.
  • Page 2 NOTE: Indicates information that helps in the understanding of a particular step or action. The description and specifications contained herein were in effect at the time this guide was approved for printing. Mercury Marine, whose policy is one of continuous improvement, reserves the right to discontinue models at any time, or to change specifications or designs, without notice and without incurring obligation.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1 - Getting to Know the Joystick Piloting System Features and Controls............... 2 Engine Guardian Strategy..........4 Vessel Personality.............. 2 Premier Features (If Equipped)..........4 Instrumentation..............2 Chartplotter Requirements..........4 VesselView..............2 VesselView Autopilot Screen..........5 SmartCraft Digital Instruments........
  • Page 4 Parts and Accessories Inquiries........36 English Language............. 37 Resolving a Problem............36 Other Languages.............. 38 Contact Information for Mercury Marine Customer Service Ordering Literature..............38 ..................37 United States and Canada..........38 Customer Service Literature........... 37 Outside the United States and Canada......38 Section 5 - Predelivery (PDI) and Customer Delivery (CDI) Checklists Predelivery Inspection (PDI)...........
  • Page 5 Section 1 - Getting to Know the Joystick Piloting System Section 1 - Getting to Know the Joystick Piloting System Table of Contents Features and Controls............2 Engine Guardian Strategy..........4 Vessel Personality............2 Premier Features (If Equipped)..........4 Instrumentation..............2 Chartplotter Requirements..........

  • Page 6: Features And Controls

    Changing engine performance, gear ratios, or propellers may affect the performance of the joystick as well as the top speed of the vessel. Changing any parameter from the original factory equipment and settings can have a negative effect on performance, and changes must not be made without first consulting the boat manufacturer and a Mercury product integration engineer.

  • Page 7: System Link Digital Instruments

    The vessel personality developed by the boat manufacturer in partnership with Mercury Marine, determines the number of turns lock‑to‑lock. Typically, this is about 2‑1/2 turns of the wheel from lock‑to‑lock, resulting in full starboard to full port steering angle.

  • Page 8: Joystick-Basic Operation

    The chartplotter on your boat has been selected from an approved list created and maintained by Mercury MerCruiser. These chartplotters use specific software to meet the stringent demands to function with the Premier system.

  • Page 9: Vesselview Autopilot Screen

    Updating software to an unapproved version can also cause the system to not function correctly. See your dealer or call Mercury Customer Service for approved plotters, plotter settings, and compatible software in the event your chartplotter needs service.

  • Page 10: Autopilot Modes

    Section 1 - Getting to Know the Joystick Piloting System NOTE: The standby light will flash on and off when the system is attempting to acquire the necessary GPS signals. Standby light Active light 51879 Autopilot Modes WARNING Avoid serious injury or death. Inattentive boat operation can result in a collision with other watercraft, obstacles, swimmers, or underwater terrain.
  • Page 11 Section 2 - On the Water Section 2 - On the Water Table of Contents Getting Started............... 8 Response Settings............18 Starting the Engine............8 Autopilot Modes............. 18 Traditional Maneuvering with Steering and Thrust..8 Auto Heading..............18 To Maneuver the Boat in Forward or Reverse ..8 Engaging Auto Heading ........

  • Page 12: Getting Started

    Section 2 - On the Water Getting Started Starting the Engine Place the remote control handle in neutral. WARNING Explosive fumes contained in the engine compartment can cause serious injury or death from fire or explosion. Before starting the engine, operate the bilge blower or vent the engine compartment for at least five minutes. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position.

  • Page 13: Digital Throttle And Shift (Dts) Features

    Section 2 - On the Water Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) Features The DTS system features several operational modes for the electronic remote control (ERC) levers. Any of the listed features can operate simultaneously. Dual-engine ERC Trim control (handle) Trim control (trackpad) Neutral lights Transfer function Dock mode...

  • Page 14: Transfer (Boats Equipped With Dual Helms)

    Section 2 - On the Water Control Function Trim control Raises and lowers the drives for best efficiency, or for conditions such as shallow water or trailering. Illuminate when the engine is in the neutral gear position. The lights flash when the engine is in NEUTRAL (lights) throttle‑only mode.

  • Page 15: Throttle-Only Mode

    Section 2 - On the Water NOTE: Engine RPM and available power will be proportionately reduced throughout the throttle lever range. 51854 Dock button and light To disengage dock mode: Bring both ERC levers to any detent or neutral. NOTE: Dock mode disengages only when the levers are moved into a detent. Press DOCK.

  • Page 16: Single-Lever Mode

    Section 2 - On the Water Single-Lever Mode Joystick piloting features the ability to command all engines with a single lever. This feature simplifies engine management. Single‑lever mode has no affect on the joystick function. It is not the same as the system feature called Sync. 51856 Single-lever button and light To engage single‑lever mode:...

