75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

[lakeozarksman]

I have an intermittent problem with my 1996 75 HP Mercury/Force. Typically, it starts and runs fine. Occasionally, however, there is an intermittent problem where I can’t get the engine to start. In these cases, when I turn the key to start, nothing happens. If I use the trim control to raise and lower the motor a few times, then the motor starts up when I turn the key. I’m assuming that raising and lowering the engine jiggles some loose connection and enables the battery current to reach the motor. <br /><br />In some situations, everything goes dead, the motor won’t start and even the trim controls won’t work. In this situation, I’ll jiggle the battery cables that go from the battery to the motor, and eventually the motor will start. Sometimes I have to jiggle the cables many, many times before the motor will start. I can’t really tell if jiggling the cables actually helps, but the motor does eventually start. <br /><br />The cables have no signs of cuts, breaks or cracking. And I’ve used a multimeter to check the cables while moving them, yet they always check out fine with minimal resistance. <br /><br />Do you think I have a battery cable problem or is it a component problem in the engine where the cables attach? I don’t think it’s an issue with the starter, but I may be wrong and I am open to suggestions. Replacing the starter and cables would be an easy job, but I want to see if anyone thinks there might be another problem for me to consider before I start replacing parts. <br /><br />Could it be a problem with the key switch/throttle/trim controller?<br /><br />Any other ideas?<br /><br />Thanks for your help!

 

[c0mfused]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

im not shure but have the starter cheked before replaceing.sounds like a bad ground

 

[scotiany]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

Cheapest thing to do would be to remove and wirebrush all the cable ends you can find. If that doesn't work, I'd take a close look at the ignition switch. They have been known to go bad. I know from firsthand experience.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

Check your neutral interlock switch. It may not be adjusted correctly and by tilting your motor you are making the switch work. It could be the starter but I would check that switch first.

 

[lakeozarksman]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

Thanks for your replies. I'll check out these items this weekend and see if I can find anything wrong. I'll let you know what I find. <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[speedwrench]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

Remove, clean, and tighten ALL battery cable connections, including the short cable from solenoid to the starter. The battery ground cable connection to the engine is on the left side behind and below the solenoid, and has been known to loosen up. <br />It is fun to get to. When you finally get to it, there is an unused boss on the engine block just above the solenoid that the ground can be moved to. 5/16" brass stud, washer, and nut, clean paint off block where cable contacts block.

 

[lakeozarksman]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

I FIXED IT -- FINALLY!<br /><br />Thanks again for all your help. While I was checking, cleaning and re-tightening all the ground connections, I noticed a single bolt that was loose in the engine compartment. I finally noticed that one of the starter mounts was missing a bolt. And, guess what -- the bolt that I found fit on the mount exactly!<br /><br />It seems as if the starter motor was not properly grounded. When the engine wouldn't start, I guess that using the trim would move the starter just enough so that the mount would come into contact with the engine block and ground the starter. <br /><br />Now, the motor starts every time, and I've got clean ground connections, new battery cables and a new solenoid installed. Let's hope that I don't run into any problems for awhile. <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

Woo Hoo!!!

 

[cbstarchaser]

Re: 75 HP Force - Turn the key to start & nothing happens

This is my first time and I'm not sure how to ask a question so here I go. I have a similar problem where my idle control went out on the throttle. Then after adjusting the carb to get enough fuel to start the motor,me and the wife took a ride. I put it in neutral and it died,also my trim acts like it has no power. We paddled in and had to get a tow in the AM. I called myself checking the kill switch and it didn't seem to matter. The starter crank and spun the flywheel ,power tilt does not work. Any suggestions on where to start?