1995 XP Starting Troubles

[earnhardtjp]

Trying to start my Xp but all I get is one beep and that's it. This model does not have the DESS key. Also I have a brand new battery and checked all of the wiring for bad grounds. Anyone have any other ideas, starter maybe? Thanks

 

[kustomkarl]

Check all the fuses first. Than the start button, or the solenoid that controls the starter. Check the button to see if it has continuity through the switch. If it's good go to the starter solenoid and jump across the solenoid with a 14 guage insulated wire. if still nothing check the starter. Process of elimination from the source to the end.

Karl

 

[earnhardtjp]

How do you check the start button? I have the volt meter but I have never done this before. Thanks

 

[earnhardtjp]

Hey uh scratch that start button question. I exposed the starter/relay and jumped it with the wire and the starter clicked over. Yeah for noise other than "BEEEEEP"! Anyways so does this mean I need to buy a new relay? Thanks for the help.

 

[kustomkarl]

It sound like the solenoid is bad. You could try to go to Auto Zone with the old one and match it up. Keep us posted.

Karl

 

[robin savell lloyd]

sory i replied to the wrong message hope you are abe to fix problem.

 

[earnhardtjp]

"Back to the drawing board my dear Watson" said Sherlock Holmes. Ok so I bought a used solenoid from ebay and the guy states it was from a working XP. Good price, SeaDoo dealer and I trusted his word so I picked it up. After installing it and pressing the start button with a big smile.... BEEP! no start. Dang! So I am back to square one. After emailing the guy he assures me that it is a working unit to troubleshoot other areas. So how can I test the start button, safety lanyard stop switch and solenoid safely with a volt meter? I know the starter is good because with the solenoid installed I can cross the terminals and hear it turn over. Thanks

 

[kustomkarl]

Check the continuity of the Safety Switch Lanyard. It is normally "open". The color code of the 2 wires are Black and Black/Yellow.These feed back into the electrical module box. The Start /Stop switch is normally "open". The color codes of the 2 wires are Black, that goes direct to ground, (to stop the engine), and the Yellow/Red that goes to the electrical module box. Check the continuity of this switch too. Keep us posted.


I gave you this information in Post# 2 before you went to buy a solenoid.
If you not sure how to check it, you need a "multimeter" you can buy at radio shack, or any automotive store,(Napa, Auto Zone). Read the instructions on how to check for continunity and where to set it. It is real simple to use. Once you get one and your still confused give me a shout and I'll get you on track. we'll get it figured out.

Karl

 

[earnhardtjp]

I have a digital multimeter but I kept calling it a volt meter so I am good on that. Also I have a basic understanding on testing currents and continuity but the only thing I need help with is where to place the red and black lead, what setting to place it on and what to look for. Example do I unplug the start switch, place the tester inside the plug and press the start button? Also how do I test the solenoid and so on? I hate to sound slow here but I am kind of new to this and sometimes hands on is the best way to learn. Thanks for the help.

 

[derek]

2 different solenoids acted the same. probly not the problem. you don't have dess, but you get a long beep? you sure it isn't dess? what does the lanyard post look like? A: a push-in button you can actuate with your finger, or B: 2 electrical contacts? if A it isn't dess. if B is too. the long beep makes me think it is dess, and batt isn't up to snuff. OR the key isn't programmed to the ski. my old non-dess skis never beep at all. they either work or they don't.

 

[kustomkarl]

The 95 XP does not have a DESS system. It has a safety lanyard system and a start/stop switch. To test the switches...go to the back of the switches and unplug them. We will do a continuity test on the switch.Turn on the multimeter. Switch it to do a continuity test as per the directions included with the multimeter. To test that the multimeter is working, touch the 2 probes together, it should beep. Use the probes of the multimeter and put one on one wire and the other on the other wire going to the switch.( Black and Black/Yellow) It doesn't matter which color is which. Now the switch is "normally open" meaning it is not connected ...no beep from the multimeter. Put the lanyard on the switch. It should beep. Go to the other switch, unplug it and do the same with the Black and Yellow /Red of the start / stop switch. It is "normally open" do the same test. The black wire should be grounded on it's own as it is attached to the ground. Touch the Black wire of the switch and a good ground and it should beep too. That tells us the black wire isn't shorted.

To test the solenoid the red wire coming from the battery goes to one post of the solenoid. The other red wire across to it goes to the starter. Using a 14 guage insulated wire(so you don't get shocked), do a quick jump from to the one to the other. It should make the starter turn over. Let us know when you did these tests and post back. The beep you hear could be either low oil beep I think on that xp or the module is bad and is beeping for no reason. Be sure the battery is charged up fully and both wires off the battery are clean and have a good connections on the starter ground- and Positive + at the starter. Take your time and report back.
Karl

 

[earnhardtjp]

Ok here is what we got on the MM test;

1. Start Switch - MM Beep (OK)
2. Safety Lanyard - MM Beep (OK)
3. Solenoid Red Wire To Starter - MM Beep (OK)
4. Solenoid Terminal Cross 14 ga Wire- Sparks, Starter Turned Over

Symptoms

1. Connect NEW battery to SeaDoo
2. Press start button
3. Audible single beep
4. All 4 red lights illuminate on gauge
5. VTS gauges jumps up
6. No start

*95 XP No dess key*

It sounds like the second solenoid that I bought was a bad one. They say buy cheap twice so I think I will order a new one. If the new one doesn't work we can cross the soelnoid off the list and look at other areas. I will keep you posted on the updates. Thanks for the help

 

[derek]

unbolt ground wire from engine. clean the contact there. it will show continuity, but won't let enough amps go thru to crank. same with red wire on starter end.