SONAR TEST - No transducer connected investigation guide

How to solve the "No transducer connected" error – Complete troubleshooting guide for Raymarine AXIOM SONAR.

This FAQ is part of our new series for troubleshooting SONAR systems. Here you will find detailed guides for investigating and solving common problems, including interference and settings. Whether you use an RV, RVM, or AIRMAR CHIRP SONAR system, we offer step-by-step instructions to ensure optimal performance. Do you need help with installation or testing? Then this is the right place.

Related guides

PART 1 – SONAR ERROR: No transducer connected
PART 2 – Introduction to SONAR Interference
PART 3 – SONAR Interference Investigation – Manual Setting
PART 4 – SONAR Setting & Test: When SONAR is not affected by interference
PART 5 – SONAR Setting & Test: When SONAR is affected by interference
PART 6 – RV and RVM Transducer Sense Resistor Test

Important to know

NOTE: If you are not familiar with these systems, contact Product Support or an authorized Raymarine dealer for help with setup and testing.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

STEP 1 – Select Sonar Channel & Frequency

1. Press MENU
   
2. Select CHANNEL and then the desired sonar channel and frequency. Example: Internal SONAR on AXIOM 2 PRO RVM with HIGH CHIRP.
   
3. If no transducer is detected, the channel options are grayed out.
   
4. If you select All Channels, you will see all SONAR channels and whether a transducer is connected.
   

Example: Internal SONAR on AXIOM PRO 9 RVX and AXIOM 2 PRO RVM – no transducer detected.

STEP 2 – Check transducer connection

Ensure all connections are correct and free from damage. If the error is intermittent, go to STEP 5.

1. Turn off the system, unplug and inspect all cables and connectors. Look for corrosion or water contamination.
   
2. Replace damaged parts, reconnect and test. If the problem persists, continue to the next step.

STEP 3 – Update software

Ensure AXIOM has Lighthouse 4.5.84 or later. Download the latest version here.

STEP 4 – Power-on reset

1. Save/export settings and data.
2. Perform a power-on reset. See instructions here.

NOTE: Do not restore saved settings until the system is functioning normally.

STEP 5 – Check transducer sense resistor

Follow our guide for RV/RVM sense resistor test: Create a support ticket here.

STEP 6 – Test with new transducer

If the resistance is correct but the error persists, test with a new transducer (via dealer). Do not install – just plug in and test in water.

Conclusion

If the problem persists after all steps, the AXIOM is likely suffering from a hardware fault. Contact Raymarine service via the support portal.