1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

[lars11]

have the concealed single handle shift control on my boat and I recently removed the panel and found some unknown wiring behind it...
One broken switch button ( I think) of some sorts, two wires going in to it. Seems like it could have been mounted in a hole in the shift assy fascia, just in front of the shifting handle axle.

What can this be? Any ideas?

 

[dypcdiver]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

To stop you starting the engine in gear, I suspect.

 

[lars11]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

No, the engine won't start in gear now so thats not it. I found a picture to illustrate which switch I mean:



What does this switch do? is it supposed to be in that hole?

 

[cobalt1999]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

That is for the man overboard switch.

 

[lars11]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

That is for the man overboard switch.

is it? Looks more like a push button on the picture...

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

It is a push button. It is held "pushed in" by a clip on the end of your lanyard that is supposed to be attached to driver. Pulling the lanyard off releases the button and kills the engine.

 

[lars11]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

ok, so if I short the two wires the engine should stop? I try that, if it works then I'll put in a new switch. Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

Short means you put the wires to ground. That would blow a fuse.
If you bypass the switch and hook the 2 wires that go to the switch together, the engine should run.

 

[lars11]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

ok they are not connected and the boat runs. maybe the safety switch on the instrument panel is the currently live one and this is bypassed somehow.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1999 5.0Gi: Switch button at the shift mechanism??

Only one way to find out. Try it.

Boats normally don't have 2 kill switches.