1996 Sea Doo GSX Starter / Electrical Problem

[David Logsdon]

I've read about some similar problems on your forum but, mine seam slightly different. Here's my problem/simptoms:

Starter will not turn over, no noises, no clicks, nothing.

Here's what I know so far:

• Single tone when the lanyard is attached with normal readout on the display
• New battery, tested voltage, 13 volts
• No voltage at (red cable) (starter side) of the solenoid in the rear electric box when depressing starter button
• Tested Good, 5 fuses, 2 in the rear electric box, 3 in the front electric box
• I hear a switch or relay in the front electric box closing when I depress the starter button. (But, I do not hear this every time I depress the starter button) (Is this normal?)
• I can start the engine by attached the lanyard and shunting the two red cable posts on the solenoid. (not the smartest thing to do, but yes I did try it and it worked)

Suggestions? Test Points for a meter and expected results? Any help is greatly appreciated since I going on vacation, want to ride, and the local shop is a month away from being able to look at it.

Thanks,
David

[Technical Support]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo GSX Starter / Electrical Problem

Replace the solenoid.

[David Logsdon]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo GSX Starter / Electrical Problem

One more question before I purhase a solenoid / starter relay:

Can I test the solenoid using the following steps? Remove the solenoid, apply voltage (12 volts?) accross the relay terminals to close the relay while at the same time metering continuity on the posts.

Will this provide a sure way to determine if the solenoid has failed?

[Bill O'Neal2]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo GSX Starter / Electrical Problem

Do not make this more difficult than it needs to be. If the contacts are worn, you will get a good reading, but the solenoid may still be faulty.

[David Logsdon]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo GSX Starter / Electrical Problem

OK, I'll replace the solenoid and post the results. Thanks for the help.

David

[1996GSX]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo GSX Starter / Electrical Problem

Hi, I have the exact same problem that you described here.

Can you please let me know how the replacement of the starter relay go and if you can now start your ski.

I am also thinking about replacing the starter relay, just want to make sure that it's the right part to replace.

Thank you,

Greg

[David Logsdon]

Re: 1996 Sea Doo GSX Starter / Electrical Problem

Yes, the starter relay was the cause of the problem.

Since the relay is an electrical part that you can not return, I was advised to bypass the relay by placing a heavy gage wire between the two larger posts on the relay. I did this and the starter turned normally. after that, I purchased the relay and replaced it. Took about 10 minutes.