99 SPX dead-won't even beep

[speters427]

Just tried to get my 99 SPX running for the first time after the long winter. Installed a new battery, cleaned all the terminals. Found that water must have gotten into the rear fuse box (major corrosion at the bottom coil post, and the bottom fuse was completely rotted away). I took the rear fuse box to the local Sea-Doo dealer as I was concerned that the whole box was toast, he seemed to think that the coil is virtually indestructable, so I returned home and carefully cleaned all the connections and temperarily bypassed the destroyed bottom fuse by soldering the wires together, hoping that would get my running. Wrong. The system is totally dead, can't even get it to beep. The counter guy figured it was the MPEM and the cost for that is about $700....Ouch! I took the front fuse box and MPEM out and inspected it and it looks brand new. Front fuses are fine.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I would not give up on it. #1 get a fuse holder and get a fuse in where you took it out...you dont want to not have that fuse there.

#2 hit the start button with the key off the post and see if the gauges move. If they do you just have a bad DESS post, or key...prob post.

#3 If I remember correctly that fuse you took out was the power to the MPEM. You will want to open the front ebox and check the fuses in there along for water intrusion.

Get through that and let us know what you find.

 

[speters427]

Okay.....I just got done replacing the 7.5 amp fuse and continuity tested all the connections and wires in the rear fuse box....all seems to be in order there.

I checked the front fuse box that contains the MPEM and it all looks as good as new. Still dead, except the VTS gage does move when I depress the starter button without the key.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Ok if it doesnt make the gauge do the same thing when you plug the key in, then that likely tells you the Beeper is not beeping and the DESS post needs replacement. It could be the key, but its usually the post. I have good used ones available.

 

[seadoosnipe]

Okay.....I just got done replacing the 7.5 amp fuse and continuity tested all the connections and wires in the rear fuse box....all seems to be in order there.

I checked the front fuse box that contains the MPEM and it all looks as good as new. Still dead, except the VTS gage does move when I depress the starter button without the key.

You need to find out if the beeper is bad. Like Minnetonka said, you might have a bad beeper and you can find out if your system is powering up by pushing the start button. This will power up your accessories for 33 seconds, long enough for you to check your fuel etc...

To test your beeper, get a test light or anything you have, visible or audible, that runs off 12 vdc. Disconnect the beeper wires and attach to the test light or beeper you've got. Then, power up again using your lanyard. If the lanyard has been recognized, then the problem with your beeper has been solved. You can get any audible 12vdc beeper from Radio Shack or the like. In most cases, you don't have to worry with the environment because they are tucked away, usually under dash.

I use a test light to test them. It's like screwdriver with a point on one end and a alligator clip and wire on the other end. If you put the key on and it blinks, then you know it's bad.......Good luck!

 

[Minnetonka4me]

usually the beepers start working again if you whack them or spray them with a little brake cleaner and air it out.

 

[seadoosnipe]

Might be true, never tried that. I don't advocate whacking anything. When you say that, they might not know their own strength and do more damage than good.....

 

[Minnetonka4me]

If its already broke what does it matter? If the gauges come on you know the beeper is bad or unhooked.

I just smack it on the counter or hit it with a screwdriver handle and voila...they start beeping again.

 

[speters427]

Okay....Seadoosnipe talks about zeroing in on the beeper, but isn't the beeper just for making noise to alert the user of various statuses? Wouldn't the Sea-Doo still crankover? It is just dead other than the VTS gage hopping up and down when depressing the start/stop button.

Are you refering to the lanyard DESS post when you say beeper?

Thanks

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Yes we are focusing on a part that doesnt really matter...but if it was working it might tell you your key is wrong or cant read it. If you didnt have an issue it would crank.

The DESS post is your issue I think.

 

[speters427]

I hot wired the DESS post from my working GTX and no difference, still get no beeping or cranking but the VTS dial in the dash jumps up and down when I press the start/stop button with or without the lanyard attached. Any ideas?

 

[speters427]

Just went thru the manual procedure to test the DESS safety lanyard switch. It says that resistance should be close to zero when testing the white/gray wire and the switch terminal>>>>> I get a reading of .028 Is that close enough to zero?

 

[speters427]

You guys were right......The beeper was bad bought one at radio shack for $5 instead of the OEM one. Replaced the solenoid starter relay and she is acting like normal. 2 beeps and she cranks......

Thanks again!

 

[Kozerxp]

Good to hear that you got ut goin and thanks for the update

 

[dirtdiver]

I have a 96 spx it doesnt beep either buts run fine. Where exactly is the beeper if I have one? I don't see it in the shop manual? What is the part called you got at radio shack?

David

 

[speters427]

Sorry, tossed the paperwork and part info from radio shack away. When you got to the store ask for "Buzzers", the guy looked at kind of funny when I asked for a beeper (so 1984) actually he was clueless about either so I had to walk around the store to find them in a pull out drawer (like they have at Home Depot for specialty screws). Anyway, I boughy the $5 one which is smaller than the OEM, they had a larger one for $10, I suggest cutting the old one out and bringing it to the store to get the right size.

The location is about where the latch for opening the front storage bin is, but on the steering column. Mine had a hole with a ))) looking symbol. You need to take out the four screws that hold together the plastic shroud surrounding the steering column. I cut the wires close to the buzzer rather than take the whole thing apart to get to the connector, and soldered the new one in.

Good luck!

 

[dirtdiver]

thanks i will take a look so I should have the buzzer too right?

David