Mercury Axius System User manual

© 2011 Mercury Marine Axius Generation 2 *8M0052426* 90-8M0052426 1210
NOTE: The following applies to CE marked products only.
Trademark and Copyright Information
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.
Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA. Printed in USA.
© 2010, Mercury Marine
Mercury, Mercury Marine, MerCruiser, Mercury MerCruiser, Mercury Racing, Mercury Precision Parts, Mercury Propellers,
Mariner, Quicksilver, #1 On The Water, Alpha, Bravo, Bravo Two, Bravo Three, Pro Max, OptiMax, Sport‑Jet, JetDrive,
K‑Planes, MerCathode, RideGuide, SmartCraft, Zero Effort, VesselView, Zeus, Axius, Total Command, M with Waves
logo, Mercury with Waves logo, and SmartCraft logo are all trademarks or registered trademarks of Brunswick Corporation.
Mercury Product Protection logo is a registered service mark of Brunswick Corporation.
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 owners manual provided with your engine, and provides additional information about the Axius
Propulsion system. To ensure maximum performance and carefree use, we ask that you thoroughly read this manual. This
Owners and Operator Manual contains specific instructions for using and maintaining your product.
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!
Warranty Message
The product you have purchased comes with a limited warranty from Mercury Marine or Cummins MerCruiser Diesel;
the terms of the warranty are set forth in the Warranty Sections 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. Please review this important information.
Read This Manual Thoroughly
IMPORTANT: If you do not understand any portion of this manual, contact your dealer for a demonstration of actual starting
and operating procedures.
Notice
Throughout this publication, and on your power package, dangers, warnings, cautions, and notices, accompanied by the
International Hazard Symbol !, may be used to alert the installer/user to special instructions concerning a particular
service or operation that may be hazardous if performed incorrectly or carelessly. Observe them carefully.
These Safety Alerts alone cannot eliminate the hazards that they signal. Strict compliance with these special instructions
while performing the service, plus common sense operation, are major accident prevention measures.
! DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
! WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
! CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in engine or major component failure.
IMPORTANT: Identifies information essential to the successful completion of the task.

NOTE: Indicates information that helps in the understanding of a particular step or action.
! WARNING
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.
! WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm.

90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010 Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
Features and Controls...............................................................2
Instrumentation...................................................................2
Propulsion Personality ...................................................2
VesselView (If Equipped)...............................................2
SC1000 and SC100 System Link Digital Gauges (If
Equipped).......................................................................2
Analog Gauges (If Equipped).........................................3
Electronic Helm Steering....................................................3
Electronic Helm Steering................................................3
Joystick—Basic Operation..................................................4
Engine Guardian Strategy..................................................4
Axius Premier Features (If Equipped)........................................5
Axius Premier Precision Pilot Trackpad Functions.............5
Section 2 - On the Water
Getting Started...........................................................................8
Traditional Maneuvering with Steering and Thrust.............8
To Maneuver the Boat in Forward or Reverse...............8
To Steer the Boat in Tight Turns at Low Speeds............8
To Spin the Boat at Low Speeds....................................8
Maneuvering After Engine or Module Failure.....................8
Maneuvering with the Joystick............................................8
Special Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) Features...............9
Dock.............................................................................10
Throttle Only.................................................................11
1 (Single) Lever............................................................12
Sync..............................................................................12
Troll...............................................................................13
Transfer (If equipped with dual helms).........................13
Axius Premier (If Equipped).....................................................13
Chartplotter Requirements................................................13
Axius Premier Trackpad Features....................................13
General Information......................................................13
Standby........................................................................13
Standby and Active Lights............................................14
Power Icon....................................................................14
Auto Heading................................................................15
Heading Adjustment and Override...............................18
Disengaging Auto Heading...........................................18
To Resume to a Heading .............................................18
Skyhook—Station Keeping (Optional)..............................19
Precision Pilot Modes.......................................................20
Track Waypoint.................................................................21
Engaging Track Waypoint Mode..................................21
Disengaging Track Waypoint Mode..............................22
Auto Heading Button in Track Waypoint Mode ............22
Acknowledging a Turn During a Waypoint Arrival........22
Waypoint Sequence.....................................................23
Cruise Control...................................................................25
Dual Helm (If Equipped)...........................................................25
Dual‑Helm Station Transfer..............................................25
DTS..............................................................................25
Axius.............................................................................26
Battery Information...................................................................26
Long Term Battery Storage & Maintenance
Recommendations............................................................26
Recommissioning.........................................................27
Contingent Operations.............................................................27
Port Engine–Only Operation.............................................27
Axius Shift Override—Emergency Procedure...................27
Transporting an Axius Boat......................................................28
Section 3 - Troubleshooting
Check VesselView First...........................................................30
Diagnosing DTS Problems.......................................................30
Engine Guardian System.........................................................30
Troubleshooting Charts............................................................30
Joystick.............................................................................30
Electronic Remote Controls..............................................31
Steering System...............................................................32
Trackpad Features............................................................32
Auto Pilot..........................................................................32
Skyhook............................................................................33
Section 4 - Customer Assistance Information
Owner Service Assistance.......................................................36
Local Repair Service..........................................................36
Service Away From Home..................................................36
Stolen Power Package.......................................................36
Attention Required After Submersion.................................36
Replacement Service Parts................................................36
Parts and Accessories Inquiries...................................36
Resolving a Problem..........................................................36
Contact Information for Mercury Marine Customer Service 37
Ordering Literature...................................................................37
United States and Canada.................................................37
Outside the United States and Canada..............................38

