Wave Runner Low Voltage

[krra1]

Started up my 2112 FX SHO Wave Runner two weeks ago for the first time this season. Everything was fine, took it for a little spin and docked. Yesterday it started but the dash said "Low Volt" but it stayed on but would not restart after shutting off. It did start with a jump box but about every light on the dash started blinking and alarms sounded, I immediately shut it down. I removed the battery today and put on a charger but the green light came on right away saying it was charged. Anyone else have this happen or know what the problem could be? The battery was attached correctly, the PWC has 50 hours and ran fine when on. The battery is going on it's third season.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

I would have the battery load tested or just replace it. PWC batteries are typically only good for a season or two.

 

[sixfigures]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

The battery is low, charge it up, when they sit for a time the battery goes down. My 2010 has the original battery and it is just starting to show low volts if I don't run it for a week or so. the connections may also be loose. These sealed batteries can get low on water.
I pull off the top plate add water and glue it back with a couple of drops of super glue, probably why the battery lasted 4 years, my other 2013 has no issues with the battery as of yet.

 

[highsider989]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

The battery is low, charge it up, when they sit for a time the battery goes down. My 2010 has the original battery and it is just starting to show low volts if I don't run it for a week or so. the connections may also be loose. These sealed batteries can get low on water.
I pull off the top plate add water and glue it back with a couple of drops of super glue, probably why the battery lasted 4 years, my other 2013 has no issues with the battery as of yet.

I'm not sure I would open a sealed battery, they are filled with acid not water, they do have a limited useful life. They do end up being unable to hold a charge and often fail under load when starting. I would be happy with about three years. Change the battery, being sure it is properly prepped and fully charged before installation. Once replaced test the regulated voltage. You should have about 13.6v or so at a higher rpm. More than that and the regulator should be checked. small engines often have strange symptoms when battery voltage is low.

 

[sixfigures]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

I have been doing it for years and years they are the same as a regular battery inside and yes they have sulfuric acid in them but you only add water to bring it back up, when they charge the water breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen , that is why there is a battery vent so you do not have those gases in the hull.
You peel of the strip remove the little black caps ad the proper amount of water, re cap and reinstall the strip, after charging it this will usually double the life of the battery but suit yourself.

 

[highsider989]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

I have been doing it for years and years they are the same as a regular battery inside and yes they have sulfuric acid in them but you only add water to bring it back up, when they charge the water breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen , that is why there is a battery vent so you do not have those gases in the hull.
You peel of the strip remove the little black caps ad the proper amount of water, re cap and reinstall the strip, after charging it this will usually double the life of the battery but suit yourself.

If the battery has a vent it is not a sealed battery. A regular battery with a vent can be serviced up to a point, you are correct. I'm not sure i would want a regular battery in a PWC,

 

[sixfigures]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

You sure about that or just guessing? in any event back to the initial poster who needs some help. Your factory battery can be serviced if you know what you are doing. also do not over charge it use a small trickle charger, if you see a cell boiling during the charge or if one cell is a lot lower than the others, that cell is going bad or is bad. The battery connections also get dirty or loose and they may need a good cleaning . After you have a fully charged battery put a volt meter on the terminals and push the start button , during a load your meter should not drop below 11.5 volts.
If it does you have a weak cell however the Yamaha factory battery should last you more than 2 years, as I said my 2010 has now logged 525 hours in 4 years with the original battery and yes it is a sealed battery it is required by law to have a vent tube and I do add water to it occasionally. All in strictly hot Florida salt water. Based on my experience Yamaha is by far the best and most reliable ski you can buy for riding hard, jumping waves and running them in salt water.

 

[highsider989]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

pertty sure, a battery that gets bounced around loosing acid through a vent tube would be a bad idea, the sealed maintenance free gel batteries can be used in different positions or rolled over with out loosing fluid. the only vented small Motorsports batteries I regularly see are on scooters.

 

[sixfigures]

Re: Wave Runner Low Voltage

They are all vented to the exterior of the ski even my newest ones and they are sealed this you may verify at your convenience. Just look for the clear tube hooked to the nipple on the end of the battery in any ski. then follow that tube to the vent exiting the hull. These are NOT gel batteries they are lead acid batteries. However they do not have any access for adding water as they are sealed off, with the exception of the vent as mentioned. I know exactly what battery he has I own two of them myself.