Suzuki Outboard Diagnostic Codes: Check Engine Blink Codes by Model (1-1 to 9-6)

Suzuki DF25A outboard beside the title Diagnostic Codes by Model

Boat Max Online Service Team |

A Suzuki outboard diagnostic code is two numbers, such as 3-4 or 2-1; Suzuki groups them into nine families by the first number (1-X through 9-X). On motors with a lamp only, the CHECK ENGINE lamp (the single caution lamp on the DF9.9B, DF15A and DF20A) flashes a pattern that corresponds to the code; on motors with a multi-function gauge the screen prints "Check Engine 3-4" and the code can be read back later under Current Code in the gauge menu. While a code is active the ECM substitutes a pre-programmed value for the failed sensor so the engine keeps running, usually at a restricted speed. Every owner's manual gives the same instruction: consult your Suzuki marine dealer for repair of the control system. If the motor is under warranty, do that before touching anything.

What this page adds is the dealer's own checklist. Suzuki's Trouble-shooting Guide 2025 lists, for every code, the "estimated faulty parts" in the order a technician should check them, and the first one or two are almost always a connector or a wire harness. Those you can look at on the dock. Beyond that, the guide is written for technicians with the Suzuki Diagnostic System (SDS), and that is where you hand it over.

How Suzuki shows a code

  • DF9.9B / DF15A / DF20A: tiller models flash the caution lamp while the engine is running; remote models flash it and sound the buzzer, with the code shown while the key is ON. The buzzer stops after approximately thirty seconds.
  • DF25A / DF30A: the CHECK ENGINE lamp flashes; on remote models the buzzer also sounds when the engine is running and stops after approximately thirty seconds. With the key ON and the engine stopped, the lamp flashes without the buzzer.
  • DF40A and up with a monitor-tachometer: the red CHECK ENGINE lamp flashes and the buzzer sounds; the code appears while the key is ON. Pushing the ignition key in cancels the buzzer (not available on TH tiller models, whose alerts are audio only). With the engine running the buzzer gives short (0.2 sec.) beeps; with the engine stopped the buzzer follows the code pattern but not in step with the lamp.
  • Keyless Start (DF100A-DF140A, DF150A-DF200A): the buzzer sounds for 60 seconds, then stops automatically.
  • Multi-function gauge (DF75/DF90A, DF115B/DF140B, AP models, DF300B/DF350A): "Check Engine X-X" with the check-engine icon and buzzer. The message clears when you press any gauge button, but the icon stays until the cause is fixed. On AP and DF300B/DF350A gauges, selecting Current Code in the gauge menu displays the codes and caution messages currently active.

Four rules appear in every service manual we have. If two or more items fail at once, the codes show in priority order and each indication repeats three times. The code memory in the ECM survives disconnecting the battery. Once the fault is corrected, the indication cancels itself after the ECM has seen a normal signal for 20 to 30 seconds. And code 1-1 (rectifier/regulator) may not show at key-on with the engine stopped, because the ECM cannot see charging output until the engine runs. On the DF70A-DF100B the keyless codes 9-1 to 9-6 show without the buzzer.

What fail-safe ("limp mode") does

When a sensor signal goes out of range, the ECM ignores it and assumes a pre-programmed value for that sensor, which lets the engine continue running under the fail-safe condition. Depending on the code that means a fixed temperature, a fixed throttle opening, or a speed cap of 2000 r/min. Codes marked "fail-safe: No" have no substitute value. There is no back-up for the ECM itself; if it fails, the engine stops. The family tables further down give the substitute values Suzuki prints.

Code table: failed item and what to check, in order

The table follows the Trouble-shooting Guide 2025. The guide groups motors into twelve rows; we use letters to keep the table readable:

  • A DF300B / DF325A / DF350A; B DF250AP / DF300AP; C DF200 / DF225 / DF250; D DF200 / DF225 / DF250 (2025MY and later)
  • E DF150AP / DF175AP / DF200AP; F DF150A / DF175A / DF200A; G DF115BG / DF140BG; H DF100C / DF115B / DF140B
  • I DF70A / DF80A / DF90A / DF100B; J DF40A / DF50A / DF60A; K DF25A / DF30A; L DF9.9B / DF15A / DF20A

In the last column, a letter means the guide's matrix has an entry printed on that family's row. "Unclear" means the entry is printed in a cell merged across several rows, so our copy cannot show which of those rows it covers; ask your dealer. Where the whole row set is unreadable we say so. Items are worded as the guide prints them.

