8M0123581 | Genuine Mercury® Outboard JPO Gen 2 Steering Actuator

• Mercury Verado L6 (Inline 6-cylinder) outboards equipped with JPO
• Mercury Verado V8 outboards equipped with JPO
• Multi-engine JPO installations, including:
  • Twin-engine boats
  • Triple-engine boats
  • Quad-engine boats

Common boat applications

This steering actuator is found on boats that use Mercury Verado engines with JPO, such as:

• Center console fishing boats
• Offshore fishing boats
• Luxury sport boats
• Express cruisers

Brands that commonly offer these configurations include:

• Boston Whaler
• Sea Ray
• Grady-White
• Scout
• Tiara Yachts
• Formula
• Pursuit
• Everglades
• Regulator

• Precise steering control: The actuator turns the outboard engine left or right more accurately than traditional mechanical steering, especially at low speeds.
• Joystick docking: It enables the boat to move sideways, diagonally, rotate in place, or make other fine maneuvers by coordinating the steering angle of multiple outboard engines with throttle and gear selection. This makes docking much easier.
• Support for advanced boating features: The steering actuator is essential for features such as:
  • Autopilot
  • Skyhook (GPS position holding)
  • Route tracking
  • Automatic heading control
    These features require the actuator to continuously adjust the engine steering angle without driver input.
• Engine synchronization: On boats with twin, triple, or quad outboards, each actuator works together so all engines steer in perfect coordination, improving handling, efficiency, and safety.
• Reduced operator effort: Instead of manually turning a steering wheel during complex maneuvers, the actuator responds instantly to electronic commands, making boat handling smoother and less demanding.

• Steering warning messages
  • "Steering Fault"
  • "JPO Fault"
  • "Steering Actuator Error"
  • Check Engine or SmartCraft steering alarms
• Joystick docking doesn't work properly
  • Boat won't move in the expected direction.
  • Joystick response is delayed or erratic.
  • The system may disable joystick control entirely.
• Hard or unresponsive steering
  • Steering wheel feels stiff.
  • One engine turns slower than the others.
  • Steering may stop working intermittently.
• Engines don't stay synchronized
  • On twin, triple, or quad-engine boats, one engine may point at a different angle than the others.
  • The boat may pull to one side while underway.
• Autopilot or Skyhook stops functioning
  • GPS position-holding (Skyhook) disengages.
  • Autopilot cannot maintain course.
  • Navigation features generate steering-related faults.
• Abnormal noises
  • Clicking
  • Grinding
  • Buzzing
  • Continuous electric motor noise while steering
• Hydraulic fluid leaks
  • Fluid around the steering cylinder or actuator.
  • Low hydraulic fluid level.
  • Oil residue near the steering assembly.
• Slow or jerky steering movement
  • Engine doesn't turn smoothly.
  • Steering hesitates before responding.
  • Movement may be choppy or inconsistent.
• Engine won't reach full steering angle
  • One engine cannot turn fully left or right.
  • Steering range is reduced compared to the other engines.
• Diagnostic fault codes
  • Mercury G3 Diagnostic software may report steering actuator, position sensor, motor, or communication faults.