Page ii 90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010
Section 5 - Predelivery (PDI) and Customer Delivery (CDI) Checklists
Predelivery Inspection (PDI)...................................................40 Customer Delivery Inspection (CDI).......................................42

Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010 Page 1
Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
Table of Contents
Features and Controls............................................................ 2
Instrumentation................................................................2
Propulsion Personality ............................................ 2
VesselView (If Equipped) ........................................ 2
SC1000 and SC100 System Link Digital Gauges (If
Equipped) ................................................................ 2
Analog Gauges (If Equipped) .................................. 3
Electronic Helm Steering.................................................3
Electronic Helm Steering ......................................... 3
Joystick—Basic Operation...............................................4
Engine Guardian Strategy...............................................4
Axius Premier Features (If Equipped).................................... 5
Axius Premier Precision Pilot Trackpad Functions..........5
1

Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
Page 2 90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010
Features and Controls
Instrumentation
Propulsion Personality
The propulsion personality was developed by Mercury MerCruiser and your boat builder to ensure that vessel performance
regarding joystick, steering, and autopilot work optimally for your vessel in ideal conditions. As conditions vary, such as wind and
current, additional user input may be required to compensate.
Changing engine performance, gear ratios, or propeller 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 affect on performance, and
changes should not be made without consulting the OEM and a MerCuiser product integration engineer first.
The vessel personality is the property of the OEM, and any changes or upgrades to the personality must be approved and
distributed by the OEM. Mercury will assist with software personality changes only at the request of the boat manufacturer.
VesselView (If Equipped)
The SmartCraft VesselView is the recommended information source for all drive information, engine information, fault codes,
vessel information, basic navigation data, and system information.
Refer to the VesselView Operator's Manual for more information.
27198
VesselView
SC1000 and SC100 System Link Digital Gauges (If Equipped)
The SmartCraft SC1000 and SC100 digital gauges complement VesselView. Refer to the SC1000 and SC100 Digital Gauge
Operator's Manual for more information.
Typical SmartCraft gauges
a - Tachometer
b - Speedometer
c - LCD System View display
24575
a
b
c
c

Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010 Page 3
Analog Gauges (If Equipped)
Instrumentation packages may vary, and may contain additional gauges. The owner and operator should be familiar with all the
instruments and their functions on the boat. Ask your boat dealer to explain the gauges and normal readings that appear on your
boat.
Your package may include the following types of gauges may be included with your power package.
L
H
OIL
C H
TEMP
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
R P M
X 1000
MPH
KPH
10
20
30
40
50 60
70
80
30
40
50
60
70
8090100
120
110
10 16
BATT
044
4
FUEL CRUISELOG
0 0 0 0 0
abcde
fg32757
Item Gauge Function
a Speedometer Indicates boat speed.
b Tachometer Indicates engine RPM.
c Oil pressure gauge Indicates engine oil pressure.
d Voltmeter Indicates battery voltage.
e Water temperature gauge Indicates engine operating temperature.
f Fuel gauge Indicates the quantity of fuel in tank.
g Hour meter Records engine operating time.
Electronic Helm Steering
The electronic helm steering operates through electronic signals. A computer‑controlled electric motor simulates the resistance
feedback found in hydraulic steering systems.
We recommend that you drive carefully until you have a chance to explore the Axius system's handling characteristics and boat's
response in an open area clear of obstructions or other boat traffic. The electronic steering can provide a faster steering response
than expected.
To confirm your steering range from lock to lock, ensure that the STBD key is on. The engines do not have to be running for this
test. Steer hard to STBD until the wheel stops. This stop is electric and is driven by the electric motor attached to the steering
wheel. Begin turning the wheel to port and count the number of turns until the wheel stops at the port lock in the full hard over
position. This number of turns will result in your drives translating from full STBD (26 degrees) to full port (‑26 degrees), with the
center, straight ahead position being zero (0) degrees.
You may experience times where the electronic endstops of the wheel are not felt. This will not result in loss of steering. The
drives will still stop when it reaches the hard over position at each lock. This state will happen during a STBD key off condition, a
low STBD batt voltage, or a steering wheel motor fault.
Electronic Helm Steering
Your vessel's personality, as developed by the vessel manufacturer in partnership with Mercury, determines the number of turns
lock to lock. Typically, this is about 2 3/4 turns of the wheel from lock to lock, resulting in full STBD to full port steering angle. Boat
models may vary based upon OEM request.

Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
Page 4 90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010
Joystick—Basic Operation
The joystick offers intuitive control of your boat during low speed and docking maneuvers. Engine speed is limited from idle to
approximately 1700‑2500 RPM in this mode, depending on vessel and propulsion application, to prevent excessive prop wash or
unacceptable boat dynamics during maneuvers. DOCK mode reduces this upper range to approximately 1000‑1200 RPM and
will be discussed more in the DOCK mode section. This RPM range is mainly due to engine horsepower. The levers must be used
for vessel maneuvering if environmental conditions require more thrust than the range listed above.
Typical joystick location
a - Joystick
Though joystick operation is easy and intuitive, you should avoid using it until you have the opportunity to become familiar with
the vessel's handling characteristics while operating the vessel with the joystick in open water. Thereafter, you should occasionally
practice operating without the joystick in case the joystick becomes inoperable.
Both engines must be running and both ERC levers must be in neutral for the joystick to operate.
Engine Guardian Strategy
IMPORTANT: Boat speed could be reduced to idle and may not respond to the throttle.
Engine Guardian Strategy is designed to help reduce the potential for engine damage by reducing engine power when a potential
problem is sensed by the ECM or SmartCraft system.
When the Guardian system detects a failure in the shift system or other abnormal condition, it will leave the shift actuator in the
last known position. Thus, if you are in gear and there is a fault, you stay in gear. Pulling the lanyard, activating the E‑stop switch,
or turning the key to the off position and restarting the engine will result in the gear position returning to Neutral.
This allows you to still maneuver the vessel in a forward gear and still get to port.
It is always wise to be cognizant of your surroundings when starting or shifting the vessel.
Engine Guardian monitors:
• Oil pressure
• Coolant temperature
• Seawater pressure
• Engine overspeed
• Exhaust Manifold Temperature (8.2 models without Emissions Control, and all models with Emissions Control)
Should Engine Guardian engage on your vessel, your SmartCraft instrumentation will indicate this and advise you to reduce throttle
if necessary. Engine Guardian may also reduce throttle for you if the situation requires it.
To avoid a possible recurrence of the problem you should contact an authorized dealer. The ECM stores the fault and with this
information the technician will be able to more rapidly diagnose problems.
a
28194

Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010 Page 5
Axius Premier Features (If Equipped)
Axius Premier Precision Pilot Trackpad Functions
The Axius Premier System is a fully integrated system utilizing a GPS sensor, an optional boat manufacturer or customer‑supplied
NMEA‑0183–compatible chart‑plotter, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), VesselView, and the Axius Premier trackpad provided
with the system. No aftermarket autopilot is necessary.
! WARNING
Avoid serious injury from collision with other boats, running aground, or striking objects in the water. Always maintain a diligent
lookout while the boat is operating in any Precision Pilot mode. The Precision Pilot system cannot react to avoid other boats,
shallow water, or objects in the water.
Axius Premier requires the following:
• CAN based navigational information from a GPS unit
• An approved NMEA0183 equipped chartplotter
• CAN based navigational information from an inertial measurement unit (IMU)
• Mercury CAN based Autopilot trackPad
• VesselView
The Axius Premier Precision Pilot trackpad gives the operator control over the following features:
•Skyhook—allows the boat to hold its position without lines or anchor
NOTE: The Skyhook feature is available pending boat manufacturer personality configuration. Some boat manufacturers do
not enable Skyhook from the factory. Other boats have external notification devices (installed and manufactured by the boat
builder) indicating the vessel is in Skyhook.
•Auto Heading—Steers the boat on a fixed compass heading
•Track Waypoint—Automatically pilots the boat on a predetermined route from the chart plotter or GPS unit. This can be a
single waypoint, or a series of waypoints assembled into a route. If following a route, at each waypoint transition, the system
will sound an alarm, which must be acknowledged before the boat will proceed to the next waypoint.
•Waypoint Sequence—This feature is similar to Track Waypoint, except the system will sound an alarm upon arriving at a
waypoint and transition automatically to the next waypoint on the route.
a - Skyhook
b - Turn to starboard
c - Waypoint Sequence
d - Not used
e - Track Waypoint
f - Auto Heading
g - Resume
h - Turn to port
The buttons on the Precision Pilot trackpad have the following functions:
43573
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h

Section 1 - Getting to Know the Axius System
Page 6 90-8M0052426 eng DECEMBER 2010
Function Description
Skyhook
Engages and disengages Skyhook. Mode is only available when the joystick is centered, both engines are
running, G.P.S. and heading sensors are available, and the levers are in neutral. If the vessel is drifting when
Skyhook is enabled, the Skyhook light will flash until the boat slows itself down, then become solid when Skyhook
is set. For example, if you are drifting forward and press Skyhook, the drives will go to reverse to slow the vessel.
You may still drift forward. When the boat slows its self down, it will enable Skyhook. Skyhook will not activate
if the boat is underway.
Turn < and > Each press of the button causes a 10 degree course change in auto heading. Holding the joystick port or
starboard (until the beep) initiates a one degree change in course. It affects no other autopilot features.
Waypoint
Sequence
Engages Waypoint Sequence, driving the boat on a course set with multiple waypoints on the chartplotter. The
waypoints must be on a route. See the chartplotter owners manual. Waypoint Sequence is available when the
"WAYPOINT SEQUENCE" button is pressed, and data (a NMEA‑0183 stream) is available from a chart plotter,
and the GPS and heading sensor signals are available. Waypoint sequence will follow a route automatically,
announcing arrival at each waypoint and then turning towards the next waypoint. Track Waypoint must be
enabled first then select Waypoint Sequence.
Track
Waypoint
Route Tracking is available when data (NMEA0183 stream) is available from a chart plotter, GPS, and heading
sensor signals are available. The boat will attempt to steer to a waypoint or a route from the chartplotter. Arrival
at the waypoint must be acknowledged before the vessel will proceed to the next waypoint along the route.
Auto
Heading
Engages Auto Heading mode, which will hold the boat on a fixed course at the speed that the operator chooses.
Heading control is available when the "Auto Heading" button is pressed, GPS and IMU signals are available.
(See "Turn < and >" for course adjustment information.) A chartplotter not needed for this feature.
Resume Resumes previous Auto Heading course if the boat's direction has not been changed 90° or more.
NOTE: Moving the steering wheel will always take control of the boat. A slight detent will have to be overcome to give the operator
feedback that the they are taking control from the Precision Pilot. Changing gears using the electronic remote control (ERC) lever
will also disable the autopilot mode.