Code Failed item Estimated faulty parts, in the guide's order Guide lists it for
1-1 Rectifier/Regulator (Over-charging) Battery cable failure → Interference by connected electronic devices → Poor continuity/connection failure → Rectifier/regulator failure → ECM failure A B I J K L; unclear: C D E F G H
1-2 Shift position sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Misplacement of shift position sensor lever insert position → Shift position sensor failure → Deformation of clutch shaft arm (Mechanical model) → ECM failure A B D E F G H; unclear: C
1-4 Cylinder temp. sensor (PORT on DF300B/325A/350A) Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Cylinder temperature sensor failure → ECM failure A B F I J K L; unclear: C D E G H
1-5 Exhaust manifold temp. sensor STBD (V6 except DF300B/325A/350A); cylinder temp. sensor STBD (DF300B/325A/350A) Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Cylinder temp. sensor (STBD) failure / Exhaust manifold temp. sensor failure → ECM failure A B C; unclear: D E F G H
1-6 Exhaust manifold temp. sensor PORT (V6 except DF300B/325A/350A) Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Exhaust manifold temp. sensor failure → ECM failure A B C; unclear: D
2-1 Throttle position sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → TPS failure → ECM failure A B E F G H I J K L; unclear: C D
2-2 Air intake system Electronic throttle body failure / Mechanical throttle body failure → MAP sensor failure → Intake manifold failure → Air intake system failure → ECM failure A C E F G I J K L; unclear: B D H
2-3 IAT sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → IAT sensor failure → ECM failure A B E I J K L; unclear: C D F G H
2-4 CMP sensor #1 Low battery voltage → Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → #1 CMP sensor failure / CMP sensor failure → ECM failure → Camshaft failure → CKP sensor failure A B C D E F G H I J K L
2-5 CMP sensor (VVT·STBD) Low battery voltage → Poor continuity/connection failure → Engine wire harness failure → #3 CMP sensor failure → ECM failure → Wrong camshaft → Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor failure A B C D
2-6 CMP sensor #2 (VVT) Low battery voltage → Poor continuity/connection failure → Engine wire harness failure → #2 CMP sensor failure → ECM failure → Wrong camshaft → Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor failure A B C D E F
3-1 IAC valve/By-pass air screw adjustment By-pass air passage clogging → Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → IAC valve failure → ECM failure Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against C D)
3-2 MAP sensor 2 (Pressure detect passage) Oil control valve (OCV) failure → OCV installation failure → MAP sensor failure → Throttle position sensor failure → ECM failure → Engine failure A B E F G I; unclear: C D H J K L
3-3 Neutral switch Poor continuity/connection failure → Neutral switch failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Shift position sensor failure → Misplacement of shift position sensor lever insert position → Shift actuator failure → ECM failure A B C D E F G H I J
3-4 MAP sensor 1 Poor continuity/connection failure → Air passage clogging → Damage in the engine wire harness → MAP sensor failure → ECM failure A B C D E F G H I J K L
3-5 ECM and camshaft mismatch Wrong ECM → Wrong camshaft or camshaft failure → #3 CMP sensor failure (DF300B/325A/350A and DF250AP/300AP) / #2 CMP sensor failure (DF150AP/175AP/200AP) → ECM failure A B E; unclear: C D
3-6 O2 Sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → O2 sensor failure → ECM failure B; unclear: C D E F G H
3-7 Trim sensor Trim sensor lever breakage or trim sensor installation error → Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Trim sensor failure → ECM failure A B D E F G H I J; unclear: C
4-1 (AP) Rotation select connector (AP models) Poor continuity/connection failure → Wrong engine wire harness → Damage in the engine wire harness → Wrong ECM → ECM failure B E; unclear: C D
4-1 (not AP) Model discrimination switch (except AP models) Wrong engine wire harness → Damage in the engine wire harness → Wrong ECM → ECM failure C G H I J; unclear: D E F
4-2 CKP sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → CKP sensor failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → ECM failure → Flywheel failure A B H I J K L; unclear: C D E F G
4-3 Fuel injector Poor continuity/connection failure → Fuel injector failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → ECM failure A C I J K L; unclear: B D E F G H
4-4 Oil pressure sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Oil pressure sensor failure → ECM failure B
4-5 Oil temperature sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → Oil temperature sensor failure → ECM failure B
5-1 VVT advance Temporary malfunction → OCV failure → OCV oil passage clogging → ECM failure → Cam timing sprocket failure → Engine oil passage clogging Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against B C D E F)
5-2 VVT advance (PORT) Temporary malfunction → OCV failure → OCV oil passage clogging → ECM failure → Cam timing sprocket failure → Engine oil passage clogging Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against B C)
5-3 Oil pressure switch Breather hose failure → Lead wire disconnection → Damage in engine wire harness → Oil pressure switch failure → Oil filter failure → ECM failure → Oil relief valve failure → Oil pump failure → Oil passage clogging A I J K L; unclear: B C D E F G H
5-4 Knock sensor Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in engine wire harness → Knock sensor failure → ECM failure A; unclear: B C D E F G H
6-1 Oil control valve Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → OCV failure (STBD) → ECM failure A C; unclear: B D E F
6-2 Oil control valve (PORT) Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → OCV failure (PORT) → ECM failure A C; unclear: B
6-3 O2 Sensor heater Poor continuity/connection failure → Damage in the engine wire harness → O2 sensor heater failure → ECM failure Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against E F G H)
7-1 ETV ECM ECM failure E G; unclear: A B C D F
7-2 ETV Motor Poor continuity/connection failure → ETV motor relay failure → ETV motor failure → Engine wire harness failure → ECM failure A B E G; unclear: C D F
7-3 ETV Electronic throttle body failure → ECM failure E G; unclear: A B C D F
7-4 Sub BCM Poor continuity/connection failure → SUB BCM harness failure → SUB BCM failure E G; unclear: A B C D F
7-5 DBW system Poor continuity/connection failure → BCM harness failure → 1st station LPS failure → 2nd station LPS failure → BCM failure → ECM failure E G; unclear: A B C D F
8-1 ESA ECM ECM failure E G; unclear: A B C D F
8-2 ESA motor Poor continuity/connection failure → ESA motor relay failure → ESA motor failure → Engine wire harness failure → ECM failure A B E G; unclear: C D F
8-3 ESA Shift position sensor failure → ESA failure → Clutch lever failure → ECM failure A B E G; unclear: C D F
9-1 Key-fob battery low Key fob low battery voltage Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against A B C D E F G)
9-2 Key-fob authentication error Key fob identification error Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against A B C D E F G)
9-3 Keyless control unit battery low Poor continuity/connection failure → Keyless control unit wire harness failure Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against A B C D E F G)
9-4 Keyless system authentication error Mismatch between keyless unit and ECM Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against A B C D E F G)
9-5 Keyless system communication error Poor continuity/connection failure → CAN communication line failure → ECM paired with different keyless control unit → Keyless control unit /ECM failure Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against A B C D E F G)
9-6 Keyless system failure Keyless control unit failure Not readable in our copy; see dealer guide (printed against A B C D E F G)

