Ignition Problem - Very Intermittent

[Chansen]

I purchased my boat a year and a half ago and since I took delivery the ignition has been very flaky, the dealer has looked at it a number of times and hasn't been able to fix it because it is so intermittent. The problem occurs when turning the ignition to the "on" position before starting, normally the console beeps and the green light turns on to let you know that the fire suppression system is working, however randomly when turning the key to the on position it doesn't beep and the green light doesn't come on, so the engine will not crank. I have replaced the actual ignition but that hasn't fixed the problem. When the problem occurs, I unscrew the dash hatch and usually just by playing with some wires the green light will come on then the engine will start, however there are so many wires its very hard to tell where the problem is. I'm planning on going to the boat this weekend to try to figure this thing out, but I'm not sure where to start. If anyone has suggestions or if someone had a similar issue I would really appreciate some guidance.

Thanks!
Chris
2000 SeaRay 260 Sundancer
Mercruiser 7.4L with Bravo III

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Ignition Problem - Very Intermittent

I had a similar problem with my boat when it was new. Mine would also cut off while cruising. My ignition switch is protected by a circut breaker (push button reset) mounted directly below the ignition switch that was bad. I run twin engines and ended up changing both of the breakers once and one of em twice.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Ignition Problem - Very Intermittent

Ayuh,......

Electrical Gremlins living in a Spaghetti Jungle are Always hard to Find,....

Armed with a Test Light,+ Multimeter,....
The Pull, Wiggle,+ Shake Test is about the Only Way, I know of to Fix it......

 

[bjcsc]

Re: Ignition Problem - Very Intermittent

A good place to start would be cleaning all of the contact points on the wires for those two systems, making sure their fit is good, and reinstalling them. I would think it unlikely that you would have a wire with an internal short considering the location. If that doesn't get it, you'll have to do like Bond-o says. Get a good DVM, one with a tone for continuity, and some small clips to attach to the leads. Put one lead with a clip on the end terminal of the wire, and start back checking with the other lead, while wiggling and what not...

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: Ignition Problem - Very Intermittent

Wiggle test!

 

[Chansen]

Re: Ignition Problem - Very Intermittent

Thanks for everyone's suggestions... I had already tried the "wiggle test" on the 3 different connectors between the fuse panel and the ignition (no wonder I had problems, 3 connections to go 24 inches...) but I'm guessing that more than 1 of them were the problem. So I ran a wire direct from the fuse panel to the "B" terminal on the ignition and that solved the problem!