Connecting and Operating the CDS G3 System

CDS G3 and the PCM 09

Section 2A - Connecting and Operating the CDS G3 System
Table of Contents 2
A
CDS G3 Setup and Operation........................................... 2A-2 Selecting an EBOM.................................................... 2A-7
Introduction................................................................. 2A-2 Module Data............................................................... 2A-8
Connecting and Starting CDS G3...............................2A-2 Configuration Screen.................................................. 2A-9
Controller Area Network (CAN).................................. 2A-4 Diagnostics Screen...................................................2A-10
CDS G3 Operation.............................................................2A-5 Reflash Screen......................................................... 2A-10
Priority Action Items....................................................2A-5 Print Screen.............................................................. 2A-11

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CDS G3 Setup and Operation

Introduction
CDS (computer diagnostic system) G3 is a stand‑alone program that provides diagnostic support for select engines and
Mercury joystick piloting systems. All configuration functions necessary for preparing these systems for delivery are also
supported. CDS G3 allows for CAN‑based multiple‑processor communication through a clean, easy‑to‑navigate interface.
This manual assumes that you have successfully installed CDS G3 on your computer and have updated it to the most current
version. For installation instructions, refer to the user manual loaded onto the computer diagnostic system laptop (in the
Windows® Start menu > All Programs > Mercury Marine > User Manual) or on the CDS G3 software installation disc.

Connecting and Starting CDS G3

Connection to the Engine
1. Insert the CDS G3 SmartCraft diagnostic interface USB connector into a powered USB port.
2. Connect the SmartCraft diagnostic interface 9‑pin connector to the CAN P/CAN H adapter harness 9‑pin connector.
3. Connect the CAN P/CAN H adapter harness to the CDS G3 engine harness adapter.
4. Remove the CAN P termination resistor from the engine harness. Refer to the appropriate service manual for the location
of the CAN P connector.
5. Connect the CDS G3 engine harness adapter to the CAN P engine harness connector.
IMPORTANT: The CDS G3 engine harness adapter (84‑8M0046081) contains the correct termination resistor for the CDS
G3 SmartCraft diagnostic interface to communicate on the CAN bus circuit.

a - Computer
b - CDS G3 SmartCraft diagnostic
interface
a c - CAN P/CAN H adapter harness
d - CDS G3 engine harness
b adapter
e - Connect to engine CAN P
connector

c
d

47947

Connection to the Junction Box

1. Insert the CDS G3 SmartCraft diagnostic interface USB connector into a powered USB port.
2. Connect the SmartCraft diagnostic interface 9‑pin connector to the CAN P/CAN H adapter harness 9‑pin connector.
3. Connect the CAN P/CAN H adapter harness to the junction box.

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IMPORTANT: Ensure that the correct termination resistor is installed on the CAN P bus. The CAN P bus must be properly
terminated for the tool to communicate. Improper termination will result in communication errors or complete loss of
communication.

a- Computer
b- CDS G3 SmartCraft diagnostic interface
a c- CAN P/CAN H adapter harness
d- Connect to junction box

c
b

d
47946

Starting CDS G3
With the CDS G3 computer correctly connected to the PCM 09 engine, and the CDS G3 program running, turn the key to the
on position. The CAN P indicator should turn green, indicating that CAN traffic exists between the PCM and the computer.
Refer to Controller Area Network (CAN) for an explanation of CAN lines.