Three patterns stand out. Almost every code starts with "poor continuity/connection failure" and "damage in the engine wire harness", and ends with "ECM failure". The CMP-sensor codes (2-4, 2-5, 2-6) start with low battery voltage, so charge or replace the battery before chasing a sensor. And codes 5-1 and 5-2 (VVT advance) start with "temporary malfunction": the guide clears them by running the engine at 3000 rpm for 20 to 30 seconds to work the VVT.

Family tables: priority, fail-safe and substitute values

These come from the service manuals. "Trips when" is the ECM's detection condition; "fail-safe value" is what the ECM assumes while the code is active.

DF9.9B / DF15A / DF20A, DF25A / DF30A and DF40A / DF50A / DF60A

The three families share the same eleven codes in the same priority order (the DF60A service manual, compiled on the 2010 model, adds a twelfth). Where a figure differs by family it is spelled out.

Code Item Priority Fail-safe Trips when Fail-safe value
3-4 MAP sensor 1 1 Yes No signal, or a signal outside 37 – 860 mmHg (1.45 – 33.85 inHg) (0.2 – 4.5 V), engine running 150 – 758 mmHg (5.9 – 30 inHg), changing with engine speed; DF25A/DF30A also cap speed at 4000 r/min
1-4 Cylinder temp. sensor 2 Yes No signal, or outside – 40 to + 200 °C (– 40 – +392 °F) (0.10 – 4.9 V) on DF9.9B-DF20A and DF25A/DF30A; outside – 46 to + 170 °C (– 114.8 – +338 °F) (0.10 – 4.6 V) on DF60A 60 °C (140 °F)
2-3 IAT sensor 3 Yes No signal, or outside – 40 to + 170 °C (– 40 – +338 °F) (0.10 – 4.8 V) on DF9.9B-DF20A and DF25A/DF30A; outside – 46 to + 169 °C (– 114.8 – +336.2 °F) (0.10 – 4.6 V) on DF60A 45 °C (113 °F)
4-2 CKP sensor 4 No DF9.9B-DF20A: 34 signals not received in one crankshaft rotation. DF25A/DF30A: normal pattern not received over the predetermined crank angle. DF60A: 30 signals not received in one rotation, or a CMP signal during cranking with no CKP signal None
2-4 CMP sensor 5 No Normal CMP pattern not received during eight crankshaft rotations None
2-2 Air intake system 6 Yes Engine runs abnormally fast while the throttle position sensor reads fully closed (criterion 2000 r/min minimum on DF9.9B-DF20A; 2100 r/min on DF25A/DF30A and DF60A). The DF60A manual says check the MAP sensor, IAC system and intake manifold for air leakage Maximum engine speed 2000 r/min
3-2 MAP sensor 2 7 No TPS reads fully closed but MAP sensor voltage exceeds 2.8 V (DF9.9B-DF20A) or 2.4 V (DF25A/DF30A, DF60A) None
4-3 Fuel injector 8 No No operation signal from the ECM None
2-1 Throttle position sensor 9 Yes No signal, or outside 0.2 – 4.8 V Throttle opening fixed at 5 degrees (DF9.9B-DF20A, DF60A) or 30 degrees (DF25A/DF30A)
1-1 Rectifier/regulator (over-charging) 10 No 16 volts or higher None
5-3 Oil pressure switch (remote-control models) 11 No Engine stopped and key ON, but the ECM receives an "off" signal from the switch None
3-7 Trim sensor (DF60A only) 12 No Signal outside 0.2 – 4.8 V Control continues with a fixed 3.5 V sensor output

