98 Speedster: No beeps, no start but accessories work fine. Needles jump

[cgodfrey6]

Hi all, hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

I have searched through the posts and this may be a battery issue but I wanted to get more input.

The problem is that:
1) No beeps when putting the DESS on the post. No sound at all
2) When either start button is pushed no sound or activity but the needles on the gauges jump
3) No sound when pushing the advanced diagnostic procedure
4) No sound when putting in forward and pushing start.
5) All other electrical stuff works fine.

We were out today watersking and the boat was running great. We stopped to pick up the fallen skier so I killed the engines. When I went to start up again, there was no sound no click at all when I pressed either start button. The accessories (lights, fan, horn) all worked fine.

I tried the advanced diagnostic procedure but did hear anything. In fact when I press the start buttons with the DESS on or off the lanyard I notice the gauges needles jump.


Any advise would be much appreciated.

***UPDATE ***
Ok this is weird.
After reading about the issue last night I decided to try one last time

Put the key on .... and churp churp.

started both engines on the trailer fine.

Then came back two minutes later and put the key on the post... nothing no churp churp. BUT both engines started fine.

Anyone???

Thanks

 

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

Well the one thing I didn't check when I started having start problems is you have a 14-18 pin connector at the top of your MPEM/ELECTRIC box. That connection even though it looks secure can come loose pretty easily. If it is loose try tightening it back up and testing your key. If that doesn't work clean it pretty good and reattach it and test your key again. When the same thing started happening with me I tested all the connections and bought a new key etc. etc. and still I had issue. After a post I read about another forum goer told me what he did to resolve his problem which was the same issue I had. I had the same ordeal all my electrical stuff worked blower, lights etc. but no key. Your sound/horn might be on the frizz as well. first things first try the 14-18 pin connector then if you can get your boat started I would diag. the sound issue.

 

[RFoster130]

Clean the Dess post and the inside of the key lanyard good with soap and water. After it dries, clean it with an eraser. Sounds like it may be making a bad contact.

 

[SeadooBOB Square Pants]

Forget key and post for the moment can you post a picture of your engine compartment where your electric box is?? The reason I say forget the post and key is you would probably have to hit the post with a hammer for it to stop working so as long as you have checked under the front storage compartment to see if the commection was loose/bad then that won't help. The key will give you some sort of clue it isn't working trust me they either work or don't, meaning if your gauges flicker or move when you put it on it notices the key.