'05 RXT "Check Engine light" when cold - no codes

[amarshan]

Hi,

I have an odd problem that just started a couple of days ago. When the engine is first started, after 5-10 seconds the "check engine" diagnostic light comes on. The console indicates "CHK ENGINE", but no diagnostic code. When this happens, the power drops and the engine runs rougher. It feels like it has entered some kind of "limp home" mode.

Shutting the Seadoo down after it has warmed up, removing the key, and restarting clears the problem, and it stays cleared for the rest of the day. It only seems to be the first start of the day that is problematic.

Anyone else encounter this problem? What did you have to do to cure it?

Thank you very much,

Amar

 

[custompartsguy]

faulty sensor?

 

[kustomkarl]

I would check all the wiring for a loose connection. It might be a sensor connection not getting a good connection. If it persists you might have to have the dealer put it on the BUDS,(Bombardier Utility Diagnose System) to check it out.

Karl

 

[amarshan]

I thought it might be a sensor (or loose connection to same), so I did go through and check all wiring was tight already. They all appear to be tight.

I don't think it's a loose connection, anyway. If it was, I wouldn't expect it to only be a problem when the machine is started for the first time each day, would you?

Up here in Canada, the dealers charge outrageous prices for everything. I'd be looking at a $500 bill taking it in to the dealer ... which is why I think it's worth doing some checking of things first!

Thanks for replying, guys. If anyone has had this problem with the check engine light when the Seadoo is first started up, or has suggestions as to which sensor to try replacing, I'd really appreciate it!

Cheers,

Amar

 

[custompartsguy]

when you say first thing in the morning it tells me 2 things,
1 it is first thing in the morning, gets warmer out as the day goes on
2 it is just before you are taking your ski out, its gonna get warmer as the day goes on, these could have something to do with it, may not, could be 1 of many different things. An intermittant problem is a pain in the butt.

 

[custompartsguy]

sounds like it might be a faulty temp sensor, you will most likely have to take it in and have it scanned.

 

[amarshan]

Thanks for the suggestions!

It's not a loose connection. First thing I did was check for loose wiring; everything is secure. Actually, I'm not surprised - a loose connection wouldn't cause a problem only at the time of first start. It looks to me like it's either lubrication or temperature related ...

I agree, I'll probably have to take it in to be scanned. The only thing is, my local dealership rips one off royally - I'll wager that I'll wind up paying $500, regardless of what the problem is. :-( Hence the desire to try to figure out simple problems myself, first ...

Faulty temp sensor sounds very plausible!

Anyways, if anyone has seen these symptoms before, I'd certainly welcome the advice. Otherwise, I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and pay the local dealers their extortionate rate ... Sigh.

Cheers,

Amar

 

[kustomkarl]

It might be cheaper to just replace the temp sensor... It might be a shorted out one.

Karl

 

[rookie101]

Just checked the parts link at the top right of the page, and a coolant temperature sensor is 41 bucks for your ski. For the cost just replace it and go from there.

It's listed under "cylinder assembly with exhaust manifold" part number 37 in the diagram.

Aaron:cheers:

 

[amarshan]

Thank you very much for all the feedback! Excellent suggestions all.

I'll pick up a temp. sensor and replace it. I'll let the forum whether it fixes the problem!

Thanks again,

Amar

 

[kustomkarl]

It might or not might fix it, but if it is temp related, it should be cheaper than having a tech slam you for running it on the BUDS.

 

[amarshan]

It might or not might fix it, but if it is temp related, it should be cheaper than having a tech slam you for running it on the BUDS.

Exactly! Rest assured, I won't blame anyone if it doesn't work. But, as you say, the cost is so low that it's well worth trying before paying the dealership's rates ...

By the way, this is an awesome forum! Your quick responses are fantastic, and I will certainly join as a premium member ...

Amar

 

[amarshan]

OK. It turns out that the problem is not related to the temp sensor. I finally coaxed an error code out of the seadoo - it's code P0352.

According to the service manual, this is "Ignition coil #2 open circuit or shorted to ground or to 12V". Possible causes are: damaged coil, damaged circuit wires, damaged connector or damaged ECM output pins.

This error code appears when the RXT is started for the first time each day. It's cleared by re-starting the engine. It sometimes re-appears, and makes a nuisance of itself through a couple of engine re-starts, and after that is fine for the whole day.

Shall I just replace the ignition coil #2? I don't imagine those are terribly expensive ... Any other suggestions?

 

[rookie101]

There should be a resistance test for the coil in your manual, but it may test good since the problem is somewhat intermittent. Check all your connections, and if they look good just replace the coil.

Aaron:cheers: