1997 challenger 1800 just keeps stopping

[Kendo1970]

I'm new to seadoo boats, this thing just randomly stops both motors cut out then I have to take the lanyard off and on again get the 2 beeps then it starts right up. Anyone got any ideas as to what's going on ? Thanks in advance

 

[jhjesse]

Possible loose wire on dess post. Loose/corroded connection some where. Bad dess post. Could be ground wire not making good connection.

 

[Kendo1970]

I checked the battery connections they are good, I'm guessing it could be a needle in a haystack situation eeekkk

 

[Andy4k6]

Sounds like a poor dess connection to me, If you have a spare key I would give that a try.

Andy

 

[Kendo1970]

I don't have a spare is there anyway to bypass it ?

 

[Andy4k6]

No simple way of doing so and even if you did you would then need to fit a standard kill switch.

I might be wrong as I don't have dess on my boat but I believe some people have used a cable tie on the key to tighten the connection. I.e leaving a cable tie on the key permanently but not so tight that it stops it coming off.

 

[jhjesse]

Ok as I said in post 2, check for a loose corroded wire on the DESS post. Open the compartment and remove the tub. Reach down and gently pull on the wires coming from the post. Look with a flash light and see if anything looks abnormal.
Take your lanyard and clean it really good with soap and water, then use a pencil eraser on the inside. Also while you are at it clean the DESS post good with soap and water then use a pencil eraser on it as well.
DESS post go bad quite often. You can purchase a new one relatively inexpensive as soon as you figure out if yours is bad or just dirty.
I don't think you can rig up a toggle switch in place of the DESS post as the MPEM reads the chip/magnet inside the lanyard.
http://www.shopsbt.com/jetski/sea-doo-dess-post-4-wiredess-post-278002325.html

 

[Kendo1970]

I'll give that a shot thanks jhjesse [emoji106]

 

[Kendo1970]

So I checked for loose wires on the dess post all looks good I cleaned the post and key and it still does it I will try a cable tie on the key next, it doesn't seam loose but what the heck I'll give that a go and see. Any other ideas from you guys ?
Thanks in advance [emoji106]

 

[jhjesse]

Open the fuse panel and pull each fuse one at a time, clean with electric cleaner and replace using dielectric grease.

 

[howie099]

If no 2nd key take it to the dealer and you will get hit for like $150 or so with key but you will know for sure than.