1998 Yamaha ignition/idle problem

fnlyfree

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I have a 1998 Yamaha 200 V Max. Recently it has started idling at a higher RPM (sometimes) and I started hearing a weird sound pinging from the engine. This only happens while the boat is in neutral. I found that the sound I was hearing was the starter trying to engage as if it were being cranked while the engine is running. I can move the ignition key around a little and cause the idle rpm to drop some, but this also cause the throttle respons to be very poor. My first thought is that the ignition switch is the problem but I am not sure. The engine will turn over and start up fine. The problem happens during idle in neutral. Can anyone offer any advice on this and maybe a part number for the ignition switch only. I believe the control box is a 704 yamaha model.
 

rodbolt

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Re: 1998 Yamaha ignition/idle problem

sounds like you may have a switch problem.
with the engine running unplug the starter relay at the relay and check for 12 volts while its acting up.
if you find 12 volts with the key in the run position something is wrong.
not only will 12V at the relay cause the starter to try to run it will signal the ECU to advance timing and go to cranking mode.
 

fnlyfree

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Re: 1998 Yamaha ignition/idle problem

I appreciate your help. I will take your advice and check the voltage at the relay. Would you have any ideas on where I could find a replacement switch if necessary? I believe that there should be some aftermarket switches available, but I'm having some trouble finding them.

sounds like you may have a switch problem.
with the engine running unplug the starter relay at the relay and check for 12 volts while its acting up.
if you find 12 volts with the key in the run position something is wrong.
not only will 12V at the relay cause the starter to try to run it will signal the ECU to advance timing and go to cranking mode.
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: 1998 Yamaha ignition/idle problem

depends on the panal and is the original switch a yamaha one.
any yamaha dealer can ID the switch if its bad and supply a replacement.
most aftermarket switches I have seen are mostly junk.
we see a lot of bass boats with the finest Yamaha engines on the market rigged with the cheapest aftermarket junk avalible, go figgure.
 

fnlyfree

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Apr 29, 2007
Messages
8
Re: 1998 Yamaha ignition/idle problem

depends on the panal and is the original switch a yamaha one.
any yamaha dealer can ID the switch if its bad and supply a replacement.
most aftermarket switches I have seen are mostly junk.
we see a lot of bass boats with the finest Yamaha engines on the market rigged with the cheapest aftermarket junk avalible, go figgure.

I am having trouble finding a key switch for my boat. I have a series 703 yamaha control box. I went to one of my local yamaha service shops and the parts guy said that he was having trouble locating it. He did not seem very interested in helping me though. Can anyone offer any help with this?
 

fnlyfree

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fnlyfree

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Apr 29, 2007
Messages
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Re: 1998 Yamaha ignition/idle problem

I meant to post this sooner. I picked up a new switch, installed it and the problem is fixed. Thanks for everyone's help.
 
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