2006 Sea Doo Challenger 180 – Intermittent starting problem

[Donut Warrior]

Hi Everyone, I have been having a problem off and on with starting my challenger up. When I attach the lanyard the boat beeps twice as it should, but when I press the start button nothing happens. No ticking or any noises. Just silence. After 5 min of plugging and unplugging the lanyard and making sure the boat is in neutral the boat will eventually start up ( haven’t figured out what actually triggers it to startup). 75% of the time the boat starts up with no problems. So far I have replaced the battery and starter solenoid. What else should I check?
Thanks,
Chris

 

[CSager]

I had the same problem last week I removed the neutral switch and connected the wires together and my problem went away it's an easy fix.

 

[Nosnibor]

I have had something similar happen once. Some people say it is due to the key. They say make sure the metal inside doesn't have any gunk on it or anything. They say to try using a pencil eraser to clean anything off. I would plug mine in and it wouldn't start one time while I was out. It even beeped. Plugging and unplugging it finally started. Hasn't happened since. As far as anything really technical I have no idea what you can try other than what CSager said.

 

[Donut Warrior]

Thanks CSager & Nosbibor,
I am going to try your suggestions this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

Chris

 

[Donut Warrior]

Hey Guys,
This weekend I actually replaced the neutral safety switch. Haven't had any starting issues yet.
Thanks for your help.

 

[brian_hunt]

Also, check your engine ground. That seemed to be my problem.