  • Page 17: Maneuvering With The Joystick

    NOTE: Joystick is not available when only one engine is operating. Drive Limits of Engine with Module Failure Model Maximum Inboard Drive Angle Limit 4.5L Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrive models 3.0° 6.2L Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrive models 3.0°...

  • Page 18: Centering The Drives After Joystick Operation

    Section 2 - On the Water • If the engines are trimmed up, the operator should manually adjust the trim to full down, provided doing so does not create a hazard. The system will not automatically trim the engines down when the joystick is engaged. •...

  • Page 19: Premier Features (If Equipped)

    Section 2 - On the Water Auto Trim Down When the operator assumes control of the vessel with the joystick and one or more drives is trimmed above the preset position, a pop‑up notice will appear on the VesselView display. Similarly, if Skyhook is engaged with one or more drives trimmed above the preset, the pop‑up will appear.

  • Page 20: Important Safety Considerations

    IMPORTANT: If either of these labels cannot be located or are not legible, they must be replaced before engaging Skyhook. For replacement labels, contact the manufacturer of your boat or a Mercury Marine authorized repair facility. Before engaging (activating) Skyhook, the operator must: Inform passengers how Skyhook operates, to stay out of the water and off the swim platform and boarding ladder, and to be alert for any sudden shifts in the boat position.

  • Page 21: Disengaging Skyhook

    Section 2 - On the Water Maneuver the boat to the desired position. Ensure that the ERC levers are in neutral. Confirm that the area around the boat is clear of swimmers and obstacles. Press the Skyhook button. NOTE: A double horn beep sounds if the Skyhook mode does not engage. When the Skyhook button is pressed on the autopilot trackpad, VesselView will display the Skyhook warning pop‑up.

  • Page 22: Section 2 - On The Water

    Skyhook will continue to attempt to return to the set point, unless the operator assumes control of the vessel. To minimize the effects of extreme conditions on the operation of Skyhook, Mercury Marine recommends adjusting the vessel's heading so that its bow (or for some vessels, its stern) faces into the wind or the current.

  • Page 23: Joystick

    Section 2 - On the Water Press the auto heading button. The button illuminates and a single beep sounds acknowledging engagement. A double horn beep sounds if the auto heading mode does not engage. Port turn (course adjust) button Starboard turn (course adjust) button Auto heading button and light Resume button and light 51881...

  • Page 24: To Resume A Heading

    Section 2 - On the Water • Press the turn button in the direction of the desired heading change. Each press of the button changes the desired heading by 10°. Port turn (course adjust) button Starboard turn (course adjust) button Auto heading button and light Resume button and light 51881...

  • Page 25: Track Waypoint

    Section 2 - On the Water If the resume light is on, you can press RESUME to resume the course in auto heading. Refer to To Resume a Heading. If you do not wish to resume the course, press the auto heading button once to enter standby mode. 56101 If the standby light is on and the resume light is not, you cannot resume your course by pressing the resume button.

  • Page 26: Engaging Track Waypoint Mode

    IMPORTANT: Track waypoint can be used only with chartplotters approved by Mercury Marine. Waypoint data needs to be provided to Mercury autopilot by a third‑party chartplotter. The arrival radius must be no less than 0.05 nautical mile (0.06 mile). Refer to the chartplotter's user manual for details.

  • Page 27: Disengaging Track Waypoint Mode

    Section 2 - On the Water • The autopilot tracks to the first waypoint on the chartplotter course. 51884 Track waypoint button and light VesselView displays the autopilot track waypoint. The display shows the digital heading that the boat is traveling and that the autopilot is locked bearing to waypoint (BTW).

  • Page 28: Waypoint Sequence

    Section 2 - On the Water • There will be one long and two short beeps. • The waypoint sequencing light will start blinking to inform the operator of the arrival. • VesselView will change its displayed information. 56108 If it is safe to change course to the next waypoint, the operator should press WAYPOINT SEQUENCE to acknowledge the waypoint.

  • Page 29: Cruise Control

    Section 2 - On the Water VesselView will sound a beep, indicate that the system is in autopilot waypoint sequence, display the compass direction, and indicate that autopilot is locked bearing to waypoint (BTW). 56112 If you are in a waypoint arrival zone set by the chartplotter, waypoint sequence mode only informs the autopilot it is okay to proceed to the next waypoint.

  • Page 30: Helm Transfer

    Section 2 - On the Water Helm Transfer Some boats are designed to allow control of the vessel from more than one location. These locations are commonly referred to as helms or stations. Helm transfer is a term used to describe the method of transferring control from one helm (or station) to another helm.

