No power at all

[Seadoobuddy]

My nephew was riding my GTX today and went over a small wake, when he came down the ski shut down and had no power whatsoever. No beeps, no gauges, no nothing.

I did find the ground wire from an electrical box to the battery was broken and the (I think) temp. sensor was off. I fixed the ground and put the clip back on the engine block but still nothing.

So what could be wrong? Battery tested at 12.43 volts. In the front box the 3 fuses all look OK. uke:

 

[Superneil018]

clean the battery cables, make sure the cables to the starter are still tight, also there is a small bolt that connect the stator cover that has to be tight and could be knocked lose.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

When i read about the 5 and 15 amp fuses, are these the ones in the front electrical box. Looks like 3 fuses there 5, 15 and ? amp sizes.

If I jump the solenoid and the starter doesn't crank ...is the starter bad.
How come I have no gauges working with the dess on?

 

[bigJake]

just to make sure we don't overlook the basics, try cleaning the dess and the post?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

OK, what do I clean it with?
Where is the stator.......is that the box next to the battery? That top plug was removed and put back in tightly.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

First...with the DESS off the post hit the start buttun a few times...do the gauges light up? If they do then its likely the key or the post...usually the post.

If the gauges light up you have a broken connection or module somewhere. The main ground wires are known to rot from the inside and go "bad" even though they look fine.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

First...with the DESS off the post hit the start button a few times...do the gauges light up? If they do then its likely the key or the post...usually the post.

If the gauges light up you have a broken connection or module somewhere. The main ground wires are known to rot from the inside and go "bad" even though they look fine.

you say if the gauges light up then the post is bad then you say i have a broken connection or module.....don't understand the 2 possible solutions . If the gauges light up then how do I have a bad connection???

 

[Minnetonka4me]

When you work on machines always think like a flow chart. If this then that....etc.

read it again...IF the gauges light up, THEN the electrical system is working and you can concentrate on the DESS post or key.

If they dont light up, THEN thertes something not allowing the gauges to light up.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

When you work on machines always think like a flow chart. If this then that....etc.

read it again...IF the gauges light up, THEN the electrical system is working and you can concentrate on the DESS post or key.

If they dont light up, THEN there's something not allowing the gauges to light up.

OK, I understand but both of your "tests" said if they light up.....

 

[Bills86e]

They won't light if the fuses have blown. Check them with a pencil tester. On mpem and in rear E-box. Tell us where you don't & do have power.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

OK, I followed what Minnetaka said to do. The gauges light up without the dess on, so for chits and giggles I put the dess on and.....you won't believe this...but it beeped twice and then I started it. Yesterday even after fixing the ground wire it wouldn't do anything but this morning it starts.
Any ideas......Did the SeaDoo god have pity on me and fixed it overnight?????

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Prob needs a new post or key...I would be killing it close to shore if you chance it.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Is there a test for it, if so then what do I have to do?

Also, I noticed yesterday that I have the gray fuel lines...no problem the last several yrs but it will be a project this fall.
Has anyone heard about a recall for the fuel lines....(I'll post it as a thread too).

 

[zuminazx]

were you able to figure out what caused the problem? I'm having the exact same issue right now with my spx.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Yes and no,
The ski started the day after it dies and been running it ever since.

I did replace the fuel lines at the end of August.

will be doing several maintenance things this off season. See a future thread on this.

 

[zuminazx]

I'm having the same issue, I can jump the solenoid and get the starter to turn though. No power to the gauges, no MPEM beeps.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

I had the same problem again on Monday 9/12...after checking many wire connections between the box and the gauges and finding no solutions, I decided to pull apart the bigger black connectors between the post and the box and also from the start/stop button to the box.
After checking the start/stop button I came into the house to check the forum and to rest as I'm leaning over to the ski from the dock while it's on the hoist. ...knees hurt.
I went back out to check the post wires but just to check I hit the button and the gauges came on, I was then able to start and stop it several times....so i guess that one connector was dirty or wasn't tight enough.
The ski is 15 yrs old and from what I've read and been told by "dr and others" these parts do fail esp the post.
I'll buy a new post and a newer start switch from a 98-2002 or so parted out ski that will fit mine.

