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98 challenger 1800 keeps dying after running

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Flightfollowing

Flightfollowing

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Challenger keeps dieing on me after I run it for about an hour or so. I get a long beep after I try to start it. Sometimes it will start but only run for a few seconds to a minute. If I get it started it would run for a bit and then cut off.
 
yeah, Its really hard to reseat. the key doesn't want to make a connection sometimes and sometimes it does. Still the same result. I had to get a tow earlier on the water.
 
I would start by trying to resolve the key issue. They can be a tricky pain. Use a pencil erasure or I use super fine sandpaper to get a good connection. On the post and the key. If you lose connection the engine will obviously shut down.
 
no luck with the eraser or 2000 grit sand paper. Anyone got any input? from what I read it might be an electrical or overheat issue maybe? I don't think it would be an over heat issue. I sat in the dark for two hours before i could get a tow and the engine wouldn't even start. Had issues getting a lanyard connection also.
 
Are you getting any beeps or still the long one? It could be a faulty DESS post or check the DESS post connections behind it for loose or corroded wires. Long beep is overheat but if I remember right it is also key not communicating with MPEM.
 
Most of the time no beeps. Then usually the normal double beep, engine start. shut off and long beep. Then sometimes just long beeps. I'll have to rape the key connection in order to get a connection sometimes. I'll check the DESS for any loose connections or corroded wires tomorrow once the sun is up. I have all day to work on the boat tomorrow so if you guys have any suggestions on what to check and where. Throw it at me and I'll let you know what I' come up with.

This problem has been bothering me since last season and Its just gotten alot worse this year. I'd like to get it fixed so I can run it a few times before I close her up for the winter.
 
DEss post doesn't seem to have any corrosion or loose wires on it. The black blackyellow and white wires look fine Im only looking at from under the starboard side drivers cover though. I don't know where the actual DESS unit is.

After letting her sit over night. She connects fine. Two beeps and ready to start. It only happens after being ran after a. Hour or so.
 
If you know the answer then why are you asking? ;)

There's a little magnet in the post that can wear out, it's common issue..
 
Ok I'll get it replaced. Do you have a suggestion on where to go to get it replaced?

If the magnet wears out. Why does connect fine again after sitting for a while?
 
The post is the DESS unit, it communicates with the MPEM. The lanyard/ key is coded to the MPEM. If you have had to tape the key before, then it's time for a new key. It sounds like it's hit or miss with the DESS system. I would hook up and go to a dealer and get a new key programmed first. Then test it right in the parking lot. Hope there is one near you or a mobile tech with a programmer can code a new one for you. Sitting overbite isn't gonna change whether or not you get beeps.
 
The post could also be going bad internally and not recognizing the key.
Also you could be getting beep errors from a bad beeper. You can get a new one from radio shack cheap. Process of elimination sucks.
 
Buy it used, pwctoday classifieds, I keep the old on in the boat just in case..Probably should buy a used key and have it programmed too.. :)
 
You stated the post was loose a little. Try tightening up the mounting ring so it's solid again. It might connect while stationary but might jar loose the magnet while on the water.
 
Allright. I ordered a new dess post, called the stealership and asked them to order a new key and setted up an appointment to get my key programmed. Hopefully it works. I checked the mpem fuses and none are blown but two fuses are missing. Pics in a few.
 
Partially off topic... but not important enough to start a new thread. Is it supposed to beep when you put the DESS key on the post? It never has done that for me, haha.
 
depends on if the beeper is broke or not, the short answer is yes

Mine gets wet when I wash the storage compartment, it then sounds like its drowning for a day or so. Yesterday it decided not to work at all, today its fine. Personally, I'm going to replace it with an idiot light because the beeper is so loud that everyone around my cove knows when I'm about to crank up. It is particularly annoying when I troubleshoot and have to reset the key.
 
Alright, finally got my DESS in. It was used from a forum member. I hope this gets it fixed. I'll be testing it monday. Bought Boatus towing so i wont get jammed with another towing bill.
 
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