Troubleshooting Checklist - Codes 553, 554, & 555
Troubleshooting Checklist – Codes 553, 554, & 555
1. Notes Before Beginning:
Background – Fault Codes 553, 554 and 555 are related to the GPS signal Ride is receiving from the boat. Each is specific to help understand precisely what problem must be overcome for proper Ride operation.
Separate NMEA 2000 and Seakeeper Ride CAN Networks –
Seakeeper Ride CAN is not to be connected to NMEA 2000 Cables. The two networks must be built separately. Seakeeper Ride Software Module receives one (1) drop from the NMEA 2000 CAN network on a dedicated port. In no other location shall the networks be connected to each other. No other CAN networks shall be connected to Seakeeper Ride.
Clearing Fault Codes – For some Faults within the Ride system, to clear the fault and proceed with normal automatic operation, the operator must acknowledge the fault by selecting the center button on the keypad or MFD. For Codes 553, 554 and 555 this is not the case, these will clear automatically once proper conditions are met.
Software Updates – Ride always recommends updating to the newest software version in order for the troubleshooting guide below to be most relevant up to date and helpful. You can find software update instructions here – Vessel Attitude Control System | Motion Control Software Updates
GPS signal influence on Ride motion detection – Ride uses GPS signals for operation. As a result, Ride will indicate to the operator if there are problems with the GPS signal it is receiving. Furthermore, sometimes GPS antennas report inaccurate speeds and locations as they power up and receive their correct location fix. These inaccuracies can trigger motion related faults such as 508 Trim Angle Out of Range, 509 List Angle Out of Range on the Ride system. When this occurs, those motion related faults (508, 509) can be cleared once the GPS signal is corrected. Therefore, if you see multiple fault codes and 553, 554, or 555 are indicated among them, troubleshoot the GPS related 553, 554 or 555 first.
Ride GPS source selection – Seakeeper Ride will automatically select a GPS source which demonstrates it has the most accuracy of those antennas on the NMEA 2000 network. Once the boat is underway and Seakeeper Ride is operational, if that GPS source degrades or disconnects, it might throw any of the 553, 554, or 555 faults. Slowing the boat down to a stop allows for the automatic feature to adjust and find an alternative source. Additionally, it is possible to manually override the automatic selection and choose a source.
Faults and Meanings –
- 553 – EPE Fault
- This fault indicates that the NMEA 2000 network hardware is found but the GPS signal is of poor quality which may result in notably poor Ride performance. This can be a result of the location of the GPS antenna being obstructed by metal or carbon fiber, the geographical location of the boat, or hardware related to the GPS antenna.
- 554 – NMEA 2000 Fault
- This fault indicates that the Ride Software Module does not see the hardware for a proper NMEA 2000 network. Note that a properly constructed NMEA 2000 network requires power, terminator resistors and drops to interconnect devices.
- 555 – GPS Fix Loss Fault
- This fault indicates that the NMEA 2000 network hardware is found, but there is no qualified GPS antenna writing to the network. The GPS source must identify itself on the network as well as have a ‘fix’ or established satellite connection.
- If needed, contact Seakeeper Ride for full details on what PGNs are required for Ride function.
- This fault indicates that the NMEA 2000 network hardware is found, but there is no qualified GPS antenna writing to the network. The GPS source must identify itself on the network as well as have a ‘fix’ or established satellite connection.
2. Fault 553 – EPE
A. GPS Signal Quality Check
☐ Check Ride GPS source: Menu → Ride Info → GPS
On this page you can see the signal quality of the GPS. Seakeeper Ride looks for an EPE less than 5.0 for proper signal quality. If this value is consistently over 5.0, the 553 fault will trigger.
B. Is there only one Antenna displayed?
☐ YES → Continue
☐ NO → Multiple Antennas Available → Manually select a different Antenna. Operate the boat at speed and determine if this selection has a better signal quality when underway. Repeat as necessary to determine best antenna for underway signal quality.
C. Review antenna hardware quality
☐ Check for obstructions to Anteanna including t-tops, biminis, large carbon fiber structures, etc.
☐ If possible, relocate antenna to have clear, unobstructed view of horizon.
☐ Check antenna hardware for bad or loose connections.
☐ Check NMEA 2000 network for bad or loose connections.
☐ If problem persists, consider replacing or adding a new GPS antenna to the NMEA 2000 network.
A. Fault 554 – NMEA 2000
A. Does the fault appear at Seakeeper Ride equipment startup?
☐ YES → Continue
☐ NO → Fault occurs intermittently → Go to Intermittent 554 Section.
