2002 challenger 2000 starting issue, does nothing when I try to start it

[Rollerized]

Hi guys, hoping someone could steer me in the right direction to get my boat started. I winterized my 2002 challenger 2000 240 efi last season and just the other day tried starting it for the first time this year. I had the 1 year old optimum battery on a trickle charge and was/is fully charged. When I went to start it the boat would just crank over and not start. Starter and cranking sounded healthy and normal. I tried starting it maybe 5-8 times with no luck. I then tried it again and the engine did nothing and made no noise. The boat now doesn't beep or anything with the key turned. I put a charger on the battery to make sure it is fully charged and it is. I then saw that the starter gear was stuck in the engaged position so I popped it back down. I tried again to start the boat but it makes zero noises (no cranking/clicking or beeping). Anyone have any idea what it could be? If the starter or solenoid is bad wouldn't I still get the beep from the key? Thanks for any and all help!

 

[Dr Honda]

Well.......



Do you have the battery switch on? (ok, I know... but I had to ask)

Also... did you have your lanyard on the post? It will crank all day long, but you don't get spark with it off. (Don't laugh at that one. I do it with my Polaris all the time)



Finally... what engine do you have?

 

[Rollerized]

Lol no I hear you. Yep I made sure the main switch was on and the safety lanyard was properly seated. I'm thinking maybe the lanyard post is the problem? Oh but it should still crank if The post was bad I guess right?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Jump the solenoid. If it cranks, you know you have good connections, battery, starter and cables. If not,,, then it is one of the above.

This test does not SOLVE the issue, it helps you to head in a good direction..

 

[Rollerized]

Ok cool I'll try that and let you know how I did. Shouldnt I still be hearing the beeps when I try to start it though? Thx again!

 

[Coastiejoe]

Depends on whats wrong,,, And, the beepers fail all the time. This test is VERY helpful to figure a direction.

 

[Dr Honda]

You should hear beeps... but the buzzers are known to die.


Yes... it will crank with the lanyard off.


BUT.....

It won't crank if it's not in neutral. (I've done that one too)

 

[Coastiejoe]

I think we have all done the "not neutral" thing,,


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rollerized]

Ok guys I just touched a screwdriver to the neg and pos side of the, I think it's the solenoid and the engine turned over. So the starter is good, what should I do next? Maybe it's a bad solenoid? Also if I power on the ignition key should any of the gauges work like the fuel gauge? I can't remember if any of them should go on or not. Thanks again guys