Mercruiser start/ignition issue

Eazyezekiel

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Jun 11, 2021
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I have 2001 maxum that has a 4.3 merceuiser. I went to start it but I turn the key and nothing happens. The blower also does not work. The bilge pump and trailer trim work and that is it. I put a voltage meter on the back of the ignition and I get power at the red and purple wire and nothing to the purple and red and yellow. I replaced the 50 amp circuit breaker and the starter solenoid. I get power to both sides of the breaker and on the red and purple wire side of the solenoid. The starter itself has voltage but the coil does not. If I jump the coil I get power to the ignition and the blower starts to work as well as the voltage and fuel gauges. I can not for the life of me figure this out. Any help would be a appreciated. Thanks.
 

alldodge

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Check the 90 amp fuse on the starter post. There is a fuse inside it. Should have 12V on the small stud
90 amp fuse.jpg

If power is there, check the ignition key switch. If no power at key check the 20 amp fuse
 

Eazyezekiel

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Jun 11, 2021
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Check the 90 amp fuse on the starter post. There is a fuse inside it. Should have 12V on the small stud
View attachment 342688

If power is there, check the ignition key switch. If no power at key check the 20 amp fuse
I was unaware there was a fuse there. Just to clarify the red and yellow wire from the solenoid goes to that? Once replaced I should have a voltage reading on the red and purple and the yellow and red wire at the solenoid?
 

alldodge

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The Yellow/Red is the start circuit and is not your problem. You want to find out why there is no power to the helm

Missed this when I first read your post
I get power at the red and purple wire and nothing to the purple and red and yellow.

Getting power at the Red/purple and nothing on the others would just mean your key switch is bad. Jump across from the Red/purple to the purple and gauges should turn ON
 

Eazyezekiel

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Jun 11, 2021
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The Yellow/Red is the start circuit and is not your problem. You want to find out why there is no power to the helm

Missed this when I first read your post


Getting power at the Red/purple and nothing on the others would just mean your key switch is bad. Jump across from the Red/purple to the purple and gauges should turn ON
Okay I will check that thanks!
 

Eazyezekiel

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Jun 11, 2021
Messages
4
The Yellow/Red is the start circuit and is not your problem. You want to find out why there is no power to the helm

Missed this when I first read your post


Getting power at the Red/purple and nothing on the others would just mean your key switch is bad. Jump across from the Red/purple to the purple and gauges should turn ON
I have power at the 90 amp fuse off the starter. I jumped the wires on the key switch still nothing.. any other ideas?
 

alldodge

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I have power at the 90 amp fuse off the starter. I jumped the wires on the key switch still nothing.. any other ideas?

12V on the 90 amp fuse
12V on the Red/purple wire on the key switch
Jump red/purple to purple and no 12V to the coil on the motor

Check power across the kill switch
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
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May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Do you still have 12v on the red/purple when you turn the key to START?
 
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