B. Software Module to NMEA 2000 Connection Check:
☐ NMEA plug fully seated in Software Module.
☐ NMEA drop is connected to the correct port on Software Module.
☐ NMEA cable is connected to NMEA 2000 drop location on NMEA 2000 network.
☐ No bent pins/corrosion.
☐ Cable not damaged.
☐ Verify NMEA 2000 network is not cross connected to Seakeeper Ride network (CAN Stats page).
C. NMEA 2000 network powered and terminated correctly?
☐ Verify power to NMEA 2000 Network (check for blown fuse or breaker).
☐ Terminator resistors are on NMEA 2000 Network.
☐ Is Ride Software Module present on NMEA network? → Go to MFD manufacturer manual to review network devices shown on network.
☐ No damage/corrosion.
D. If the fault persists:
Follow the Warranty & Replacement Procedure section. A Ride Support specialist will determine whether replacement components are required.
B. Intermittent 554 Fault
A. Do other GPS dependent items on the boat fail intermittently?
Troubleshoot your NMEA 2000 Network hardware.
☐ NMEA Power Tee correctly powered.
☐ NMEA network is built with proper terminator resistors.
☐ NMEA drops and backbones conform to correct sizing as specified by NMEA 2000.
☐ No bent pins/corrosion.
☐ Cable not damaged
☐ Verify NMEA 2000 network is not cross connected to Seakeeper Ride network.
☐ Check physical connectors.
☐ No errors shown on CAN Statistics page (go to Seakeeper Ride app on MFD → Settings → Info → CAN Statistics).
B. Backbone Power
☐ Voltage confirmed with multimeter.
☐ Reset power if unstable.
C. Terminators
☐ Terminators installed at both ends
☐ Replace if missing/damaged
D. If the fault persists:
Follow the Warranty & Replacement Procedure section. A Ride Support specialist will determine whether replacement components are required.
C.Fault 555 – Loss GPS Fix
A. Allow time for all equipment to start up.
☐ Power on the boat and allow to sit for 5 minutes with clear visibility to the sky.
- → If Seakeeper Ride receives power before the GPS both receives power and obtains a reliable fix, a 555 fault will occur. Make sure to allow enough time for all boat systems to power up and establish communication before attempting to troubleshoot. The 555 fault should automatically clear once GPS connection is established.
B. Does the Fault Appear at Ride Equipment Startup?
YES, but it will clear after a few minutes → See the above section Allow time for all equipment to start up.
YES, and it will never clear → Continue to GPS Obstruction Check
NO, faults occur intermittently while underway → Continue to the next section.
C. GPS Obstruction Check
☐ Verify boat is outdoors with clear sky view, no obstructions from buildings, canopies, covers, etc. Move boat to clear location if possible. Clear overhead obstructions from antenna, especially metal or carbon fiber if possible.
☐ Once Obstruction Check is complete move onto MFD Check
D. MFD Check
Is GPS fix demonstrated on MFD?
YES → ☐ Follow MFD Manufacturer guidance to have GPS fix output to NMEA 2000 bus (some MFDs have this as an option which can be selected on or off). Continue to other GPS Dependent Items.
- ☐ Verify the MFD which is demonstrating GPS fix is connected on the same NMEA 2000 network as Seakeeper Ride.
NO → ☐ Troubleshoot NMEA 2000 Network antenna to provide valid GPS signal for all devices.
E. Do other GPS dependent items on the boat fail intermittently?
YES → Review hardware from GPS antenna to the NMEA 2000 backbone for loose connections, terminators or similar hardware. Consider replacing hardware if possible.
☐ Plugs properly seated.
☐ No bent pins/corrosion.
☐ Cables not damaged.
☐ Tees not damaged.
Note: if hardware failure is between NMEA 2000 backbone and Software Module it will display as 554.
F. If the fault persists:
Follow the Warranty & Replacement Procedure section. A Ride Support specialist will determine whether replacement components are required.
5. Warranty / Replacement Procedure (If Needed)
Gather the following:
- ☐ Software Module serial number.
- ☐ Photos of wiring layout/routing (when applicable).
- ☐ List of electrical devices active when the fault occurs (when applicable).
- ☐ Notes on any intermittent communication behavior.
☐ Open a Ride Support case documenting all findings.
☐ Ensure troubleshooting details are included in the case.
☐ If a component is confirmed defective, a replacement will be issued per Seakeeper warranty policy.