1996 sportster won't start

[gdwhetz31]

I have a '96 sportster. It will not give me the single "beep" when in neutral to allow it to start. I have bypassed the neutral switch and still the same...won't start. The problem started when it would take 6-10 times shifting into neutral to get the beep....now it won't give the single "beep" at all, only the 4 beep s saying it is not in neutral.. What should I look at?? A Friend said it could be the Mpem......is there something else I should check before spending the money to replace the mpem? I am a novice in working on these boats. Any advise would be welcome.

Thanks!

 

[gdwhetz31]

Bump.... Anyone have an ideas??

Thanks

 

[Coastiejoe]

I will need to do a search but there is a black box that works in conjunction with the shifter as well. It basically acts as a cut out to ensure no high revs while shifting.

Just landed in Houston, once I check in I will find the post I am thinking off.

 

[kicker]

I dont know much of these boats but I found this in the manual. Are you getting the 2 short beeps when you install the lanyard?

Install safety lanyard on boat’s DESS post. The
MPEM will be energized instantly and will check
the safety lanyard cap. If the lanyard is not programmed
for the boat, the beeper emits one long
beep. If it is programmed, the beeper emits 2
short beep and the gauges outlet will be activated
for 33 seconds.
When pressing the start/stop switch (any switch
on Speedster) while shifter lever is NOT in neutral
position, beeper will emit 4 short beeps. To start
engine, shifter lever must be in neutral position. A
short beep while moving shifter confirms the right
position.

Check your DESS post to make sure that is working properly, if you are only getting 1 beep when you put the key in, and you should be getting 2. This is how you can check your post.
If the DESS system is not working, you can check
the DESS wire as follow. Disconnect the connector
behind dashboard. Measure the resistance between
center post terminal and the WHITE/GREY
wire. The reading should not be greater than
1 MW. Otherwise replace DESS post. The DESS
system can be diagnosed with the beep codes.

 

[howie099]

You're sure you bypassed the neutral safty switch correctly? That is what is still sounds like it you kept of having to make sure the lever was in neutral by moving is around a bunch of times. I would look for another saftery switch to swap out in its place or test the switch to make sure it is bad. I haven't heard of the MPEM failing becuase of the neutral safty switch but anything is possible.

 

[gdwhetz31]

You're sure you bypassed the neutral safty switch correctly? That is what is still sounds like it you kept of having to make sure the lever was in neutral by moving is around a bunch of times. I would look for another saftery switch to swap out in its place or test the switch to make sure it is bad. I haven't heard of the MPEM failing becuase of the neutral safty switch but anything is possible.

Thanks for the reply. I replaced the neutral switch and still had the problem. I bypassed the switch correctly and still have the problem..... I was told it could be the Mpem. I am hoping there is something easier to fix than that.

 

[gdwhetz31]

I dont know much of these boats but I found this in the manual. Are you getting the 2 short beeps when you install the lanyard?

Install safety lanyard on boat’s DESS post. The
MPEM will be energized instantly and will check
the safety lanyard cap. If the lanyard is not programmed
for the boat, the beeper emits one long
beep. If it is programmed, the beeper emits 2
short beep and the gauges outlet will be activated
for 33 seconds.
When pressing the start/stop switch (any switch
on Speedster) while shifter lever is NOT in neutral
position, beeper will emit 4 short beeps. To start
engine, shifter lever must be in neutral position. A
short beep while moving shifter confirms the right
position.

Check your DESS post to make sure that is working properly, if you are only getting 1 beep when you put the key in, and you should be getting 2. This is how you can check your post.
If the DESS system is not working, you can check
the DESS wire as follow. Disconnect the connector
behind dashboard. Measure the resistance between
center post terminal and the WHITE/GREY
wire. The reading should not be greater than
1 MW. Otherwise replace DESS post. The DESS
system can be diagnosed with the beep codes.

Thanks for the reply....I read that as well. I replaced the neutral switch, put it in neutral and still get 4 beeps....this is frustrating for sure