1995 SP Won't Start - Does Nothing (as if battery disconnected)

[DJDaveOtt]

The ski ran fine until it just stopped...now I get nothing at all...as if the battery is not connected.

I have a limited knowledge of these, but my last repair (fuel lines) went well, so I'm trying this on my own and I could use some help.

When I connect jumper cables to the starter, it turns over. So it's not the starter. Fuses next to the solenoid are good. Solenoid maybe? Something else? Where should I start? Is there a common problem?

I thank you in advance

 

[smc0922]

Solenoids are common but open up the gray electrical box and check those fuses. General check of all electrical connections for corrosion and security can't hurt. Dielectric grease is your friend.

 

[smc0922]

Oops if you were at the solenoid then you already found them. Grab a voltmeter and check all your positive wires. But do check all your cables grounds and harness plugs for corrosion and security.

 

[LouDoo]

I would check the solenoid first. Short across the two main lugs of the solenoid, the two at the top where the two red wires are connected. If the starter turns over it's probably the solenoid.

Lou

 

[DJDaveOtt]

Thanks for the reply guys. I know the fuses and connections are good. And when I connect the top poles on the solenoid, it turns over. I just got back from the auto parts store. They don't have anything that matches up.. I may try the tractor supply store. If no luck, I'll order one online.
Should I check the push button start switch? The kill switch? Just thinking ahead...

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Pull the connector out of the solenoid, then put your volt meter on the plug. You should see 12v when you hit the start button.

I have new and used OEM solenoids in stock and can ship today.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Easy tests can eliminate the stop/start switch. Not sure of the color off hand, but one of the small wires will be at zero volts until you press the start button, then it will (should) be 11 volts. If you do get the 12 volts when the button is pressed, based on your description it is likely the solenoid. If you do not get 12 volts, then it can be a few things. The switch is testable if you disconnect it and check for resistance. It will be open when not pressed and zero or nearly zero resistance when pushed.

 

[bigJake]

"The ski ran fine until it just stopped"

Guys, correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think a bad solenoid would cause a running ski to stop running. (If that is what he is really saying)

Ground wire?
Fuse?

 

[LouDoo]

Jake,

Ma wuz rite, you wuz always the smart one in the family.

I went back and read the first post again, it sounds like he lost spark. So you're thinking maybe an ignition problem?

Lou

 

[DJDaveOtt]

When it died, it lost everything.. No noise at all when pushing start button. Ignition worked fine til then. If the ignition worked, it'd still turn over but just get no spark correct?
Jake, I'm right down the river from you. I see you're from Pittsburgh, I'm in Steubenville. Thanks for your reply

 

[bigJake]

To clarify Dave, you are saying that the engine was actually running and suddenly just stopped? Did it sputter or bog down before it stopped, or running fine and just stopped?

 

[DJDaveOtt]

Well it's finally nice weather and I decided to tackle this problem. Replaced solenoid, but wasn't the problem. The problem is in the kill button on the handlebars.. I'm going to take it apart and see if Radio Shack has something I can use...unless you guys know a better way to fix the problem. I'm excited to know it won't be long til I'm jumping waves on the Ohio River! I appreciate any input and thanks again guys

 

[scrisp]

Well it's finally nice weather and I decided to tackle this problem. Replaced solenoid, but wasn't the problem. The problem is in the kill button on the handlebars.. I'm going to take it apart and see if Radio Shack has something I can use...unless you guys know a better way to fix the problem. I'm excited to know it won't be long til I'm jumping waves on the Ohio River! I appreciate any input and thanks again guys

When you say the kill switch on the handlebars, are you talking about the red start/stop button switch, or the safety switch that the lanyard attaches to?

 

[DJDaveOtt]

When you say the kill switch on the handlebars, are you talking about the red start/stop button switch, or the safety switch that the lanyard attaches to?

red start/stop

 

[scrisp]

red start/stop

I saw one a few hours ago on EBay for right around $20. I have to get one too, for my 96 XP and I guess that's about average for them.