Starter Relay - How do I replace it?

[BTR]

How do I replace the starter relay? Where is it located? Do I need any special tools?

2005 Sea-Doo RXT

 

[ski-d00]

no special tools required, it's attached to the side of the MPEM bracket, two big red wires attached to it. a little bit of a pain to get it out but not too bad.

 

[BTR]

Mpem?

OK. Thanks. Just to make sure... is the MPEM the large, black part that is attached to a metal plate and which has several electrical connections attached to it? Or, is the MPEM some other part?

I see several red wires connected to red rubber "connectors" that appear to all be part of one "part." This "part" is attached to the side of the "electrical box." Are these the red wires you are referring to?

 

[ski-d00]

yes, that's it, it should be brown in color. the rubber connectors pop open and then you have to push/force a 10mm socket over it to remove. Then remove the 2 attachment nuts and unplug the connector at bottom.

Are you sure the solenoid is bad? You can jump it across the terminals to test.

 

[BTR]

I read somewhere esle in the forum about "checking the relay by sending power to the small terminal." However, the instructions were not well written, so I'm not comfortable using them.

How would I go about conducting some tests to determine if the relay (solenoid) is bad? Thanks.

 

[ski-d00]

Well, the "hillbilly" method which is tried and proven, is to use a screwdriver and touch both of the posts on the solenoid at the same time, do it quickly and firmly. it will still spark and arc but hold it on there tightly for a second or two. the engine should crank over normally while you're holding it on both terminal posts. if it doesn't, it's a different problem like your starter.

 

[aaz23]

Where are the post for the soleniod. I have the starter relay removed but dont see the post to jump with the screwdriver. There is plastic on the reds that come from the battery and go to the starter.

 

[BTR]

The starter relay (also called the solenoid) is brown with red wires attached to it. There are two different attachments of red wires. On the end of each attachment, there is a red cap. Pull the two caps off and you will then be looking at the two posts.

 

[Andrew Merkin]

Ok I am a total nube when it comes to Seadoo's I have a 2003 4tech that will not start I assume it is the starter relay. But in the thread above and the pictures I have seen the starter relay is supposed to be brown. Is the black box with the two red wires going into it the starter relay? (see pictures) If so if if remove the cover will the relay be under there? I was stuck in the rain without metric tools to remove the two nuts holding the "black box" onto the stainless bracket. If I remove the two nuts will that take the cover off revealing the brown starter relay? I have had the battery tested and it is fully charged I am just getting a constant clicking noise when I am trying to start it.

 

[Andrew Merkin]

picture upload fail. I will work on getting the pics up

I need some help on up loading the photos. I have saved them on my computer as small 35 Kb pictures but can't up load them. Do I have to use a flicker account or some other site like that because I don't have one of those.

 

[Dennis]

Your starter relay is different than the one shown above. The relay you are describing is usually found on a 2002 4tec. The "black box" IS the starter relay. The positive battery cable should go to the box.

A rapid clicking when the start button is pushed is a sign of low battery voltage or a bad battery connection.
A single click when the start button is pushed is a sign of a bad starter relay or starter or starter connection.

 

[ski-d00]

Yep, that's an 02 starter relay you're describing with the black box. Are you sure you have an 03 and not an 02?

I have an 02 black box starter relay in used good working condition if you're looking for an easy swap.

 

[Andrew Merkin]

sticker says it was built feb 2003. maybe it was a carry over? Title and manual say 2003. ski-d00 does yours come with the wires as a complete unit? If you know it works I will take it and rule that part out.

 

[ski-d00]

Yes, comes with the two red wires coming out of the box, just bolt everything back on and plug it in.

before changing it, you can test it by seeing if voltage is getting to the starter while pressing the start button. you should hear it click but also must put voltage through, sometimes they click but never close the circuit.

that starter relay has a list price of $110, I would sell for $50 plus shipping.

 

[Andrew Merkin]

Great send me a message or an e-mail andrewbmerkin AT gmail on how to contact you. There might be some other parts you could help me out with. Thanks