NEED HELP STAT! Hoping to get out tomorrow... - Maxum Boat Owners Club

SoCalMX · 11-08-2014, 01:12 AM

2000 2100...I went to do a test of the boat today for tomorrows trip. All accessories work including the radio. The key switch is just dead, not even the warning solid beep goes on (I would think a low batt that allows the radio & lights on would at least sound the beep) and there is absolutely no power from the switch to try and turn the engine. The battery is new and it had only been sitting for 2 weeks with all switches off. I even hooked up my jump box and nothing. I am stumped and we have 5 other people excited for tomorrows trip! HELP!!!

Kevlar7r · 11-08-2014, 01:56 AM

Is the gear shift in neutral?
Is the lanyard attached?
Both battery switches on?

Kevlar7r · 11-08-2014, 01:58 AM

When you turn the key on, do the gauges activate? If so, what is the voltage showing?

mmwjr · 11-08-2014, 02:08 AM

Check engine breaker, red button on engine cable harness.

As pointed out verify shifter is in neutral. Measure for 12 V on the B terminal on the ignition switch

Kevlar7r · 11-08-2014, 02:21 AM

That gear shift in neutral one is a lesson I learned several times over. My favorite was when I worked a summer towing boats and doing rescues on Lake Pleasant.

We got called out to a broken down boat. Before hooking up, we decided to see if we could solve the issue. My partner grabs a screw driver, and climbs down the engine compartment to short the terminals. We hadn't tied off, and I was on our boat, just holding the gunwhales together. He shorts the terminals, if fires right up, and pulls the boat out of my grip. We all (me, him, the owner) kinda all looked at each other, and then at the shifter, and there was a mad dash to pull it back to neutral.

We didn't charge him for the service call, but he gave us a nice tip.

If it were that issue, though, I think the alarm would sound (ignition on, no oil pressure). Does your boat have a dc breaker panel? Mine has a dc breaker for each ignition.
If so, you might need the tip of the key or a pen to push the breaker in far enough to reset.

SoCalMX · 11-08-2014, 04:19 AM

Awesome. Thanks for the responses. Yes, I made sure it was in neutral and no the gauges were not activated. Not sure if my boat has a lanyard and I will check the engine breaker!

SoCalMX · 11-08-2014, 04:31 AM

The harness breaker seemed ok, would not reset. Where are the battery switches? Is too strange all electrical works fine and nothing from the switch including the pesky alarm sound!? Do these switches go bad?

jamanati · 11-08-2014, 12:24 PM

Follow the wire. Check for voltage on the key switch when its off. When its turned to on, does voltage go down the wire? Key switches seldom go bad but should be an easy check.

Kevlar7r · 11-08-2014, 12:36 PM

A 2000 model, yes you have a lanyard. Should be right next to the key. It is usually attached to the key chain.

mmwjr · 11-08-2014, 02:07 PM

The lanyard is for th run saftey switch, tis switch removed power from the ignition and not the cranking circuit so I doubt this is the issue.

Measure for 12V at the ignition switch B terminal. Could try jumping Slave soleniod to see it she cranks.

mmwjr · 11-08-2014, 02:53 PM

SoCal I sent you a PM,look under your Notifications

Kevlar7r · 11-09-2014, 02:34 PM

Did you get it going? I'm curious.

jrsick · 11-09-2014, 03:50 PM

If not engine breaker or lanyard, problem might be the starter fuse. Connects the red wire from the battery to the starter. You can' t look at it and tell if it is broken.

mmwjr · 11-09-2014, 04:59 PM

I spoke with him yesterday. Last was low battery that after charging some would crank by jumping across slave soleniod.

I think the battery is just low and needs to be fully charged

Kevlar7r · 11-09-2014, 07:05 PM

2 weeks to stone cold dead battery? Hmm. Defective battery or unknown parasitic draw?

mmwjr · 11-09-2014, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevlar7r

2 weeks to stone cold dead battery? Hmm. Defective battery or unknown parasitic draw?

I think the latter

SoCalMX · 11-10-2014, 12:28 AM

Nothing yet guys thanks! I did not have time to do much today. I am thinking something might be drawing from the battery, if so for future reference should I simply disconnect the battery when not in use?

jrsick mentioned a starter fuse, where would that be located?

Thanks for speaking with me Mike, I am sure it can be quite frustrating dealing with someone not too electrically inclined!

jrsick · 11-10-2014, 01:48 AM

The starter fuse protects the starter and wiring from reverse polarity. It is located between the positive lead from the battery and the starter. It's about 1.5 inch square and usually has white plastic around the edge. To check for faulty starter fuse you can remove the fuse and connect the positive lead directly to the starter. If everything works normal after that then the problem was the starter fuse. Is it possible that the battery was connected improperly at some point? You wouldn't need to have turned anything on to blow the starter fuse with a reverse polarity situation.

mmwjr · 11-10-2014, 02:27 AM

Since he could get the engine to crank by jumping the slave soleniod after charginging the battery some the starter fuse would have to be good.

SoCal no problem helping someone without electrical knowledge, only frustration is that I was not able to help talk you through the issue.

SoCalMX · 11-10-2014, 05:09 AM

It is a learning curve for sure, but a welcome one!

So, should I disconnect the battery when not in use? I don't care about radio memory etc...Also, nothing is making any sense, if I find there IS power getting to the ignition key switch, is there a way to test the switch itself?