No power to ignition switch

[orrcrusher]

I switched batteries for my 50 hp mercury on my starcraft pontoon. I went to fire it up and I get nothing when I turn the key. I get power at the motor and on the control panel but nothing when I engage the key. I have checked the fuse coming out of the battery at the back of the boat and that appears good. I look under the panel and don't know what I am looking at.

Looking for ideas.

 

[rickryder]

Re: No power to ignition switch

We don't know what your looking at either...... Pics of the motor and battery set up would be helpful

Do you get 12V to the started solenoid when you turn the key??? Not the thick battery cables but the thin wire..... It should go hot when you turn the key to start....

 

[pinellas50]

Re: No power to ignition switch

I had a similar issue once:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=455442

 

[orrcrusher]

Re: No power to ignition switch

How would I tell if I am getting 12V to the solenoid. When you say gets hot, is that to the touch, as in touching it with my hand as I turn the key? I will go out and get some pictures. Thanks for the help.

 

[ufm82]

Re: No power to ignition switch

No, "hot" means voltage, not what it feels like. A $10 test light from an auto parts store is what you need. Hook it to the negative post on the battery and turn on the key- your small wire to the solenoid should have power- touch the tip of the test light to the terminal and it should light up. Also, you should have one heavy gauge wire going to the ignition switch and that should be hot all the time whether the key is on or not. That wire should be fused to the battery/power bus.
Pics would be helpful.

UFM82

 

[orrcrusher]

Re: No power to ignition switch

Just came in from working on it and the news is good. We cleaned up the connection to the battery and pondered the fuse location. We were able to track the cable from the battery to the engine and located the fuse and sure enough it had popped. Had to borrow one from the car and the problem is solved (knock on wood).

Thanks for the help. Really like this web site and forums.

 

[mullyden]

Re: No power to ignition switch

Just came in from working on it and the news is good. We cleaned up the connection to the battery and pondered the fuse location. We were able to track the cable from the battery to the engine and located the fuse and sure enough it had popped. Had to borrow one from the car and the problem is solved (knock on wood).

Thanks for the help. Really like this web site and forums.

I accidently shorted out the wire for the tach when removing a defective one and apparently blew a fuse to the ignition switch. Where did you find the fuse? Thanks

 

[yameo]

Re: No power to ignition switch

One sunny day, I tried to start my boat, and both my ignition switch and the motor trim switch on the trottle are non responsive. The fuses are good, 12 volts to both switches and all the other power on the console panel, (lights) on work.

My engine, Yamaha 4 stroke 80hp, has a trim button and it still works.

I find it strange that both ignition and trim switches died at the same time.

Any suggestions??