96 GTX flashes light, won't start

[lrcook1122]

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and have been struggling to get my 1996 sea doo gtx back on the water this season. Last season, the jet ski ran great all summer and started every single time. However, this year, as I put on the key, the lights on the gauges light up as they should, but then the light on the tachometer flashes twice. Of course, when this happens, pushing the start button won't allow the jet ski to turn over or even click. I thought this light meant the engine was too hot, but that would not make sense considering it hasn't been run and it isn't very warm this time of year. Occasionally, after taking the key on and off several times, the light will go away and the jet ski will run fine, but lately, I have not had any luck in getting the light to go away. Honestly, I have no idea where to start looking, any help is appreciated, thanks!

Note: The Info Center does not work on this jet ski. Only the tachometer, and lights on the right and left (not middle).

 

[mikidymac]

Without the beeper working it hard to diagnose if it’s recognizing the key. Chances are it’s either a bad DESS post or lanyard. I would try cleaning both metal contacts really well first.

 

[artr]

The light on the tachometer is the engine temperature warning. The sensor is on top of the engine where the spark plugs are and has a single wire going to it that clips on. That sensor grounds the wire when the engine overheats. I don't know if the engine shuts down when it's overheated but the beeper should be constantly sounding also If yours is working. You can test the sensor with an ohmmeter to see if it's grounded when the engine is cool. You could also disconnect the sensor and see if your engine starts and the red light goes off. Replace the sensor if it is faulty before running it for very long.

 

[mikidymac]

Overheating sensor has nothing to do with it starting or not.
All warning lights will come on then go off with the key connected.

 

[lrcook1122]

The light on the tachometer is the engine temperature warning. The sensor is on top of the engine where the spark plugs are and has a single wire going to it that clips on. That sensor grounds the wire when the engine overheats. I don't know if the engine shuts down when it's overheated but the beeper should be constantly sounding also If yours is working. You can test the sensor with an ohmmeter to see if it's grounded when the engine is cool. You could also disconnect the sensor and see if your engine starts and the red light goes off. Replace the sensor if it is faulty before running it for very long.

I will give it a try, thanks!

 

[GGuillot]

As mentioned you need a good beeper working to figure out what's going on. In prep for the season, I hope you didn't charge the ski with it still connected. All fuses ck out good correct?

 

[lrcook1122]

As mentioned you need a good beeper working to figure out what's going on. In prep for the season, I hope you didn't charge the ski with it still connected. All fuses ck out good

I charged the battery while it was still out of the jet ski so I dont believe its any fuse. Also, today I came out to try and start it out of curiosity and it didn't blink the light and started right away