ignition beeping - Maxum Boat Owners Club

jeffronin3 · 10-16-2018, 04:22 PM

Well when I received the boat the left ignition switch would beep and I would have to try several times to get the motor to turn over. The motor runs fine and all the gauges read just fine. After the motor is started I have no problems. I just did a 6 hour trip with no issues. Went out yesterday and the motor would turn over after a couple of turns of the ignition but it would not stay running unless I kept the key in the starting position. As soon as I let the key go to run, the motor would shut off. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

mmwjr · 10-16-2018, 05:05 PM

Would help to know which engines you have.

mmwjr · 10-16-2018, 05:15 PM

Looking at your other posts you have Mercruiser small block GMs. From what you have described I suspect the slave solenoid is bad, it is located on top of the engine near the engine breaker and cost about $25. The buzzing you are hearing is the warning buzzer and is being set off by lack of oil pressure since the engine is not running. This is an intended test feature for the warning system.

jeffronin3 · 10-16-2018, 05:27 PM

Great thanks, I will look into that. I appreciate the answer so quickly.

shrew · 10-17-2018, 02:13 PM

The ignition is a 3 position (Off-Run-Start) switch. In the Run position, the alarm system will sound unless the engine is running. Whether you turn the key to run or the engine stalls while it's in the Run position, the alarm will sound. It is a Test mode to verify the alarm system is working and you have power to the ignition.

Does the engine turn over but not start? OR does the ignition just 'click'?

jeffronin3 · 10-17-2018, 02:24 PM

The engine turns over, runs and revs as long as the key is in the start position.

mmwjr · 10-17-2018, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shrew

The ignition is a 3 position (Off-Run-Start) switch. In the Run position, the alarm system will sound unless the engine is running. Whether you turn the key to run or the engine stalls while it's in the Run position, the alarm will sound. It is a Test mode to verify the alarm system is working and you have power to the ignition.

Does the engine turn over but not start? OR does the ignition just 'click'?

From post 1 "I would have to try several times to get the motor to turn over"
my interpretation is the engine does not crank all the time and may require several turns of the key to start before it will crank. This is a typical slave solenoid issue. However it could be some other issue such as loose wire, bad ignition switch, ...

jeffronin3 · 10-17-2018, 05:41 PM

Ok great thanks!!!

Gugi47 · 10-17-2018, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffronin3

The engine turns over, runs and revs as long as the key is in the start position.

So, what you say, if you hold the key in the Start position the engine Run but when you release the key to Run position the engine stop running?
In that case you have to replace the ignition switch.
Off-Run-Start

donald · 10-17-2018, 06:59 PM

I had a 24ft Bayliner with the same problem, turned out to be the lanyard was not conected fully and the engine would stall after releasing the key!
Check to make sure that it is connected properly, or that it is functioning.
Hope this helps.
Don

jeffronin3 · 10-17-2018, 07:31 PM

ok where is that located, I'm sure I could find it but a quick description would be great.

jeffronin3 · 10-17-2018, 07:34 PM

I think I know, thanks again everyone.

mmwjr · 10-18-2018, 12:31 AM

The safety lanyard cuts out the ignition but the engine would still crank. Is this what you are experiencing? I thought you said it would not crank unless you try the key several times.

jeffronin3 · 10-18-2018, 12:13 PM

ok I will try the ignition and as soon as I turn the key on it beeps and sometimes it takes several tries to get the ignition to turn over and sometimes it only takes a couple tries. Also if the engine is warm it definitely does not take as many tries with the key. But always beeps until the engine is running. So key on, beeps, several tries to start, now the motor will not stay running unless the key is turned to the start position. As soon as I let the key go to the run position the engine dies.

mmwjr · 10-18-2018, 01:22 PM

You need to be clearer for proper diagnosis.

When the key is in the start position does the engine turn over? If not slave solenoid is the fault most likely.

When the key is in the start position the engine starts but upon releasing the key and it moves to the run position the engine dies would be a bad oil pressure switch if you have an electric fuel pump (1998 and up).

shrew · 10-18-2018, 01:28 PM

Get the 'beeping' part out of your head. That has nothing to do with the problem.

IF the engine turns over, but will not start, I would be looking at the safety shutoff. If the ignition system simply 'clicks' I would be looking at the connections to the starter or the starting solenoid.

jeffronin3 · 10-22-2018, 12:47 PM

It ended up being the ignition switch, simple 24 dollar fix. Thanks for all the input guys.

Gugi47 · 10-22-2018, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gugi47

So, what you say, if you hold the key in the Start position the engine Run but when you release the key to Run position the engine stop running?
In that case you have to replace the ignition switch.
Off-Run-Start