Key seems to fail then works after fiddling around

[hexec]

I have a strange condition that I'm hoping someone can help me with. On my 97XP800, I can insert the key and get the 2 beeps, I know it will turn over. I'll ride for a bit then the engine shuts down for no reason. The start button doesn't work anymore so I pull the key and reinsert it and get no beeps. I didn't find the no beep condition strange because I think the beeper/buzzer is intermittent. However, when I press the start button it beeps and doesn't turn over. Sort of like it didn't recognise the key in the first place. I'll pull the key off and back on a few more times and away it goes and it will be good for a couple hours (or all day) then it will do it again out of the blue. Is this a contact issue with the key? What is the key anyway? Does it pass an unlock sequence to the ski through the contacts or proximity sensor? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to understand and fix this condition.

 

[gbone87]

I am not an expert on these machines but I know the dess system is a security system. You must get two beeps from the computer for it to start and i believe one beep means the computer is not recognizing the key or assumes it is the incorrect key. I had the buzzer go on my 96 gtx but it would start even though I was not getting the two beeps it would still start. It could be a contact issue with the key as the plate inside is a magnet that connects with the post on your handlebars. I would start by washing the key with some soap and water because i have heard salt residue or any type of residue for that matter can affect the magnet and also check your connections and wiring from your the post you put your key on.

 

[hexec]

Hmmmm, I would have never thought that the center pad was a magnet. I would have thought that anything magnetic would rust or corrode. Thanks, for your suggestion, I'll clean both ends and treat with some dielectric lube and test the magnet strength also.

 

[Dr Honda]

the lanyard and the post are 2 devices in one.

The first is a magnetic switch. When you put the lanyard on... the switch closes, and the MPEM turns on. The second device is a chip reader. On the lanyard post, there are 2 contacts. The tip, and the ring. Those contacts allow the MPEM to read the code in the lanyard.


So... in your case... 2 things are going on. First... the post is getting old and is starting to become intermittent. (That's the power turning off) the second issue is that the contacts are dirty... and the MPEM isn't reading the lanyard. (that's why you get the single beep)

If it was my ski... I would try to clean the contacts with a light abrasive.... but most likely... to solve your problem... you will need a new lanyard post.

 

[hexec]

Thanks Doc, that makes a lot of sense now. I'll try cleaning first.

 

[hexec]

Key Doc, I've been giving this a little thought. When the ski dies unexpectedly is when it goes through this lanyard recognition issue to restart. Can a loss in recognition and the engine kill be the same issue (connector contact) rather than 2 problems? I just find it coincidental that both issues occurs at the same time.

 

[comsnark]

I had the same issue several weeks back. Replacing the DSS post did not help. Ski would shutdown without warning under all conditions (idling, when at full throttle, on the hard with or without hose attached). DSS key would have to be reinserted to allow a restart.

The problem proved to be a bad ground. Removing, cleaning, reattaching ground to the engine solved the problem.

The ground on my 800 motor is on the bottom; great place for corrossion to occur. Do you have any moisture issues in the hull?

 

[Dr Honda]

HEXEC:

The problem is normally one in the same. If you get a quick "Off-on" cycle... then the MPEM may not read the key correctly. That's why I was saying try to clean the post... but most likely.. it will need replaced.

With Comsnark's issue... it's the same as I was just saying. His quick "Off-On" cycle, made the MPEM not read the key properly.

You should check for loose, or corroded wires... but it's a common issue, for the lanyard post to give up.

 

[hexec]

Ok, last weekend I was stranded on the lake. This time the key would not work no matter what I did. I can usually get it started again and then go. Not this time. After 30 minutes someone was nice enough to come tow me to shore. I started looking at the whole schematics and tested every wire. So far, I've tested the Lanyard and post and found both to be stable from an operational and connectivity perspective. I can actual get it to recognize the key then I can slowly remove it from the post while the engine is running. When the gap between the key and the post is more than 2mm the magnet in the lanyard would not be strong enough to hold the magnetic stitch closed. This proved a few things for me. 1) the connection to the post was good enough to pass the key code to the MPEM. 2) the MPEM only needs that code once at startup. 3) The magnetic switch was functions easily within operational levels. Therefore, the problem is related to wiring to the MPEM. Here's where I'm at with troubleshooting so far. I was able to recreate the failure by lifting and lower the hood. When I reconnected conn1 to the MPEP I lost the ability to lower the VTS. It only goes up now. It always worked in both directions. It appears that I have a series of CONN1 issues. I plan to do continuity testing on every single wire on that connector. I suspect broken wires at some of the pins. When flexed correctly it works and when flexed wrong it fails.

I will post back once i find the exact problem. I ran out of time yesterday. I'm hoping that this experience will help some else.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

gbone87 - Did you ever fix the problem. I have the same ski and same problem. Sometime the buzzer works and sometimes not. I have a new one from Radio shack but not installed yet.
Sometimes while tubing I'll stop the motor and then restart it several times w/o removing or attaching the key again.

 

[gbone87]

seadoobuddy- I did fix the problem. It was the buzzer. I also picked one up from radio shack and installed it. Now I get two beeps all the time. When the buzzer was bad and I was trying to diagnose it I pulled the buzzer out of the handlebars and as I connected the key, with my ear close to the buzzer, I was able to hear two faint clicks. I also had to clean up the all the contacts located under the front compartment. They all had greenish blue corrosion on the plug pins.

 

[hexec]

found my problem to be the main connector to the MPEM. Connector CON1. All the female sockets are too lose for the pins. I pushed then together to create a better friction fit and now everything works again. I just picked up some dielectric grease and I'm going to dress every connector pin in socket. That should solve the problem for a few years.....lol.

 

[Stayarmy]

DR. Honda, I have the same problem as stated before by "hexec". So I got a new key and had it programed. I also got a used DESS post to see if that would help. Still have the same problem. It is driving nuts.

 

[hexec]

DR. Honda, I have the same problem as stated before by "hexec". So I got a new key and had it programed. I also got a used DESS post to see if that would help. Still have the same problem. It is driving nuts.

Did you check CON1? Also, there is a ground wire that runs through the instrument panel. Mine broke so I had to join the black wire going into the speedimeter with the black going out to correct the breakage inside the speedo. meter both sides to ground. You should get continuity to ground all the way through each instrument.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Did you check CON1? Also, there is a ground wire that runs through the instrument panel. Mine broke so I had to join the black wire going into the speedimeter with the black going out to correct the breakage inside the speedo. meter both sides to ground. You should get continuity to ground all the way through each instrument.

I had a similar problem and solved it. Look at post #42-47 on this thread. http://www.seadooforum.com/showthread.php?44901-No-power-at-all&p=271948&highlight=#post271948