Ignition issue

[brad614]

Last night when I went to start my port motor it cranked, started to fire, and then died. When I tried to re-start it the igntion was dead - no click, nothing. However, the check engine lights went through thier sequence. I pulled the cover off of the motor and shorted the solenoid and it cranked just fine, so it is getting power to the starting circuit. I found a small 20 Amp fuse in an inline holder near the power distribution block that was blown. I replaced it, the engine cranked for a second, and the fuse blew again. Now whenever I touch the fuse to the holder it blows instantly. It would appear that I have a short somewhere, but I am not sure where to even start looking. I am a little hesitiant to start probing around with a test light less I damage the computer or something. The engine is a 2000 Evinrude 225 FICHT. Does anyone have any ideas on how to start looking for the problem? BTW - we just had it out Saturday and had no problems, so this is something that just occured.

 

[SolingSailor]

Re: Ignition issue

Brad, I'm going out on a limb here, not experienced with your size motor, just an electronics tech.
It sounds like your starter solenoid is defective. If I'm wrong, I'm sure I will be corrected by the experts here.

 

[brad614]

Re: Ignition issue

It will crank when you jump the main leads on the solenoid, but blows the fuse as soon as you turn the ignition on. Is there any way of testing the solenoid?

 

[SolingSailor]

Re: Ignition issue

Hi Brad,
I'm surprised that no one else has responded, but I will carry on. If you get the service manual (try for a real OEM version, not Clymer or Seloc), there will be a spec for measuring the DC resistance of the solenoid coil. Or hopefully someone else here will know the proper value. I don't, unfortunately. Then you just need an ohmmeter to measure. But from what you have said, it seems like maybe you can just replace the solenoid and hope for the best.

 

[brad614]

Re: Ignition issue

Update - switched out the ingition switch, but that wasn't it. Switched out the solenoid, but that wasn't it either. Anyone have any input?

 

[SolingSailor]

Re: Ignition issue

Sorry my advice was unfruitful.

 

[boobie]

Re: Ignition issue

Just a guess, but you may have a short in your PDP. There were some bad ones out there.

 

[NetDoc]

Re: Ignition issue

There are a lot of circuits that run off of your ignition switch. It sounds as if the fuse is popping BEFORE you go to "Start", so I don't think the solenoid or starter circuit is your issue.

First, get yourself an LED test light for circuit testing. Here is one: http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=686 The better ones will light up red for power and green for ground. I love mine but it cost me a couple hundred dollars 15 years ago! Here is another option: http://www.autobarn.net/ledteliwadby.html

Second, disconnect ALL of the leads coming off of your ignition circuit except for the power in.

Replace the fuse: did it blow? (My guess is no).

Now, carefully reattach wire by wire and turn the switch on with each one. Take your time and be methodical. When the fuse pops, you've isolated your circuit. Then the fun really begins.

 

[brad614]

Re: Ignition issue

Soling Sailor - no apology necessary! I welcome every bit of advice I can get!
Boobie - Pardon my ignorance, but what is the PDP? Is that the power panel with the fuses for the tilt and all?
NetDoc - you are correct. The fuse blows as soon as you turn the key to the run position, not start. I will try your suggestions.

 

[boobie]

Re: Ignition issue

Yes it is the " power distribution panel " with all the fuses in and the relays.

 

[NetDoc]

Re: Ignition issue

NetDoc - you are correct. The fuse blows as soon as you turn the key to the run position, not start. I will try your suggestions.

My advice is to be very methodical. Once you have disconnected all the wires except power in, and have ascertained that the fuse does not blow, simply touch one wire at a time to the "I" contact of the switch. When you hear the fuse pop, MARK THAT WIRE. Now you can physically trace that wire backwards to where the problem is.

 

[brad614]

Re: Ignition issue

Final update - After hours of troubleshooting, it turned out to be the EMM. Another $1400...gotta love those FICHT's!!!

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Ignition issue

... and how do you know that? You were on your way to a new motor with parts!

BTW, DFI Technologies rebuilds ECU for a lot less than $1400.