I need vroom vroom, don't even get click click

[Hosinmigs]

Hi all,

I've already learned a ton by reading past threads, but now I'm stuck. I have a Volvo Penta SX-M that won't start. I don't get anything when I turn the key. The dash doesn't come alive, no warning beeps, nothing. I switched out the ignition cylinder, and following the advice here (http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...-troubleshooting-your-engines-starting-system) tested the solenoid. That test confirmed I was not getting power to C terminal. If I read correctly that means either the solenoid is bad, the wiring harness is bad, or the neutral safety switch is bad. I was able to get the motor to crank by jumping terminals A and B. And if it helps, when this problem started I got two weak warning beeps with the key in the on position and then nothing.

So, lots of questions. Is the fact that I was able to jump the solenoid proof that it is bad? If so, how hard are these to change? I'm a somewhat novice mechanic. I haven't tested the neutral safety switch yet. On my 2000 Chaparral 180 SSE I gather that switch is behind the throttle column. Is that correct? If so, I believe I read that you can simply connect the two wires, bypassing the switch, to see if that is the problem. Finally, I can't find the wiring harness on the engine. And if it is that, how do I know? Is there a way to test the harness?

Thanks so much.

 

[bruceb58]

If you are not able to turn the engine over or get power to the gauges, you aren't getting power to your ignition switch so you need to look at the fuse at your console panel followed by looking at the circuit breaker back on your starboard riser.

Does anything work at the dash? Horn? Navigation Lights? ...

 

[Hosinmigs]

I'm showing more than 12 volts on two of the three terminals of the ignition switch (need a third hand to check the third). All the accessories work--horn, lights, blower, bilge. But gauges aren't showing anything.

 

[bruceb58]

Is your man overboard switch plugged in? If it wasn't, that would explain the gauges not coming on. It wouldn't however explain why the starter doesn't operate.

 

[Hosinmigs]

Yeah, it sure is.

 

[bruceb58]

Check the voltage at the in and out of the man overboard switch with the ignition turned to on.

 

[Hosinmigs]

I'll try that. Thank you!

 

[gbeltran]

Your ignition switch could also be bad. I know you just replaced it. Those accessories you mentioned are usually wired so they are always able to be used, you should be able to run lights, bilge, blower without the key. You should be able to turn the key to run and then check voltage at the IGN terminal of the switch. If you don't have voltage there you wont have any gauge readings, or power to the ignition. You can have a helper turn the key to Start and check voltage at eh STA terminal of the switch. If you do have voltage at either of those places then trace that wire into the harness. Did you check all the fuses? As in remove them and test with an ohm meter? And as Bruce said definitely check the man overboard switch.