2012 Challenger 180 won't start

[sstorti]

My boat won't start, the relay make once click but than nothing happens. All the displays come on but I haven't checked the battery voltage. Does it sound more like a bad relay or battery. I have never had problems with the relay before.


Thanks

 

[Coastiejoe]

Officially the first thing you should do is load test the battery.

That said, jump the solenoid. If it cranks well, then the battery and connections are good.

 

[sstorti]

Officially the first thing you should do is load test the battery.

That said, jump the solenoid. If it cranks well, then the battery and connections are good.

How would I jump test the solenoid?

Thanks

 

[Coastiejoe]

Use a pair of pliers. If you follow the hot wire from your battery it will lead to the solenoid. It will spark when you do so. So ventilate the engine compartment to be safe.

 

[timeman]

If lights, horn, blower all work and starter won't engage, it may be your battery is fine but you could have a faulty neutral switch. (common problem on these boats), there's a safety neutral switch designed to only allow the starter to engage when the boat is in N , but after a few years the switch wears. Try wiggling the shift lever from F to R and back to N or slightly toward one or the other and see if the starter engages. Installing a new switch is no biggie....