Honda 90 Electrical Problem

[Deano 864]

I have a 1999 Honda 90 on Crest Pontoon. Went to start it and it acted like it had a dead battery, starter clicked and everything went dead, including horn. Battery was new in Oct 15 and found to have a full charge. Thought maybe ignition switch was not working, but motor trim, that is not powered by ignition switch, does not work either, it just causes voltmeter and other gauges to peg to 0 when activated. This also happens when ignition switch is turned on. Connections on battery are good, battery reads 12.5 volts, which does not vary when the trim or ignition is turned on. Boat was last used mid February and started and ran great. Any suggestions on where to start?

 

[hondam]

What you are experiencing is called Voltage Drop. It is cause by a bad/dead battery, bad/dirty connections, or bad battery cables. Your looking in the right spots just missing something. Just because a battery is reading a certain voltage isnt a reliable indicator of its condition, you might want to take it into an auto parts store and have them actually test it. Throw away any wing nuts and use real hex nuts and take a wire brush to the terminals and posts.

There is a chance it could be a bad starter or locked up motor but its much more likely something battery related.