DF70A / DF75 / DF80A / DF90A / DF100B

The service manual prints the codes in the order below without priority numbers; codes 9-1 to 9-6 apply to keyless start models only.

Code Item Fail-safe Trips when Fail-safe value
3-4 MAP sensor 1 Yes No signal, or outside 38 – 855 mmHg (1.49 – 33.66 inHg) (0.2 – 4.5 V), engine running 150 – 758 mmHg (5.9 – 30 inHg), controlled by engine speed
1-4 Cylinder temp. sensor Yes Outside – 46 to + 170 °C (– 50.8 – +338 °F) (0.10 – 4.6 V) 60 °C (140 °F)
2-3 IAT sensor Yes Outside – 46 to + 169 °C (– 50.8 – +336.2 °F) (0.10 – 4.6 V) 45 °C (113 °F)
4-2 CKP sensor No Normal pattern not received over the predetermined crank angle None
2-4 CMP sensor No Normal pattern not received during three crankshaft rotations None
2-2 Air intake system Yes Abnormally high speed (criterion 2100 r/min minimum) with the TPS reading closed Maximum engine speed 2000 r/min
3-2 MAP sensor 2 (pressure detect passage) No TPS closed but MAP sensor voltage exceeds 2.4 V None
4-3 Fuel injector No No operation signal from the ECM None
2-1 Throttle position sensor Yes Outside 0.2 – 4.8 V Throttle opening 5 degrees
1-1 Rectifier/regulator (over-charging) No 16 V or higher None
5-3 Oil pressure switch No Engine stopped and ignition on, ECM receives an "OFF" signal None
4-1 Model discrimination (ECM and wiring harness mismatch) Yes The ECM's model-ID voltage does not match the input at its terminal Engine speed limited to a maximum of 3000 rpm
3-7 Trim sensor No Outside 0.2 – 4.8 V Fixed 3.5 V sensor output
9-1 Key-fob battery low No Key-fob battery voltage decreased None
9-2 Key-fob authentication error No Authentication error between key-fob and keyless unit None
9-3 Keyless control unit battery low No Keyless control unit power source voltage decreased None
9-4 Keyless system authentication error No ECM ID code does not correspond with the ID registered in the keyless unit None
9-5 Keyless system communication error No ECM cannot receive CAN information from the keyless unit None
9-6 Keyless system failure No Irregularity in the keyless unit's internal circuit None