52539

CAN traffic indicators

The CAN indicators will let you know the communication status on CAN P and CAN H.
Green—The computer is communicating on the CAN bus.
Yellow—The computer is communicating with the cable but no data is being received on the CAN bus.
Red—The computer is not connected to the SmartCraft diagnostic interface cable.
NOTE: CAN H will only turn green in models using CAN H, such as those using Axius.
If CDS G3 Does Not Communicate with the Engine
Is CDS G3 CAN P traffic indicator icon red or yellow? If it is red, the SmartCraft diagnostic interface is not connected, not
recognized by Windows®, or not configured correctly in the CDS G3 options menu. This is not a CAN issue, but rather a
computer issue.
If it is yellow, the SmartCraft diagnostic interface is connected and communicating with the CDS G3 program through the USB
port, but it is not communicating with the CAN bus configured in the port mapping menu in the CDS G3 options menu. Ensure
that the key switch is in the on position and that the proper termination resistance is being used.
NOTE: Each SmartCraft diagnostic interface is identified by its serial number in software. If multiple cables are used on the
same laptop, the port mapping may be incorrect for the serial number cable you currently have connected. If the indicator is
green, the cable is communicating properly with the CDS G3 program and the CAN bus it is mapped to.
Is the SmartCraft diagnostic interface’s PWR LED illuminated continuously? This indicates the cable is recognized by the
computer and is communicating with the computer.
With the key switch in the on position, is the BUS 1 LED illuminated on the SmartCraft diagnostic interface? If it is off,
the cable is not communicating on the CAN P bus. Verify proper CAN P bus termination and operation.

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If CDS G3 does not communicate with the engine:

1. Ensure that the key is in the on position, and that the boat's gauges light up. If there is no gauge activity, no warning horn
self test, or no other indication that the boat is powering up, troubleshoot accordingly.
2. Ensure that the SmartCraft diagnostic interface is properly connected. Check the
• USB 2.0 port on the computer
• 10‑pin CAN connector at engine or helm
• Terminator adapter cable used when needed to provide proper CAN P and H termination
3. Unplug the diagnostic interface at both ends, wait a few minutes, and plug it in again.
4. Try rebooting your computer after all the connections have been made, and especially if any updates occurred after the
program was started.
5. If this does not resolve the issue, contact Mercury Product Support.
NOTE: The BUS 2 LED is only used on DTS systems that use CAN H. Do not concern yourself with the BUS 2 LED status
unless you are working on a Zeus or Axius system.

Controller Area Network (CAN)

CAN lines are wire networks that are used to transmit digital signals. Different forms of digital communication fall under various
communication protocols. Protocols are the rules about how the digital network is constructed and how it behaves. Terms such
as CAN, J1850, J1939 all represent different types of communication protocols.
CAN communication is extremely fast, and CAN networks are able to self‑diagnose to a certain extent. When messages are
sent from module to module, a response is also sent back. The purpose of the response is to tell the module sending the
message (sender) that its message has been received and understood by the receiving module (recipient). For example, if the
tachometer has failed and is no longer able to communicate on the network, other modules may send a message saying they
cannot see the tachometer. The other modules are programmed to report a code if they are not receiving responses to their
messages.
CAN P, previously known as CAN 1 carries SmartCraft data. In the world of CAN lines, CAN P carries low and medium speed
data. It's a pretty busy communication line as there are a lot of messages being sent back and forth in the SmartCraft system.
CAN P is also the backup line for CAN X in the event of a CAN X line failure. Should CAN X fail, throttle, shift, steering and trim
commands will be sent on CAN P.
CAN X, previously known as CAN 2, is responsible for transmitting throttle, shift, steering and trim commands. CAN X is a
high‑speed line and is very busy with all of the messages being sent back and forth. There is one CAN X line per engine. If it is
determined that CAN X communication has failed, throttle, shift, steering and trim commands are then sent over CAN P.
CAN H is a bridge between multiple CAN X lines. CAN H keeps the engines in sync and ensures that both know what is
happening on the other. This is essential to accurately control the vessel and is also what makes the extreme maneuverability
of Axius vessels possible. CAN H also carries the data for the autopilot module (APM), global positioning system (GPS), inertial
measurement unit (IMU), and the helm trackpad (not the remote trackpad–throttle and shift levers).
CAN H is unique to Axius‑equipped boats and vessels without Axius systems will show CAN H as yellow in CDS G3 because
CAN H is not present.
CAN V works with VesselView to carry the information related to the house generator and the heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems.

