Dess Key

[etemplet]

Where do I get one of these and what do I have to do ? Is going to the Seadoo Shop a decent option? I have no experience with this things and could use some guidance. Help is appreciated.

 

[MacAddict]

You have to have a seadoo with computer that's expecting a dess key and post. Early models did not. What year and model of ski are we talking? How did you determine the existing dess key or post was bad?

 

[Spimothy Leary]

I agree with mac, first you want to be 100% sure the key is the problem so your not throwing money away chasing ghosts.

you can buy them at the dealer, on ebay or even from members here.

I have one brand new one (atlantis model $25) and 3 used ones with crappy strings ($15 each 3 for 40) that I was getting ready to list on fleabay if you are interested.

but you still have to go to a dealer (sometimes they program for free if you buy the key there you need to call) or send the mpem in for programming, and usually the programmer will sell you one too.

IIRC the dealers usually charge up to $50, the aftermarket ones go for around $30.

 

[etemplet]

I have a 1996 GTX. They key is physically broken (cracked) and will not stay in place. There are two pic ups one one the side and one at the top. Perhaps it isn't a Dess but I know very little about the electronics on these things.... It took a few pictures to help out with my description.

 

[etemplet]

I also have a question about purchasing this broken connector to the electronic box. As I said I am tidying up the ski and want to keep this as sealed as possible with the correct parts. Help and guidance is always appreciated.

 

[MacAddict]

For what it's worth, I have actually repaired my dess key when it cracked like that by getting some large diameter heatshrink tube from electrical isle in home depot.... get it to where it just slips over the key... cut 2 strips to about 3" long... place the first one over the key, and leave 1/8 overhang over the lip where you plug it in. Then hit it with a heat gun and it will shrink right up to wrap the key and overlap that leading edge. Follow up with the 2nd piece, following same procedure. Pinch the long end flat as you heat it up. Then do a brass eyelet through this flat part and loop your lanyard end through that.... has worked for 3 years now for me flawlessly, and stays gripped/pulls key off when i bail surf jumping

 

[etemplet]

Thanks MacAddict... you are very resourceful.

So I do indeed have a Dess Key ? What type of programming do they do on these ? Is it Jet Ski specific? I called the not so local dealer that did not have a clue. These skis are too old. I guess like the Harley Shops the focus on the new stuff. When I asked about a 1990 Low Rider, no one knew how to work on them. Unbelievable.

 

[MacAddict]

Thanks MacAddict... you are very resourceful.

Thank you! Makes owning these older skis a lot less expensive, which leaves more $$ for fuel to surf jump :thumbsup:

So I do indeed have a Dess Key ? What type of programming do they do on these ? Is it Jet Ski specific? I called the not so local dealer that did not have a clue. These skis are too old. I guess like the Harley Shops the focus on the new stuff. When I asked about a 1990 Low Rider, no one knew how to work on them. Unbelievable.

Yes.. yours is a DESS system. The key has a microchip in it that has to be "paired" with the encoded serial # of the mpem/computer. It was done as a theft deterrent, rather than just having the flat blade-style keys of old that anyone could walk up, slip something under the pin and drive off with your ski.. or steal it and do the same....

But yes, it is becoming a lost art with these older skis/engines and even motorcycles... everything is electronic now... no tuning high and low speed screws..... its all curves in a computer now........ but I still love them and have not crossed the 4stroke bridge yet....

 

[etemplet]

I from the old days where my motorcycles were 2 stroke. I remember when CDI came out in Kawasaki's. I had a 3 cylinder Two stroke Street bike (Kawasaki H1-500). I loved it !! I'm gonna stick with the old jet skis. much cheaper to own, easier to work on, and they do the same thing plus the smell good to me.

 

[etemplet]

Mac.... you have motivated me. I have 1" heat shrink tubing at home. First I wrapped the key with rubber silicon tape to see if that would work and it did so..... heat shrink away. It is now cooling off.

I may have been motivated by the charge of $19 for shipping a 5" X 3" piece of silicon hose for the muffler (Factory Pipe) Their shipping charges are unbelievable. $45.00 for a piece of hose. Anyway, I digress. I appreciate your posting your HOWTO and it saved me exorbitant cost of of the rubber hose. LOL We gotta stick together for certain. Props to you bro. Much appreciated.

 

[MacAddict]

We gotta stick together for certain. Props to you bro. Much appreciated.

Thanks, and Absolutely man! To quote the KeyMaker: "Theres always another way...." I love finding easy, inexpensive DIY solutions to complex/expensive problems or needs that actually work... always testing new ideas when I see products designed for one thing and see how it could be easily used for another.... like the aluminum inline fuel filter I easily turned into a FCV for about $12, versus $48+ for JetWorks FCV...... or the 4 sets of custom sponsons I made from 1/2" black plexiglass furniture I found at the curbside...

 

[jjsinaz]

If the heat shrink doesn't do it completely (tight enough) put a zip tie around it. Just make sure you don't over tighten it to the point where it does not come off easy enough.

 

[etemplet]

Ha ha ha !! Good stuff. On a side note... I called the local Seedoo shop. $55.00 for the Dess Key and 1/2 hour labor for the programming. Basically about $130.00 If I have any parts you need Mac you are welcome to them. You are freakin McGuyver. LOL

 

[Spimothy Leary]

in addition to the shrink wrap idea, i've gotten away with a black zip tie or two around the black plastic part when they became loose.

but yes, basically if your key is "screwed" and can't be fixed you will have to send it (MPEM) away for programming (nick @ westside powersports is who I use, he's member here, I have a MPEM that just showed up in the mail from him today that I sent off for a new key....

last note: if you attempt a repair, be warned that its quite frustrating and sometimes dangerous to have a DESS key pop off the post when you are out riding and that can happen even if you hit a small 1' boat wake if its not good and tight it can come off unexpectedly and turn the ski off immediately.

So for example if you are heading into a turn under a bridge or near the shore, or another ski is behind you and you suddenly STOP and lose steering, you can get seriously hurt. I have a friend that popped his key going full speed into a tight river turn and he had about 1/2 second to bail off the ski before it whipped into the trees at about 45mph.... he was lucky that his reaction time was fast enough to jump off in time to avoid being on top of the ski when it slammed into the trees. A less experienced rider would have froze like a deer in the headlights and went fact first into shore holding onto the useless handlebars.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Ha ha ha !! Good stuff. On a side note... I called the local Seedoo shop. $55.00 for the Dess Key and 1/2 hour labor for the programming. Basically about $130.00 If I have any parts you need Mac you are welcome to them. You are freakin McGuyver. LOL

yip, that's typical dealership numbers unfortunately. Cheaper to send it off for programming and a new key by about 50%.. assuming you don't do the quick fix... see my note's in previous post about dangers of the quick fix.

 

[etemplet]

If the heat shrink doesn't do it completely (tight enough) put a zip tie around it. Just make sure you don't over tighten it to the point where it does not come off easy enough.

Good Idea.

You know, I've been working on my own stuff all my life and it is amazing the tricks you continue to learn. LOL Thank goodness for us Cheap SOB's LOL but I prefer to think of it as self preservation from relentless manufacturers that want us to go to them for everything. Cheers bros !!

 

[etemplet]

yip, that's typical dealership numbers unfortunately. Cheaper to send it off for programming and a new key by about 50%.. assuming you don't do the quick fix... see my note's in previous post about dangers of the quick fix.

Excellent safety information... Kudos to you. Keep ole Gene Safe. This is good info for all my skis. I'll make sure the Key is tight.... Thanks again.