  • Page 31: Battery Information

    Section 2 - On the Water • Auto heading mode will disengage when the ERC levers are moved to the neutral position. You must engage auto heading at the selected active helm. • Requesting a helm transfer places the autopilot into standby mode. Any required inputs will need to be entered at the selected active helm.
  • Page 32 Section 2 - On the Water Remove the propellers (optional on short moves). Put the drives in the full‑up, trailer position. Push each drive toward the outside of the boat. Secure the drives with tie‑down straps to prevent the drives from moving. IMPORTANT: Before launching the boat, remove the tie‑down straps securing the drives.

  • Page 33: Section 3 - Troubleshooting

    Section 3 - Troubleshooting Section 3 - Troubleshooting Table of Contents Single Engine Operation............30 Joystick................31 Port Engine–Only Operation..........30 Electronic Remote Controls........... 32 Shift Override—Emergency Procedure........ 30 Steering System............33 Check VesselView First............31 Trackpad Features............33 Diagnosing DTS Problems........... 31 AutoPilot................

  • Page 34: Single Engine Operation

    In this case, the drive will turn in the direction of steering wheel rotation until the mechanical limits of the drive are reached. Note that joystick is not available in single‑engine operation. However, Axius features redundant trackpad systems, so Auto Heading mode is still available during single‑engine operation.

  • Page 35: Check Vesselview First

    Diagnosing DTS Problems Your authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer has the proper service tools for diagnosing problems on digital throttle and shift (DTS) systems. The engine control module (ECM)/propulsion control module (PCM) on these engines has the ability to detect some problems with the system when they occur, and store a Trouble Code in the ECM/PCMs memory.

  • Page 36: Electronic Remote Controls

    The ERC lever controls the engine and drive, but does Check for damage to the propeller. If found, contact your not reach wide‑open throttle. authorized Mercury MerCruiser service technician to ask if the propellers need to be repaired or replaced. Check VesselView for Guardian fault codes that indicate reduced engine power.

  • Page 37: Steering System

    Check steering fluid level and fill if necessary. Refer to maintenance section in the appropriate engine operations manual. Contact your authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer. Key off, go to WOT reverse for three seconds, return ERC to neutral and start engines.

  • Page 38: Skyhook

    Section 3 - Troubleshooting Skyhook Symptom Remedy Verify VesselView is on. VesselView must be turned on for Skyhook to function. Verify the GPS unit is working. If it is locked up, cycle the keys. Skyhook does not work Verify that the Skyhook standby light is on. If it is not, key off both engines and go to WOT reverse for three seconds.
  • Page 39 Section 4 - Customer Assistance Information Section 4 - Customer Assistance Information Table of Contents Owner Service Assistance............ 36 Contact Information for Mercury Marine Customer Local Repair Service ............ 36 Service ................. 37 Service Away From Home ..........36 Customer Service Literature..........37 Stolen Power Package ..........

  • Page 40: Owner Service Assistance

    If your power package is stolen, immediately inform the local authorities and Mercury Marine of the model and serial numbers and to whom the recovery is to be reported. This information is maintained in a database at Mercury Marine to aid authorities and dealers in recovery of stolen power packages.

  • Page 41: Contact Information For Mercury Marine Customer Service

    Attn: Publications Department W6250 Pioneer Road P.O. Box 1939 Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939 Outside the United States and Canada, contact the nearest Mercury Marine or Marine Power International Service Center for further information. When ordering be sure to: •...

  • Page 42: Other Languages

    Section 4 - Customer Assistance Information Other Languages To obtain an Operation, Maintenance and Warranty Manual in another language, contact the nearest Mercury Marine or Marine Power International Service Center for information. A list of part numbers for other languages is provided with your power package.
  • Page 43 Section 5 - Predelivery (PDI) and Customer Delivery (CDI) Checklists Section 5 - Predelivery (PDI) and Customer Delivery (CDI) Checklists Table of Contents Predelivery Inspection (PDI)..........40 Customer Delivery Inspection (CDI)........41 90-8M0099745 MAY 2015 Page 39...

  • Page 44: Predelivery Inspection (Pdi)

    Section 5 - Predelivery (PDI) and Customer Delivery (CDI) Checklists Predelivery Inspection (PDI) IMPORTANT: This checklist is for packages equipped with Axius Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives. Refer to the engine operation manual for the standard MerCruiser PDI checklist. Perform these tasks before the Customer Delivery Inspection (CDI).

  • Page 45: Customer Delivery Inspection (Cdi)

    IMPORTANT: This inspection must take place in the presence of the customer. This checklist is for packages equipped with Axius Joystick Piloting. Refer to the engine operation manual for the standard MerCruiser CDI checklist. Perform these tasks after the Predelivery Inspection (PDI).

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