Electrical Issues

[Seadooguy10]

Hey All,

First of all I want to say Merry Christmas! Hope everyone is having a great day. So I have been having a few issues with my 01 GTX. When I plug the battery in, it tries to fire up. Even with the key out. I was looking through some threads and people were saying it could be either the solenoid, starter, or the mpem. I forget who said it but I did the test where you pull the plug from the solenoid and if it still turns over then its the solenoid but if it does not then it is the mpem. Well, I pulled the plug and it did nothing. So from this I am thinking it is the mpem. Though, I decided to plug the key in with the solenoid plug pulled out and it chirped twice and the gauges turned on. Can someone help me out in determining the issue? One added note is that the owner before me decided to jump the ski which I know is a huge no-no but there is not much I can do about that now. Any help would be great.

 

[ranga97]

Try disconnecting the solenoid from the battery and starter motor, then measure the resistance between the two terminals. Also measure the voltage of the MPEM signal wires to the solenoid. (I may be wrong but-) I think the solenoid only activates when it receives voltage, much like a normal relay. So therefore if there is constant voltage in those wires connecting the MPEM to the solenoid then you have a possible MPEM issue.
You could get around that though by having a push switch between the mpem and solenoid. This should then allow you to start the engine when you want, but you'll still have to press the start butt

 

[Coastiejoe]

Solenoids fail and stick closed pretty often. Even if you have a starter issue, this present is NOT the starter. I say that as, it gets no power without passing through the solenoid. It could also be a stuck start/stop button. If you pull the yellow (I think it's yellow) wire off the solenoid and it stops cranking, then you need to see if the start button is defective. This can easily be tested with a DVOM. (Digital Volt Ohm Meter).


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[Seadooguy10]

Thanks guys, Ill get on it and report back.

 

[Seadooguy10]

Which yellow wire are you talking about?

 

[Coastiejoe]

I can't open the pic right now. There should be a wire that is NOT black that goes to the solenoid. This is the trigger wire from the start button.


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[LouDoo]

Just pull the connector at the base of the solenoid. From your picture it appears to be the yellow with red tracer, and black.

Lou

 

[Seadooguy10]

Okay, yeah that's what I was talking about. When I unplugged that wire, it stopped cranking so I guess I have to test the start stop button. I have to go get a DVOM tomorrow to test that. How do I go about testing that anyway?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[LouDoo]

I'm just guessing but I would suspect a stuck starter button switch which you can check with either an ohm meter or a test light. Physically check and see if there is debris holding the button down.

Lou

 

[Coastiejoe]

First, unplug it so that the wires are going to nothing else but itself. Set the meter to ohms, take the two leads from the meter and touch the two leads or wires on the button. if the number starts moving pretty quickly, and ultimately end up at zero or near zero the button is shorted closed. If the numbers do not move then it is open as it should be. Connect the wires again. Put the meter on Volts DC anything that will read up to 20 volts. Ground the negative side of the meter lead to anything metal such as the engine block or the negative post of battery. Take the red or hot lead and touch one side of the power button. If it reads 0 V, then your problem is a stuck button. If it reads 12 bolts that means the button is receiving power prior to you really wanting it to have power test both sides of the button). This last test is with the lanyard NOT attached.


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[Seadooguy10]

So maybe I am missing something but I went out today to figure it out and it seems that the leads from the start button go straight to one of the mpem plugs instead of connecting along the way. Is this normal? How do I do the test in this instance?

 

[LouDoo]

I don't have a wiring diagram for your ski, but I just looked at a diagram for one of my ski's, and yes that sounds normal. The diagram I have for a 96XP the wires run to the mpem then another set run from the mpem to the starter solenoid. You can test the switch with an ohm meter or a test light, I'm betting it's the switch, at least that's a good place to start.

You might want to download a service manual for your ski(s), the wiring diagram is in the service manual.

Lou

 

[Seadooguy10]

Just an update, I replaced the solenoid and it changed nothing. Still having the same issue. I tried testing the start/stop button and it seemed as though it was alright as well. May have been doing the test wrong, not sure. So if those two are fine does that mean it is the starter or the mpem?

Thanks

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Its most likely the MPEM unfortunately. If the button tested ok, and it doesnt crank with that plug out of the side of the solenoid..MPEM.

I have one in stock when you are ready to buy. Guaranteed working order and willing to take back for a small restocking fee if for some reason the problem is something else.

 

[Seadooguy10]

Minnetonka- Could I send mine to you so you could test it?

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Yes...I can test for that issue. I charge a $20+ship flat fee, if you buy the replacement from me I wave the charge.