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Cummins 450C No Start (Data Link Inactive)

DIESEL engine, transmission and generator repair and maintenance discussion forum.

Topic author United States of America
trwestman
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Posts: 36
Joined: August 7th, 2022, 8:18 pm
Vessel Info: 2002 Carver 506
Configured as a Soft-Top Bridge with Glass Aft-Deck
Cummins 450C (480hp) ~725 hours
Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
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Cummins 450C No Start (Data Link Inactive)

Postby trwestman » October 13th, 2025, 9:35 am

Tried to start my Starboard engine. Key On there were no lights on the display panel. Specifically I look for “Wait to Start”. Digital display turns on after system checks and says “all systems ok” even though no data is on the screen, then changes to “Data Link Inactive. The analog gauges for voltage indicate 13.5 volts and Fuel is 3/4. Oil and Temp gauges are constantly moving. Engine will crank strong but not start.
I’m Leaning toward a broken wire or dirty connector at this point but not sure where to start. Any thoughts out there?
Tom
2002 506

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United States of America
KuyaJunGarage
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Posts: 29
Joined: November 23rd, 2024, 8:50 pm
Vessel Info: 2000 Carver 506
Location: Fairfax VA
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Re: Cummins 450C No Start (Data Link Inactive)

Postby KuyaJunGarage » October 13th, 2025, 1:35 pm

Check the solenoid? Jump to 3:50 on this youtube link (good explanation)


I have the same boat 2000 506

Topic author United States of America
trwestman
CYO Supporter
CYO Supporter
Posts: 36
Joined: August 7th, 2022, 8:18 pm
Vessel Info: 2002 Carver 506
Configured as a Soft-Top Bridge with Glass Aft-Deck
Cummins 450C (480hp) ~725 hours
Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Cummins 450C No Start (Data Link Inactive)

Postby trwestman » October 13th, 2025, 2:00 pm

Thanks for that. I first need to check power at the ecm. Not sure how to do this. I have no signal output from the ecm. I wonder if the red fuse buttons might have something to do with this. The video references them when diagnosing.
Tom
2002 506
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United States of America
KuyaJunGarage
Scurvy Dog
Scurvy Dog
Posts: 29
Joined: November 23rd, 2024, 8:50 pm
Vessel Info: 2000 Carver 506
Location: Fairfax VA
Has thanked: 7 times
Been thanked: 1 time

Re: Cummins 450C No Start (Data Link Inactive)

Postby KuyaJunGarage » October 14th, 2025, 8:17 am

No problem, let me know what you find out. good luck trwestman

Topic author United States of America
trwestman
CYO Supporter
CYO Supporter
Posts: 36
Joined: August 7th, 2022, 8:18 pm
Vessel Info: 2002 Carver 506
Configured as a Soft-Top Bridge with Glass Aft-Deck
Cummins 450C (480hp) ~725 hours
Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Has thanked: 16 times
Been thanked: 7 times

Re: Cummins 450C No Start (Data Link Inactive)

Postby trwestman » October 14th, 2025, 5:43 pm

I was able to check the fuel shut off solenoid. There was no power in or out. I was also able to get a wiring diagram from Cummins and check pin voltages. There are two circuits which are supposed to be 12V unswitched from the battery. Both were 0. In the diagram there are 10 amp fuses in both of those circuits. Can’t find them. Anyone have any ideas?
Tom
2002 506

Canada
Viper
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Re: Cummins 450C No Start (Data Link Inactive)

Postby Viper » October 14th, 2025, 6:21 pm

If you have an automatic marine engine shutdown system installed, they're known to cause starting issues when they fail or have poor connections. These are common systems on diesel applications so if you have this, check it before replacing a bunch of engine parts. Fireboy/Xintex is one brand but there are others. Looks something like this and the box is usually under/behind the helm...
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