'97 GTX - DESS problem?

[georgiaflamingo]

I have a '97 GTX that I bought used last summer. I have had an on-going problem with the battery discharging. The previous owner had just put a brand new battery in it, but I replaced it anyway thinking it might just be a bad battery. The new battery is fully charged, but now when I install the lanyard on the post sometimes I get nothing, but occasionally one long beep. It's never done the 2 short beeps that are supposed to indicate everything is okay, but would crank anyway if the battery was good. I've cleaned the DESS cap and the post...nothing. Does this sound like a post problem or possibly the start/stop button? Can anybody give me any tips? The ski runs great (when it starts), but I'm so frustrated with this electrical issue that I'm about ready to junk it!

 

[georgiaflamingo]

The owner's manual says that one long beep means the lanyard cap is not installed correctly, is the wrong lanyard, is defective or has salt water in the cap...doesn't say anything about the battery being dead. That's why I'm wondering if it's been a lanyard problem or a post problem all along. Any input anyone can give will be much appreciated!