1996 Seadoo Speedster No START

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

So I have had my seadoo speedster 96 in storage. I got it out this weekend replaced the battery and I am having the DESS problem again where it will not give me any beeps when I put the key on. When I go to push the start button I get the usual long loud beep, which I have dealt with before. Is there some kind of reset you have to do to the system when you replace the battery? Or is there a fuse to check or can the DESS system just stop working if the battery dies??

 

[PWCdoc]

Are you sure the key is coded to the MPEM?

 

[kustomkarl]

Check the lanyard post and cap to be sure it is clean. The beep is telling you it isn't communicating with the mpem.

Karl

 

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

So I should change my previous statement, when I put the lanyard on nothing happens. The only time I get the short, long beep is when I push the Start/Stop button, other than that I get nothing when I put it on the post. I have cleaned the post numerous times in hopes that would work. And yes to answer the first reply, this boat started fine last year and even before the season was up I tested the boat to make sure it started. Does the battery being replaced have anything to do with the MPEM? If the MPEM goes out can you just replace it? I really dislike the DESS system it is kind of a piece of crap. The whole concept is great but they seem to go out a lot from looking at other posts. :rant: I think if I can't get it to start tomorrow I am just going to take it to the pros. I hate to do it but my options seem to be limited. How would one know if the neutral switch is going out or broken??

 

[kustomkarl]

The DESS, can't be replaced. It controls all the electronics in the seadoo, via the mpem. Be sure all the fuses are not blown. The battery change wouldn't cause the lanyard post to not work after it was disconnected. You might want to be sure that both Positive+ and Ground- cables are getting a good connection at the battery and at ground by the starter and solenoid start relay in the mpem box. Be sure the wires going to the Dess post are in good condition and have a good connection. Remember it is a 1996 boat, so it might be a little corroded. I hope these things check out ok. If you want to go further, let me know after you check out these things, and we'll pursue it further if you want.

Karl

 

[kustomkarl]

The Neutral switch is in the shifter control handle. You need to remove the cover 4 screws and 4 more screws under the cover and lift up the shifter and throttle handles. In the control handle is the neutral switch. If the neutral switch was bad you would get 4 beeps indicating it was in gear and it wouldn't start.

 

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

The DESS, can't be replaced. It controls all the electronics in the seadoo, via the mpem. Be sure all the fuses are not blown. The battery change wouldn't cause the lanyard post to not work after it was disconnected. You might want to be sure that both Positive+ and Ground- cables are getting a good connection at the battery and at ground by the starter and solenoid start relay in the mpem box. Be sure the wires going to the Dess post are in good condition and have a good connection. Remember it is a 1996 boat, so it might be a little corroded. I hope these things check out ok. If you want to go further, let me know after you check out these things, and we'll pursue it further if you want.

Karl

When is it time to replace the DESS post and lanyard?? Every x years or just when the time comes around?

 

[timmyboy76]

dont think, its the "nuetral" switch, it would sound 4-beeps, if not seated correctly...
Members, have installed them, on recently/new boats, and it fixed the problem...my boats, have come back from the dead, and yet had this problem..(nauk on wood).
Probably, find one on ebay, real cheap, doesnt need to be programmed, then if still, might invest in new key...:cheers:

 

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

It was the key, it started working today. I order a new key and they said it takes like 5min to program a new one. Apprently on older keys the ground gets old and stops working as well as it should. So he said it is wise to replace the key every once in a while if it gives you trouble. Thanks for everyones help on here it is like having hundreds of mechanics to speak to.