04 GTI LE RFI - 12v Low

[Aerobatix]

I just bought a pair of SeaDoos, 2004 GTI LE RFI with abot 95 hours on each. Seem to be in good condition. I've cleaned them and run them in the river a few times so far.

Second time out one unit would not start. Had a "Hi Temp" message on the LCD and starter would not engage. Checked batteries and both read 12.6 and I also leave them connected to a Battery Tender maintenance charger when not being used.

A buddy came by to look and suggested we install a battery jump charger and try to start. Started right up! He says replace batteries. Seems to me they are fine but I do like the idea of NEW batteries since I don't know how old the existing batteries are.

I called the local dealer and the service manager said batteries would be a good idea and to bring them in and they would connect the "analyzer" to see if there are any error codes. They check codes and everything is fine.

The tech said to replace the starter relay on the one unit and plugs as well. No error codes for "Hi Temp" or the "12v Low." I buy batteries, plugs and relay. INstall new parts and go out on the river yesterday. They are running great but I get the "12v Low" on the one unit after running for about 5 minutes. I ran it for over an hour with multiple start and stops.

Get home and connect to hose and run it with a multimeter on the battery. Voltage before starting was 11.6. I start it and the voltage goes down to 11.5 after about a minute. Seems like not charging.

I run the other unit with the meter connected. 12.7v before start and 12.7-12.8 while running. No LCD messages and runs fine. Seems like not getting very good charge current back to the battery but MUCH better than the other unit.

I've read about replacing the rectifiers. But, shouldn't I get 14+ v in order to charge the batteries while engine is running. A little help appreciated before I spend hundreds more on parts.

REALLY enjoy riding these Seadoos and these are the first PWC i've owned.

Thanks!!

 

[2001GTXdi]

Rectifier???

Sounds like it may be the rectifier, but it usually will blow a fuse on the MPEM. Mine puts out 12.51 when its off and then 13.6 when it's running. Rectifiers usually go bad because of charging the battery while it's still plugged into the ski. Make sure you disconnect the battery while charging it. I haven't been out west to Estero Blvd. in a while, hope the beach is as nice as I left it.

 

[Aerobatix]

Sounds like it may be the rectifier, but it usually will blow a fuse on the MPEM. Mine puts out 12.51 when its off and then 13.6 when it's running. Rectifiers usually go bad because of charging the battery while it's still plugged into the ski. Make sure you disconnect the battery while charging it. I haven't been out west to Estero Blvd. in a while, hope the beach is as nice as I left it.

Interesting information. I have several Battery Tender maintenance chargers that I tend to plug my various machines into while I am not using them. The idea is to ALWAYS have a fresh battery to start and play with any vehicle we want to enjoy. I use these chargers on cars, boats, airplanes, mowers,etc.

I did plug both SeaDoos into the Battery Tender once I got them and keep them stored indoors with several other vehicles. We went out of town and they were on the chargers for a couple of weeks before I was able to take them to play.

You mention that the Rectifiers may go bad due to the battery being connected to the electrical system while charging. Interesting possibility and I hope that isn't the cause of my problems. My JetBoat has a battery cutoff so you have me considering a cutoff for the SeaDoos as well.

Any other information you can point me to that indicates NOT to charge while the battery is connected to the electrical system?

So, change the rectifiers in BOTH and install cutoffs? I want to get these both performing to the point that they are a "gas and go" fun toy. Appreciate any/all advice!

TIA...

Rob