2003 Johnson 175 starting issue

sutor623

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
4,087
I am working on a 2003 Johnson 175hp. It is a V6 60degree motor.
This motor uses wiring kit 0176345, which converts a '96 and up motor to a pre-'95 boat. So, the boat side still has red plug.

Anyways, when you turn the key, the starter motor wont spin. If you push the key in it DOES engage the primer solenoid. I checked for 12v at the yellow/red wire at the solenoid and no voltage is making it there. I swapped the ignition switch for another one and still the exact same issue.

I clipped the neutral safety switch wires as well as the safety cut off switch. No change.

I plugged in my short red plug tester harness into the motor and it started right up, ran great, and turned off when I turned the key off.

It HAS to be a boat side wiring harness issue at this point, right?
 
Last edited:

sutor623

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
4,087
I think I just talked myself through it. Looks like I need to CONNECT the neutral safety switch wires together to get 12v to the solenoid. I think that when the neutral safety switch is OPEN it doesn't allow current to the solenoid, correct?
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,158
Yes, the neutral safety switch needs to pass the voltage to the starter solenoid.
 
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