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CDS G3 Operation
Priority Action Items
j

52541
a b c d e f g h

Home page
a - CAN traffic indicators
b - Home page button
c - Module Data button
d - EBOM button
e - Configuration button
f - Diagnostics button
g - Reflash button
h - Print Screen button
i - Priority action items—issues that need to be resolved
j - Tool bar, including File, Tools (options, updates, registration), and Help

Once CDS G3 is connected to the PCM 09, and the program is started, the Home screen will appear and list any priority action
items that need to be resolved before proceeding. In the preceding image, CDS G3 is indicating a CAN communication error
(both indicators are yellow and no modules are detected) and the need to select an EBOM.

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In the following image, CDS G3 is indicating communication on both CAN P and CAN H. It also shows than an EBOM has yet
to be selected and that there are eight active faults. To resolve the faults, the correct EBOM must first be selected.

a b

d 53163
c

a- Priority action item

b- Resolve button
c- EBOM button
d- CAN traffic indicators
e- Active faults found

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Selecting an EBOM
Typically, as in the preceding image, selecting an electronic bill of materials (EBOM) is the first issue that needs to be
addressed before the active faults or live data can be examined. Select the EBOM icon from the bottom of the screen to call up
the EBOM menu.

53165

EBOM screen

The EBOM screen will present a selection of choices that match what CDS G3 sees on the CAN line. More than one possible
match may be displayed. Select the correct one for your application. Once the EBOM is selected, make sure that it is running
the most recent calibration. Refer to Reflash Screen for information on finding the most recent calibration.

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Connecting and Operating the CDS G3 System

Module Data
Once the EBOM is selected, selecting the Module Data screen will bring up a selection of modules connected to the boat. This
includes the PCM 09 and any other modules, such as the command control module (CCM). Once the engine PCM is selected,
other screens can be accessed as shown in the following image.

f h
d e g
c

b
a

j i

53166

a- Helm module (CCM) found

b- Engine module (PCM 09) found
c- Play Data button—Plays back recorded data
d- Record Data button—Records data for playback
e- Live Data button—Displays data as it is being received. Refer to Section 2E ‑ CDS G3 Live Data Screen for details.
f- View Faults button—Lists the active faults. Refer to Section 2G ‑ CDS G3 Fault List (Alphabetical Order).
g- Freeze Frame button—Displays a snapshot of engine data at the moment of the last time each fault occurred. Refer to
Section 2F ‑ Freeze Frame Data.
h - Run History button—Displays total engine hours, as well as the amount of time spent in various RPM ranges
i - Clear All Module Faults button—Clears existing faults. Used to clear the buffer. Faults that are still active will reappear
after a few moments.
j - Reload Modules button—Refreshes the list of modules found

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53167

Active faults screen

Configuration Screen

53168

Configuration screen

The configuration button brings up options for configuring the helm, CAN pads, drives, and electronic compass, as well as
resetting the theft deterrent system (TDS), or importing a vessel personality. Each option walks the operator through the
necessary procedures, and will not be covered in this manual.

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Connecting and Operating the CDS G3 System

Diagnostics Screen

53169

Diagnostics screen

The diagnostics screen provides a variety of set‑up screens and diagnostic tests. Depending on your application, not all of the
tests may be available. These tests and set‑up screens offer interactive instructions, and will not be covered in this manual.

Reflash Screen

53170

Reflash screen

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The reflash screen allows you to update your PCM 09 to the latest calibration. The CDS G3 help system has a chart listing all
of the current PCM ECT calibrations. Refer to the chart and check if an updated calibration is available for the engine you are
working on. If so, the CDS G3 tool can reflash the PCM with the new calibration. A portion of the CDS G3 help system’s chart is
shown as an example in the following screen capture.

54021

MerCruiser reflash reference screen

Once the Reflash button is selected, the CDS G3 system will determine if your system has the necessary prerequisites for
reflashing the module and will walk you through the procedure for updating the calibrations. Refer to CDS G3's help file, located
under the Help icon at the top of the screen, for more information.

Print Screen
Selecting the Print Screen option will take a screen capture of whatever is being displayed at the time and save it in an
Adobe® pdf file in the location specified under the Options tab. This option is expected to be updated in future versions. Refer
to the CDS G3 User Manual, which was installed on the computer along with the program.

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Notes:

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