1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

tynojennat

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Please Help!! My outboard has been doing pretty good this summer with little to no issues. I made the mistake of giving it a compliment (I knew better) and viola! It wouldn't start whne I went to drive it on the trailer a couple of weekends ago. That was a blessing in iteslf that it happened there and not 40 miles from the trailer!! My boat is a center console with the typical OMC Remote Controls at the console. The deadman switch has been getting looser and looser for a while now and a month or so ago it would not stayed clipped on anymore. The boat continued to run and start fine so I honestly didn't worry to much about it. When it wouldn't start I figured it had something to do with this issue so I went out and purchased a new switch first. Being sure to take plenty of pictures of the wiring on the six male connectors on the back of the switch, I cahnged it out. With the deadman snapped on, choke working, ignition alarm working, it still would not turn over. I figured maybe the neutral switch then, so I took the shifting arm apart, removed the small neutral switch (which looked brand new) and tested it with my ohms meter. Works great, this switch is mormally closed and opens when in gear...tested this out of the controls as well as in and it worked fine. I then traced the yellow/red wire all over the boat and inside the motor and found no issues...no chaffing, breaks, corrosion, nothing. I then went on an overall electrical cleaning...pulled apart every connector, terminal bar, etc. I could find and cleaned everything. Found only minor corrosion in a few spots, nothing significant. With everything back together...still no ignition. I decided to jump the starter to make sure the solenoid forward was not the issue and the motor turned over fine. I turned the key on however and the motor would still not fire. It is truly acting as if the boat is in gear or the way it used to do when the deadman switch WAS working correctly. I tried tracing the Black and yellow wires to see if there was another small switch somewhere and could not find one. Is there another switch other than at the key?? I am at a loss at this point. I would greaty appreciate any help you guys may have. Thanks and God Bless!
 

Fed

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

The tree you wrote alternates between not cranking & not firing, which is it?
 

tynojennat

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

:). I figured I would put it all out there up front! In short...both. It will not crank with the key. I have to jump accross the solonoid & starter to make it crank. When I put the deadman lanyard clip on, I turn the key and the gauges set, the "on" buzzer (whistle) sounds, but it will not engage the starter....as if the boat where in gear or something.
 

Fed

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

Can you hear the starter solenoid 'click' when you turn the key?

There should be an inline fuse under the cowl for the red/yellow wire.
 

tynojennat

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

No, nothing clicks. I did check the main in line 20 amp fuse and it is good. The choke solenoid works when I push the key in, but nothing when I turn the key.
 

tynojennat

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

Wait, reread your post...a fuse for the red yellow wire? I did not find one when I traced it out. Is it in the wiring harness somewhere or under the engine cowling?
 

Fed

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

Sorry mate I meant the red/purple which is the supply wire for the controller but you're getting power up to the controller so that fuse must be OK.
Could be time to break out the multimeter and check for voltage across the 2 small terminals on the starter solenoid while someone hits the key.
 

tynojennat

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

Gotcha. I guess that would tell me real quick if power is making it to the solenoid. I replaced the solenoid last year so I doubt that it is bad, the original one lasted 16 years, but I will certainly try that today. Any other thoughts?
 

Fed

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Re: 1997 90Hp SPL - Deadman or Neutral Switch Issues

When you test for power at the solenoid also try it with your negative meter lead on the engine block.

The only things in the circuit are the key switch (start contacts), the neutral switch & the big red plug, I'm sure you'll find it very quickly with a meter.

Edit: Take a look at this link someone kindly put up in another thread it will help you if you don't have a manual.
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ignitionSwitch.html
 
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