start switch working sporadically

bobm · Sep 3, 2018

The start switch on my 1995 superjet is working sporadically. I have tested continuity to the start/stop switch and it tests OK. The start switch works sometimes but other times nothing happens. I disconnected the quick connector when it wouldn't work and tried jumping the wires but nothing happened there either. I pulled apart the ebox, checked all the wires and everything looks OK. Tried starting and it worked fine for a while, but then stopped again. Starter relay seems to be OK if I jump terminals.

it acts like the lanyard isn't connected but it is. is there a way to test the kill switch? is the cdi or voltage regulator involved in starting the jetski? any suggestions on how to troubleshoot?

thanks

harrymank · Sep 3, 2018

The lanyard switch on mine was getting water in it from a seal missing. Id push the start switch and nothing, smack the housing with my hand and it would start.

http://www.x-h2o.com/index.php?threads/how-to-fix-your-sj-start-stop-switch.135834/
Check this thread out and see what the inside of your switches look like if they’re dirty you can clean them, if it happens again soon you probably have a leak.

My contact ended up looking like this from water intrusion.

Vortex · Sep 3, 2018

Just to confirm, is this what you tested?

unplug the brown/red connector and check for continuity across those wires while pressing green button it is showing continuity?

Also Just because the relay works when you jump it does not mean it works, that just means you have voltage on one side. the armature inside can be broken and you get nothing when pressing start despite continuity to the starter relay shown in the test above... Had this happen before.

Pull the relay out and apply voltage to the small wires. Should click.

harrymank · Sep 3, 2018

The start switch and lanyard switch work together on a Yamaha if I’m not mistaken. Lanyard has to be in and the start button pressed to complete that circuit. On my ski the engine would crank but not start, unlike I said in my previous post. My problem was only in the lanyard switch, not the stop or start switch.

bobm · Sep 3, 2018

Yes, I checked for continuity across the brown/red wires while pressing the green button. and it looks good.

I just had the problem happen again. I disconnected the quick connect for the stop/lanyard and it still wouldn't start. I get nothing when I push the start button. I tried measuring voltage on the brown wire at the relay and I didnt get any voltage. The red wire has 12 volts.

is it possible there is something wrong with the cdi where it thinks the stop switch is triggered? How does the stop switch prevent the start switch from giving power to the brown wire? It seems like the kill switch is on even though I have it disconnected,

after several tests, I plugged the stop switch back in and the start button started working again.

I'm so confused

harrymank · Sep 3, 2018

I would suggest pulling the separate switches apart and checking for corroded contacts, it’s quite easy.

Vortex · Sep 3, 2018

If you get nothing when you hit start with the lanyard in and it passes the red/brown continuity test, it is usually a sign
the starter relay going bad. When the armature starts wearing out it can act intermittent. To test it you need to take it out of the ski and hook power and ground to small wires and it should click. If that needs replacing use OEM Yamaha.

I have also had weird stuff happen because the housing itself wasnt bolted together properly due to a trim lever getting in the way, contacts between green button weren't reaching.

faceplant2 · Sep 3, 2018

I was having the same problems with my Superjet until finally it would not turn over at all . New S/S switch , starter relay , starter rebuilt , new hot cable, new ground cable . When I Connected the small red wire to auxiliary battery and left ground connected to Superjet - did not click . OCD Garage member here suggested that starter relay had no ground . Wires from e box to stator were corroded . Spliced wires for now ( new harness over Winter ) and engine started right up . Worth a try .

faceplant2 · Sep 3, 2018

Also, corroded wires were under rubber sheath so couldn't see buggered wires until I cut sheath .

bobm · Sep 5, 2018

I took apart the start/stop/lanyard switches and cleaned. Contactes in start switch were a little dirty, maybe losing a connection there. I tested the relay and it seems to be working fine. I re-assembled and seems to start OK now. I am guessing the start switch was the problem.

I took the ski out to test and now I am not getting any high end. I adjusted the low and high speed settings on the carb. It seems to idle fine but when I give it gas it wont get to plane. Wont go more than 10 mile per hour. I am going to test for an air leak. Any other suggestions on what would prevent the ski from getting any high end.