DF100A / DF115A / DF140A

Code Item Priority Fail-safe Trips when Fail-safe value
3-4 MAP sensor 1 1 Yes No signal or out-of-range signal, engine running 30 – 101.3 kPa, changing with engine speed
1-4 Cylinder temp. sensor 2 Yes No signal, or outside – 46 to + 170 °C (– 50.8 – +338 °F) (0.10 – 4.6 V) 60 °C (140 °F)
2-3 IAT sensor 3 Yes No signal, or outside – 46 to + 169 °C (– 50.8 – +336.2 °F) (0.10 – 4.6 V) 45 °C (113 °F)
4-2 CKP sensor 4 No Pattern not received; or CMP signal received during cranking but no CKP signal None
2-4 CMP sensor 5 No Normal CMP pattern not received None
2-2 Air intake system 6 Yes Abnormally high speed (criterion 2100 r/min minimum) with the TPS reading closed Maximum engine speed 2000 r/min
3-2 MAP sensor 2 7 No TPS closed but MAP sensor voltage exceeds 2.0 V None
1-5 Exhaust manifold temp. sensor 8 Yes No signal, or outside – 46 to + 170 °C (– 50.8 – +338 °F) (0.10 – 4.6 V) 60 °C (140 °F)
4-3 Fuel injector 9 No See service manual None
2-1 Throttle position sensor 10 Yes No signal, or outside 0.2 – 4.8 V Throttle opening 30 degrees
1-1 Rectifier/regulator (over-charging) 11 No 16 V or higher None
5-3 Oil pressure switch 12 No Engine stopped and ignition on, ECM receives an "OFF" signal None
3-7 Trim sensor 13 No See service manual Control continues with a fixed 3.3 V sensor output
5-4 Knock sensor (DF115A/DF140A) 14 Yes No signal, or outside 0.55 – 4.39 V Ignition timing delayed by a predetermined amount
3-6 O2 sensor 15 Yes Fuel-injection compensation exceeds the predetermined value during O2 feedback Not printed in the manual we have
6-3 O2 sensor heater 16 Yes No operation signal from the ECM (open or short in the heater circuit) Not printed in the manual we have

For the DF115B/DF140B, DF150A-DF200A, DF150AP-DF200AP, DF225/DF250, DF250AP/DF300AP and DF300B/DF350A we have no service manual in this set, so use the master table and your dealer's guide.

The first checks you can make yourself

The guide's opening steps are the same for almost every code, and they are the ones worth doing before you call anyone:

  1. Connector. Is the engine wire harness connector firmly connected? If not, connect it firmly.
  2. Terminals. Any deformation or stain on the terminals inside the connector? If yes, the guide's answer is to replace the engine wire harness.
  3. Harness. Inspect visually for damage; if none is found, the next step is a continuity test of the lead wires with a multi-circuit tester, taking care not to damage the terminals.
  4. Battery. Where "low battery voltage" is listed, check that battery voltage is 12V or more; if not, replace or charge the battery. Our battery requirements chart has the minimum sizes.
  5. Anything you added. For code 1-1 the guide's second step is interference from connected electronic devices: disconnect them all, run at idle, and if the code clears reconnect them one at a time to find the culprit.

The last item on nearly every list, "ECM failure", is confirmed by swapping in a known-good ECM and then refitting the original; if the code persists regardless of which ECM is installed, the guide says it is not the ECM and to consult the distributor. That is a dealer procedure; on keyless motors code 9-5 even lists "ECM paired with different keyless control unit" as a cause, so an ECM swap is not a driveway job. For the rest of the electrical side, see the fuse chart and battery cable and wiring guide.

How to clear a code

You do not clear a Suzuki code; you fix the fault. The indication cancels itself once the ECM has received a normal signal for 20 to 30 seconds, and the guide's first ECM step is simply to turn the main switch off, on again, and run at idle: if the code is gone, it was a temporary disturbance. Two exceptions are printed:

  • Code 5-3 (oil pressure switch): after the repair, turn the ignition key OFF once and ON again; the code is cancelled at the second turn-on. The DF25A/DF30A manual also notes this code appears temporarily during an oil pressure test because the switch lead is disconnected.
  • Codes 5-1 and 5-2 (VVT advance): start the engine and hold 3000 rpm for 20 to 30 seconds to activate the VVT; if the code is deleted it was a temporary malfunction.

If a code is tied to a caution lamp you also saw on the water (oil, temperature, battery), the warning light and buzzer guide explains what the motor did and why. For symptoms without a code, start with Suzuki outboard troubleshooting.

Parts for this job

Sensors and harness parts are in the Suzuki electrical and ignition collection. A temperature-related code often goes with a cooling problem, so check the thermostat lookup; a water-in-fuel event points to the fuel filter collection. Orders over $149 ship free to the lower 48.

Sources: Suzuki owner's manuals for DF9.9B/15A/20A, DF25A/30A, DF40A/50A/60A, DF75/DF90A, DF100A/115A/140A, DF115B/140B, DF150A/175A/200A, DF150AP/175AP/200AP, DF250AP/300AP, DF300B/350A; Suzuki service manuals 99500-89L00-01E (DF9.9B/15A/20A), 99500-94L10-01E (DF25A/30A), 99500-88L01-01E (DF60A), 99500-87L10-01E (DF70A/80A/90A/100B), 99500-92J00-01E (DF100A/115A/140A); Suzuki Trouble-shooting Guide 2025. Figures are Suzuki's published values; confirm against the manual for your model year and serial number.