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Help another problem...my Seadoo will not start

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rcguy

rcguy

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Started my 4 tec 2008 Challenger 180 early this morning in the garage and the engine started right up. Ran for 20 seconds and shut the 4 tec down. Topped off batteries before heading to the boat ramp. Dropped the boat into water and check oil all good to go. Started the engine and all was fine. Ran about three minutes and shut the engine down to push the boat away from the crowed ramp. Went to start the engine and nothing happened. Made sure the engine was in neutral and tried again and nothing.... no solenoid clicking... nada. Paddled back to the ramp and hauled boat home. My boating day was in ruins and my lady was disappointed again by this machine.

Home now and checked all fuses and all were good. Checked batteries and all were 95/98% charged. All accessories work but the engine will not start. Pulled solenoid wires and cleaned them. Used an eraser to clean the key. When I attach the key the instrument panel lights up with no warning lights and two short beeps which means all systems go. Press the on/off rocker switch and nothing. Again no solenoid clicking. Decided to jump the solenoid and engine started. Now my problem is it the solenoid, on/off switch, the D.E.S.S. or something else.

Thanking the experts in advance.
 
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Use a meter and see if you get 12 volts at the trigger wire (yellow on skis, probably the same on the boats) with the lanyard on and pressing the START button. If so, bad solenoid. If not, test the START switch for continuity.


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Coastiejoe said:
Use a meter and see if you get 12 volts at the trigger wire (yellow on skis, probably the same on the boats) with the lanyard on and pressing the START button. If so, bad solenoid. If not, test the START switch for continuity.


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Click to expand...

Tested the start switch and no continuity. Do Seadoo dealers stock this part and how much?
 
I have heard that most do. But you could hook up momentary switch until you get one.


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That is a switch that makes contact every time it is pushed. Unlike others where you flip them and they CLOSE or continue to make contact. Like a lamps witch at your home does. Radio shack will have them.


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I know what the problem is and it is the momentary start/stop switch. I jumped the two yellow wires and as soon as the engine started I pulled one end of the wire out of the socket and bingo all is good. Now to buy a momentary rocker switch at a decent price. Thanks for the heads up Coastiejoe. Your worth your weight in GOLD.
 
rcguy said:
I know what the problem is and it is the momentary start/stop switch. I jumped the two yellow wires and as soon as the engine started I pulled one end of the wire out of the socket and bingo all is good. Now to buy a momentary rocker switch at a decent price. Thanks for the heads up Coastiejoe. Your worth your weight in GOLD.
Click to expand...

You are welcome...

We can normally get to the root of the issue as long as people give us the answers to the questions...
Here is what I would do, get the switch and wire it in. I would wrap a rag around the bar where the original is mounted, then use black tape and tape it over the rag. This way is is where you are expecting it to be in the event of a "need" to shut it down quickly.
[MENTION=41828]Minnetonka4me[/MENTION] probably has a good switch for you.
 
Radio shack?? Thought they all went under? all the ones near me did.

I do have a good used one in stock. PM me if interested.
 
Minnetonka4me said:
Radio shack?? Thought they all went under? all the ones near me did.

I do have a good used one in stock. PM me if interested.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer but I ordered a Seadoo on/off switch from Cycle Springs in Clearwater, FL. They are a Seadoo dealer and they gave me a 10% discount on part number 20441178. I'm going to keep this Seadoo for a while because it is in great condition with only 80 hours on the engine. I'm going to use the boat on Wednesday with the jumper wire because the switch was not in stock and will arrive in 3 to 5 business days. Thanks again guys for the help supplied.
 
Some of this went over my head. Just so I am understanding...your actual button you push to start was bad?
 
Nosnibor said:
Some of this went over my head. Just so I am understanding...your actual button you push to start was bad?
Click to expand...

Yes the start/stop switch went bye bye. I started the engine in the boat ramp and ran it for about three minutes and all was good. I shut down the engine after it was warm and pushed the boat away from the dock. In those two minutes the switch went bad. No warning ....nothing. So you never know was is in store for you. You just grin and bare it.

The switch still hasn't arrived but went out on the Seadoo today. Pulled the bad switch and just jumped the two yellow wires and it ran great. Me and my lady friend had a great day on the water.
 
Many ask questions and "sort of" follow the advice given. You did what was asked, gave the result of the test. Makes it MUCH easier for us to help you. This should be a lesson for others. I think it took us like 4 posts to figure it out. I have have done 20 or more with others as they get off track.


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Thanks again CoastieJoe...... was a pleasure working with you. I got away cheap, only $35.00 for a $10.00 momentary switch. Well that's what you pay to keep the Seadoo stock. Like they say, "it could have been a lot worse and more expensive."

PS: CoastieJoe it was after your first post that I tested the switch and it had no continuity as I stated in the third post. I guess that is some sort of record...maybe?
 
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Information will make or break things... When the info is good, and answers the questions, it is rare that someone here can't help....
 
Picked up the Start/Stop switch from Cycle Springs PowerSports of Clearwater,FL yesterday afternoon. The switch is an exact replacement part for the original switch. Took about five minutes to install and the engine started and stopped as expected. All set to ride on Sunday. Thanks again guys.
 
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