Question - Will a 2001 or later post fit my ski?????...doc says to buy new but I'm unemployed at this time.

 

[bigtexan99]

Did you fix your boat? I'm having the same problem on my 2003 Sportster LE 951. Nothing works (no lights, beep, blower, start) but I can jump the starter and make the engine crank.

What was the problem on yours?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Although I'm not sure what the problem was it's fixed as of now..(in storage).
I replaced the post with used one, replaced the beeper (from Floyd bell Inc.) while I was at it.
While double checking the NEG battery cable I came across some thin like stuff on the starter connection. It was similar to Teflon tape but thinner and weaker and dark silver in color. I removed it and sanded the starter connection area to get a clean contact, applied dielectric grease on all connections and re-connected everything. It beeps and cranks everytime. I didn't start it since I had antifreeze in the system and gas drained.
I hope this helps you.

Did you press the start button and see if the gauges go on?
If you can jump the solenoid and it starts then it might be that.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

You can almost bet it was the replacement DESS post.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Yes, it probably was, that's why I took your advice and bought one from you.

but also taking your advice by checking the condition of the cables, that's when i found the silicone substance on the connection.

thanks....

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Hi all,
Again this problem is happening....no power whatsoever.
First time in the water this season except to launch it a few week ago.
Riding on the water it would bog down a bit while going over wakes, then it started stalling going over wakes, or sometimes just stall. it always started back up until this time. I was the chase ski while tubing w/friends...going about mid range in speed it just died for no reason. It won't start, beep nor do gauges come on when the lanyard is attached.

Since August of 2011 I have change the post, exchanged fuel line from gray to black, installed in line fuel filter and exchanged oil filter, installed new beeper and cleaned all the grounds and as many of the connections that I can see and get to easily. Also installed 2 new NGK plugs and a new Decka battery today...325 CCamps, 16L

Right now it's on the hoist waiting until Monday to get worked on. I haven't checked anything tonight. On top of mine dying, at the same time my nephew who ran out of gas on his, I went to get my boat for more gas & to tow mine in, then he ran over the tow rope so I had to tow 2 in at same time.

Any ideas?

 

[Dr Honda]

Well... it's like starting over at this point.

1) Do you get any power when you push the start/stop button?
2) Check the fuses.
3) Check the connection at the battery.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Today in the mist of dodging the thunder storms, i did the following....
1. checked battery connections...loosen then re-tighten them,
2. checked some wire connectors in the front.
3. Check the 3 front fuses two 5A and one 15A and the one in the back box....all good

I jumped the solenoid and it cranked.
Still no power when the start/stop button is pushed....no gauges light up.
No beep when lanyard is attached nor gauge light either.

If you tell me to check something with a meter, please be specific on what to touch/test. I have a good meter, but not electrical savvy.

 

[JETSKI JUNKIES]

Today in the mist of dodging the thunder storms, i did the following....
1. checked battery connections...loosen then re-tighten them,
2. checked some wire connectors in the front.
3. Check the 3 front fuses two 5A and one 15A and the one in the back box....all good

I jumped the solenoid and it cranked.
Still no power when the start/stop button is pushed....no gauges light up.
No beep when lanyard is attached nor gauge light either.

If you tell me to check something with a meter, please be specific on what to touch/test. I have a good meter, but not electrical savvy.

Tim, you need a new Dess Post. Do you run premix? When was last time your carbs were cleaned? Also check your fuel filter under the hood, first ensure the filter housing is screwed on tight, if it's not then fuel pressure will be irregular. If the housing is tight, remove filter, clean & reinstall.

1. Check fuel filter
2. Replace Dess Post(NEW not USED)
3. Replace Key(if does not work with new Dess Post)
4. Clean carbs(may need rebuild kits, not just cleaning)
5. If you are running oil pump, cap it & run premix only

Good luck, need anything else you know how to find me