12 volt low on my panel ?

[haroldpuertorico]

Hi everybody , Ihave a sea doo gtx rfi 2001 . On my panel appears the word 12 volt low , i charged the battery full before use and in a couple of hours the battery was discharged . what can i do or what can i need to check , Thanks......

 

[seadoosnipe]

Rectifier or fuse?....

Sounds like you have a bad fuse or a regulator/rectifier that is shot. These are the two most likely causes. Which, is also something you can do yourself.

Charge your battery back up. Use a multi meter tester to check the voltage. Set the multi tester selector to 20VDC. Now, touch the electrodes to the positive (red) and the ground (black) and get a reading. It's probably going to be somewhere around 12 volts are slightly higher.

Now, start the ski (charger disconnected) and while running, take a reading on the battery again. If your regulator/rectifier is working properly and your fuse isn't blown, you shoul be getting a reading anywhere from 13.5 to 14 VDC.

Let us know what you find out!.......:cheers:

 

[BOND007]

Added comment

Hi,
I have a 1998 GTX LTD and I frequently get the message '12Volt low' on my display. I have tested it many times with a multi-meter and the lowest voltage I have ever recorded is 12.6volts, but mostly 12.8-13.2. Also when tested with the motor running it is always 13.6 - 14.2 volt charging. There is never any shortage of cranking power. Recently, I accidentally submerged my ski and filled the motor with water. While clearing the water, lubricating, and re-launching I cranked the motor more than 100 times yet the panel was showing '12volt low' frequently during this process. I never ran out of strong cranking power. When I checked with local SeaDoo mechanics they said there is an occasional fault in the computer that causes this display. They said it involves a computer clear/reset. If your ski is still starting OK, this may well be your problem (i.e. it may be a 'display' problem rather than an electrical problem).. So by following the instructions of SeaDooSnipe you will have a good idea whether your battery (a) is holding a reasonable voltage (e.g. 12V or more) and (b) is accepting a charge from the motor.This will at least set your mind at rest or identify a definite fault until you can have it attended to. You can get a multi-meter to test 12volt electricals for about $12 from a radioshop, hardware store or electrical supply shop. It is pretty much a must for every SeaDoo toolkit I suspect.
Best
Rob

 

[jwick86]

I know my 97 GTX and two friends with 96 GTX all say battery low when we try to start in the morning. Never a problem starting and plenty of juice with a multimeter. Did a load test on all three and all were good. Mine is brand new last summer so I'm guessing its just an incorrect reading from the computer saying low 12v. If it starts and runs good, I wouldn't go digging around for anything.

 

[faded]

my 97 GSX does this as well. starts right up though.

 

[haroldpuertorico]

Resolved Problem

Thanks for all response of the forum , I change the rectifier and BINGO !!!!
It was the problem , so thanks .....:hurray:

 

[nswillin]

Nice!! :driving: Go have fun!

 

[bob30247]

how much was the rectifier?
how hard was it to change?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Rectifier/regulator....?

His rectifier was about $160 bucks, depending on where you get it. It's a simple plug type component. His is in the rear electrical box, usually held by two screws. They normally have air slot fins on them to help remove heat.

The 951cc engines incorporate their rectifier/regulator with the MPEM, which I feel is a bad design flaw. Since, it makes you purchase the entire MPEM is something goes wrong with it. cheers: