2000 Legacy Dash gauges are not working

[pgr74]

Year 2 for me owning this beauty, I love this boat but as most older things; time to give it some love... My gauges are not working. I was told it was some type of box that isn't working and needs to be replaced. Would anyone know what this part is called?

Also the guy I bought it from removed the heater, are these difficult to find? I'd love to put one back in for those early AM Ski sessions.

[Mischief IV]

Wakemakers offers a model. Google for more options and pricing.
https://www.wakemakers.com/heater-craft-marine-heater-system.html

Not sure on gauges.

[pgr74]

Thanks, I'll look into that heater!

[tracetrimble]

I recently replaced all the gauges in my 00 Launch. It's not hard if you have some experience with wiring.

https://forum.supraboats.com/showthread.php?19457-2000-Launch-Dash-Rebuild

[Sweetcheez]

I've replaced the MDC board twice in my 2000 Legacy. Both within the first 3 years owning the boat. Original owner and still love it!
What I have done every winter since then is remove it when winterizing and store it in a warm DRY place until spring. Water flows through the board and freezes if left in over the winter. No problems since.

[Trowerpower]

Good morning ! I also have a 2000 Legacy and I just replaced the MDC board but a mechanic quit that was working on it. I have a green wire with a small eye-lit on the wire, where does it land? Love the boat, still slalom skiing at 62, never dreamed I would be! Thanks for the tip, removing the MDC board from the boat in the winter. That is probably why it went bad!18793

[pgr74]

Thanks, I had the control box replaced. It was completely corroded so now I have 2 (speed, RPM) of the 7 gauges working. They mentioned that the gauges might be blown so I was going to replace them (bought some Sierras) but unfortunately the wiring system on the gauges I bought aren't the same as the gauges in the 2000 I own. My gauges have a quick connect that I would prefer to keep using instead of cutting wires. Anyone know where to buy these gauges? I haven't found any retailer that carries them!

[tracetrimble]

People should really consider ditching the MDC and switching to analog gauges. It's not that hard to do, and will teach you a lot about your boat if you haven't done this kind of thing. Whoever wrote the link I posted above from the MC forum did a great job.

All the analog gauge signal wiring is in place in your boat, it just feeds into the MDC box which converts it to digital signals to the gauges. The way my 2000 Launch was wired, the engine harness (with all the gauge signal wires) comes up to the dash, and then the gauge wires go back to the MDC at the rear starboard side of the hull. The MDC signal wires then come back up to the dash. I was able to cut about 20' of wiring harness out of the circuit, and just splice into the engine harness under the dash.

The Faria gauge kit I used has a much better "feel" than the OEM Medallion stuff (heavier, nicer materials, better illumination), and cost around $175. I replaced pretty much my entire dash (gauges, switches, breakers), and even had new dash bezels custom made for less than the cost of just a new MDC box. I'm surprised you can actually still buy replacement MDC boxes. Replacements are sure to get harder and harder to find.

I read somewhere that the MDC was a technology that was looking for a home at the time. I feel the same way about it as I do the touchscreens they put in all new boats now... Hard pass!

[tracetrimble]

https://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=61353

[pgr74]

Thanks Yeah, that box was 900 CND to change it!

Great feedback, really appreciate.

[docdrs]

Thanks Yeah, that box was 900 CND to change it!

Great feedback, really appreciate.

Wowser, where ya from?

[docdrs]

Here is a great video for explanation of the mdc controller and options

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0WD415V3gBA

[Trowerpower]

Has anyone installed one of the replacement gauge kits from inboardpartsonline.com? Sounds like they have a kit for my 2000 Legacy.

Sent from my SM-P550 using Tapatalk

[tracetrimble]

That website doesn't exist. If you're talking about this (https://www.skiboatpartsonline.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=25_112&product_id=529&limit=100), very overpriced IMO. I paid $180 for a set of higher quality Faria gauges. Looks like they're making their money on the wiring harness, but wiring it from scratch is not that difficult. I had all the wire I needed, in the right colors, in the leftovers from eliminating the MDC.

[Trowerpower]

Sorry, its www.skiboatpartsonline.com.

I am working with Ron to replace all my gauges and do away with the DDS system. After sending him photos of the switch's,gauges and the circuit board he has determined none of his systems will work in my odd ball wiring system. However, he can make a system that will work.

Anybody want to buy a brand new Speedo control box?

Sent from my SM-P550 using Tapatalk

[tracetrimble]

I think you are overthinking this. The analog signal wires for the tach (grey), oil pressure (light blue), and temp (tan) senders are in the motor harness. The fuel gauge is a pink wire that comes from the fuel tank. Find those wires, bypass all the funky factory wiring and circuit board(?), and connect them to a set of analog gauges. It is really pretty simple.

[td in nc]

I think you are overthinking this. The analog signal wires for the tach (grey), oil pressure (light blue), and temp (tan) senders are in the motor harness. The fuel gauge is a pink wire that comes from the fuel tank. Find those wires, bypass all the funky factory wiring and circuit board(?), and connect them to a set of analog gauges. It is really pretty simple.

I agree - it is not difficult, cheaper and a long term fix

[Trowerpower]

I agree - it is not difficult, cheaper and a long term fixGuys the boat is in Tn. And i live in nky. So it is difficult for me to work on it myself. Furthermore, my boat is wired completely differentl than most Supras of this vintage. Will gain GPS speedo, i am happy about that.

Sent from my SM-P550 using Tapatalk

[Trowerpower]

Replaced my gauges and MDC 1600 box with FARIA gauge kit with two GPS Speedos. They work well and look great. I have a new DMV 1600 box for sale if anyone is interested.