ECU 1.2
Volvo Penta
ECU Main Relay or Ignition Relay Fault
Engine cranks but will not start; ECU 1.2 displayed; sometimes starts then stalls immediately.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Defective ECU main relay, Loose relay socket or oxidized contacts, Wiring harness damage between relay and ECU, Low system voltage under crank
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Disable auto-start and isolate the battery before handling relays or wiring.
- Locate ECU main relay: In the generator control cabinet or engine-mounted relay box, identify the ECU/ignition main relay (refer to the Volvo Penta wiring diagram for your model).
- Inspect and reseat: Pull the relay straight out, inspect pins for discoloration or burning, then reseat firmly. Clean the socket with electrical contact cleaner if dirty.
- Swap test: If there is an identical relay nearby (e.g., fuel pump relay), temporarily swap them to see if the fault follows the relay. Replace any suspect relay with a genuine Volvo Penta-rated relay.
- Check voltage during crank: Monitor battery voltage while cranking. If it drops below about 9.5 V (12 V system) or 19 V (24 V system), the ECU may drop out. Service or replace weak batteries and check starter current draw.
- Inspect harness: Follow the harness from the relay to the ECU. Look for chafing, crushed sections, or oil-soaked connectors. Repair any damaged wiring with proper crimp or solder joints and heat-shrink.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
ECU Main Relay
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