96 GTX starts when it wants to

[monteJR1]

I have a 1996 seadoo GTX and then darn thing starts when it wants to. I have a new battery in the machine, new plugs and fuel filter. It has lots of spark. Sometimes, I can go down to the river and it fires right up, other times it just cranks and cranks. However, if i take a jump pack down there and hook it up, it will start right up within the first 3 or 4 times it rolls over. It runs great once I get it started. When I put the key in, it beeps twice and I can hit the start button and it starts rolling over.

When I was winterizing it, I went to start it and it wouldn't start, while I was rolling it over my uncle turned the key post and lanyard and it started right up. I don't know wether this was a coincidence or not.

My opinion is it is either the key post and lanyard, or the starter, I don't know which one?

I checked all the fuses, I have yet to check the ground cable and power cable.

Does anyone have an idea or has this ever happened to anyone else?

Thanks,

 

[ScubaDoo]

Welcome to the seadoo forum montejr1. I wouldn't use a "jump pack "as such as it could cause a power surge and cause more electrical problems. I would remove the battery from the GTX and be sure it has a full charge on it, rather than jump starting it with the jump box. Next I wold clean the post the dess(Digital Electronic Safety System) lanyard connects to. Use soap and water to clean it off. Do NOT use any kind of cleaner of grease on the post as it contains a ROM chip that connects to the Mpem (Multi Purpose Electronic Modular) that allows the engine to beep twice , telling you it is ok and ready to start. If the lanyard isn't beeping than it isn't going to start. It must beep 2 times. Let us know if this solves you problem. If it doesn't give us a shout back and I'm sure you'll get a quick response. This is a friendly place with lots of active members here to help with advice.

ScubaDoo

 

[monteJR1]

year of DESS

I was curious if my 1996 GTX has DESS? I don't know what year they started using it. My machine beeps twice when I plug the lanyard to the post, Sometimes when the motor is turning over and it doesn't start, I will un-plud the lanyard then plug the lanyard back in and then it fires.

If I have to purchase a new DESS post, Do I have to purchase a new lanyard as well or does it come all in one? If so where is a good place to order from and approx. how much would one be?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[kustomkarl]

If the DESS beeps and the engine turns over, it's doing it's job. I have a 1997 challenger and it will do the same thing too sometimes. If I use the choke when it is cold it fires on the first time usually. I don't think the post or the lanyard is bad, or it wouldn't beep. You might want to clean it with soapy water and dry it. Don't use any grease or sprays on the dess as it has a ROM chip in it to communicate to the Mpem(Multi Purpose Electric Modular) that allows it to check the system and to start.

Karl

 

[monteJR1]

starts like a champ now!

I checked all the connections and fuses, all was ok. I cleaned all the cables and grounds and connections as well. Before any of this I dead loaded the battery and it read 80 %, I figured that was good. I took the starter off(not as bad of a job as everyone thinks it is) bench tested it, took it all apart, everything was ok, took the starter to the seadoo shop, they tested it , it was ok. I then purchased a new battery and charged it for the 10 hours after putting acid in it, hooked it up and it started great. I thought I would let everyone know how I made out.

Happy jet-skiing to everyone!!
moneJR1

 

[Slickgib]

where is the fuel filter located?

 

[kustomkarl]

where is the fuel filter located?

There are 2 internal filters in the carburetors, and a water seperator in line after the fuel tank depending on what model seadoo you have.
You might want to start a new thread on your problem or question you might have.
Karl