testing key switch

[mrc283]

how do i test my key switch?

 

[F_R]

Re: testing key switch

Key switch for what motor? What kind of problem are you having with it?

 

[mrc283]

Re: testing key switch

77, 85hp evinrude it will not even try to turn over or anything.

 

[F_R]

Re: testing key switch

Unless you want to tear into the remote control, you use a voltmetr to test for 12 volts at the small terminal on the starter solenoid when you turn the key. If you get the 12 volts there, you know the key switch is OK. If you don't get the 12 volts there, check the 20 amp fuse. If that's OK, then you have to tear into the control after all.

 

[mrc283]

Re: testing key switch

fuse is new and there is nothing at the solinoid

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: testing key switch

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

also have the battery load tested at the auto parts store, free, i've had new batteries go bad

 

[F_R]

Re: testing key switch

fuse is new and there is nothing at the solinoid

Just realized you are the guy with the new cable. Do you have a wiring diagram? You need to do a series of voltage checks each step along the circuit till you find the problem. It is useless for us to try to guess where it is.

 

[Randyg123]

Re: testing key switch

To troubleshoot your Starter Circuit

You'll find all of this in an OEM Manual. Best to get one! Life will be so much easier


Use the drawing I attached:

A. Check 20-amp fuse
B. Check battery, cables, leads; check and clean all connections (don't skip this step)
C. Disconnect starter-to-solenoid cable at point (6)

STEP 1 - Remove ground lead from (1). Connect voltmeter between (1) and engine ground turn key to 'start' - should read 12V (or whatever your battery voltage is).
a. If meter does not read any volts go to Step 2
b. If 12V is read, check ground lead with ohm-meter for open circuit. Replace wire if broken. Reconnect and proceed to Step 6.

In the following steps turn key to 'off' postion before connecting and disconnecting the meter. Turn key to 'start' after making connections.

STEP 2 - Connect meter at (2). Turn key to 'start'.
a. If 12V read, the solenoid is faulty.
b. If no reading, go to Step 3.

STEP 3 - Connect meter at (3), Turn key to 'start'.
a. If 12V, lead between (2) and (3) is open or neutral switch at the controller is open.
b. If no reading, go to Step 4.

STEP 4 - Connect meter a (4)
a. If meter reats 12V, ingition switch is faulty
b. If no reading, go to Step 5.

STEP 5 - Connect meter at (5)
a. If meter reads 12V, check for open wire or faulty fuse between (4) and (5).
b. If no reading at (5), check for open lead between battery (+) and (5)

STEP 6 - Connect voltmeter at point (6). Turn key to 'start'.
a. If no reading, solenoid is faulty.
b. If meter reads 12V (click should be heard in solenoid), go to Step 7.

STEP 7 - Reconnect starter to solenoid cable at (6). Connect meter to (7) and turn key to 'start'.
a. If meter reads 12V and starter moter does not turn, check starter motor.
b. If no reading, check for broken cable or poor connection.

Again, these are steps right out of the manual. I hope I got them transcribed correctly. This where you should start (no pun intended ) troubleshooting the circuit.