1999 GTX RFI won't start

[Rblancha]

I just picked up a 1999 GTX RFI with an apparent electrical problem. It just clicks when I push the start button. The first thing I did was replace the battery. I took one out of another ski that started just fine. Then I replacd the solenoid relay switch. Does the same thing. When I connect the laynard, the ski beeps once and the gauges come on. I push the start button and all it does is click in the rear electrical box. I also checked the fuses in the rear box. Haven't touched the front box or MPEM. Thought for sure the relay was the problem. Now I'm thinking it's the starter but not entirely convinced of that. Any advice?

 

[LouDoo]

One Beep

Here is a list of symptoms for one beep, you should have 2 beeps.

• Bad connection between safety
lanyard cap.
• Remove and replace the safety lanyard on
the post until 2 short beeps are heard to
indicate the system is ready to allow engine
starting.
• Unprogrammed or defective safety
lanyard.
• Use the safety lanyard that has been
programmed for the watercraft. If it does
not work, check safety lanyard condition
with the programmer. Replace safety
lanyard if reported defective.
• Dried salt water or dirt in safety
lanyard cap.
• Clean safety lanyard cap to remove dried
salt water or dirt.
1 long beep (when
installing safety lanyard
on watercraft post
or when pressing
start/stop button).
• Improper operation of MPEM or
defective wiring harness.
• Refer to ENGINE MANAGEMENT.

Lou

 

[Rblancha]

Thanks for the quick reply. I reconnected the laynard and now get 2 beeps. But still same problem. Almost sounds like the starter is shot. Here the clicks in the back and hear a faint sound in the starter.

 

[LouDoo]

Starter

Sounds like the starter to me. If you decide to buy a new starter do NOT by one of the $50.00 starters on EBay, they're pretty much crap.

It's not an easy job to change the starter so either buy a new one (lots $$$$), or buy a good used one. The best solution is to rebuild the one you have. You can buy a rebuild kit for about $30.00.

Before you buy a new starter make sure that your battery is good, sometimes your battery can show 12v. but not have enough current to start your ski. Kinda like in your car when you have enough power to play the radio but not start the car. You can jump your ski to another vehicle, just make sure the donor vehicle is NOT running.

Also check and make sure there is no corrosion on the battery/starter cables.

Lou

 

[crazychucky8]

I had a similar problem last week after removing the carbs to clean. Once I put everything back together I had the same result as you. I too replaced the relay solenoid. It still did the same thing. I checked the terminals and needed to clean them and had to replace one as well. However, this still didn't work. So, I took a screw driver and bridged the battery power cable and the starter power cable to test the starter (jump start the starter, so to speak) to test the starter. When I did this the starter turned. After that I put the lanyard back on and try starting the ski and it ended up starting. I guess ultimately it just needed a jump start after being disconnected for a week and a half. If you try to bridge the cables don't hold the screwdriver there too long. Just quick enough to turn the starter.
Hope this helps.

 

[Rblancha]

Thanks for the input. I've tried everything and that starter isn't turning. So I decided to try and pull it out today. Didn't succeed. Any tips? There seems to be 2 posts on the end, one of which had a 13mm nut on it. On the other one, the nut seemed to be missing or I just couldn't feel it. There also appears to be a bracket on the other end holding it on. Can't get to that nut. It appears to be a round bolt that takes a hex fittings. Got a mirror and that's the best I can make out. Almost impossible to get to unless I start taking things out. That bracket seems to be the key and a real pain. Any thoughts on what needs to come out to reach this bolt and pull this thing out?

 

[LouDoo]

Starter

It's not an easy job, this is why its important not to buy a cheap starter. You don't want to do this more than you have to.

If you remove the exhaust manifold the job is much easier, the catch is you have to remove the exhaust manifold. Choose your poison.

Lou

 

[olds72]

I recently changed my starter and it was a PITA. The rear bolt is difficult to get to. I didn't remove my exhaust. The starter will slide through the small opening next to the mag cylinder and exhaust.

 

[crazychucky8]

Unfortunately there is no easy way to remove the starter. As mentioned above the best way to do it is to remove the exhaust. Even then you may have some difficulty as in some cases the carbs and air box sit above the starter and make it hard to reach it. Good luck! Hopefully it won't be a PITA!
If you end up removing the exhaust be warned! Mine had a guide bolt on the bottom side of the exhaust that is hard to get to. You need (preferrebly) a Half Moon Reverseable Gear Wrench to get to it. At least, that will make your job much easier!
Look up in the manual, it may give you a better way to get to your starter.

 

[Rblancha]

The rear bolt is definitely a PITA! How did you get it out? Pliers or hex wrench? Or some other method? If so what size hex was it? Better question how did you get it back in?

 

[crazychucky8]

Mine was a 15mm bolt. It also does not come all the way out. It only helps the exhaust sit properly back onto the block. I kept trying to get the bolt completely out and finally gave up only to find out that it doesn't come out. I found that it was easier to loosen this bolt first. Then remove the other bolts. Once you get to the last bolt, you may have to pull the exhaust away from the block occassionally to in order to have room to pull the bolt out.
A friend of mine fabricated a tool to help get the rear bolt out. We took a 15 mm box wrech and cut the handle off so that the tool is now about 2 inches long. That's why I suggested you find or purchase a Half Moon Reversible Gear Wrench. However, I only found these online. None of the Auto stores carried them in house. Home Depot and Lowes don't carry them either.
You'll also want to purchase some ATV Exhaust Gasket for when you put the exhaust back together. Unless your gaskets are in good shape.

 

[Rblancha]

Thanks for this information on the exhaust. My question was in reference to the rear bolt on the starter bracket? What tool is used to get it off?

 

[crazychucky8]

Sorry! Ummm, I would just throw a guess out there that it may be an Allen Wrench
Where in Ga are you located?

 

[Rblancha]

I'm in Columbus, Ga. I've narrowed it down to a 6mm hex. But can't really get the hex wrench in there to turn it. Wondering if someone used another method or tool.

 

[crazychucky8]

How much space do you think you have to get X tool in place to remove the bolt?

 

[Rblancha]

I said hex above. I meant 6mm allen wrench. I don't have much space. That is the problem. Having a very difficult time getting the allen wrench on the bolt. That is why I was wondering if there is another tool that would work better. It is really tight.

 

[olds72]

I said hex above. I meant 6mm allen wrench. I don't have much space. That is the problem. Having a very difficult time getting the allen wrench on the bolt. That is why I was wondering if there is another tool that would work better. It is really tight.

I used a 6mm allen socket on a flex head ratchet. A standard 6mm is too short, I bought a long one from HF and cut it sown to about 3 in. Along with a mirror I was able to remove it. I spent hours trying to figure out how to get that bolt off.

 

[Ricacruz]

Does anyone know how many synthetic oil qtrs I need for 99 seadoo GtX ? Its empty right now

Tks

 

[Coastiejoe]

I know you said you have tried everything but I do not see where you tried to jump the solenoid. Have you jumped the solenoid?

This info would help much to further determine your issue..