Turn key nothing happens

OSUTimber

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
7
Hi All,

I have an 08 Q4 Tahoe with a mercrusier 3.0.

it started last summer, it would start fine when we got to the lake but after running around for awhile we would anchor up and swim. Would go to start again and get one click then nothing. Would turn back and try again and wouldn’t even get a click. The gauges don’t work but the blower and depth finder are fine. randomly when I turn the key everything works fine and the motor turns over without an issue. It runs great once started.

also while tracing the wires back to the engine to check fuses I noticed that where the slave solenoid is supposed to be on the engine there isn’t one. Just two holes where it should be.

anyone have any thoughts on where I should start?
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Where to start is giving us the serial number of the motor.

I guess after 5 years it's not too late to say welcome aboard.
 

OSUTimber

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
7
Thanks. I will get that info when I get home.

forgot to mention it won’t start at all now. Randomly does one click and then nothing but never gets past that.
 

OSUTimber

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
7
Hi All,

I have walked thru the "How to: troubleshooting your engines starting system" post by Don S. My ignition switch lit up but the S terminal light was very very dim. Does that mean something? It appears that my mercruiser 3.0 has a rely switch instead of a slave solenoid and when tested the light didnt light up on terminal C.

Any help would be great.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,207
you nave bad electrical connections, and from the sounds of it, multiples.......

start at your battery and clean every connection that has a wire or cable on it all the way to the motor and up to the helm

taking apart every connection, cleaning every terminal, every ground stud, etc.

by clean, these need to be sanded with 150 grit, hit with a wire wheel in a drill, or scotchbrite pads until they shine. I mean clean and shiny enough your mother would eat off them.

then hit with a marine electrical varnish to seal the connections.
 

OSUTimber

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
7
Thank you Scott.

Going to hit it tonight and hope it takes care of the problem. Will report back if not,
 

OSUTimber

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
7
Hi, I have cleaned all the terminals I could find with cleaner and sand paper. Nothing changed about the condition.

As of right now when I turn the key nothing happens except the blower light turns red even tho the blower is not on.

Any ideas?
 

OSUTimber

Cadet
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
7
Found it. The main ground wire connected at the battery is lose. Going to get a new fitting and reconnect to the battery.
 
Top