SeaDoo 1995 Bombadier GTX will not start.

[gotfish1]

SeaDoo 1995 Bombadier GTX won't start. Has been winterized annually, has brand new plugs, battery is fully charged. All I get is a clicking sound that is highlighted in the youtube video I just took (below). It doesn't sound like a low charged battery click that I've heard before. Puzzled and thanks for any suggestions.

https://youtu.be/VVIew7E0cCs

 

[Coastiejoe]

Jump the solenoid, does it crank?

 

[gotfish1]

1995 Bombadier GTX won't start...

Jump the solenoid, does it crank?

Man, I feel like a real "nube". Could you describe how to try what you suggest? I have the "full" field manual so I could figure out how to differentiate between the starter and the solenoid. And I "think" I know what you're suggesting. But pretend, for my nube sake, that you're telling this to a 16 year old. I'm 62, built $hit, am very handy, replaced faucets, built decks, change my own oil, etc. and know quite a bit but I'm no way close to most of you guys who eat and sleep this seadoo stuff. I really appreciate suggestions since I'm at the point where I'm going to list this in Craigslist and just get rid of it. It won't be worth loading it on its trailer and taking it to the dealer who will rip me for way more than they should. If I could figure out an easy way to fix it, based on the youtube illustrated symptoms, I would buy the part and keep it. I only have it for the kids who visit in the summer and this machine came with our house when we bought it. I really enjoy riding it but I'm more of a fishing guy so I'd rather be out in my 18' Targa/150 four stroke, rippin up the bay on my way to my favorite fishing spot.

Thanks for all replies.

 

[Coastiejoe]

No issues,,,
Find the solenoid. I if you trace the red wire from the battery it will go to the solenoid.

Take a pair of pliers or a screwdriver and jump the two lugs. The one with the battery wire you traced and the one next to it. This will provide power to the starter.

If it cranks well, this means you have a good battery, good cables, good connections, and a good starter.

If not, one of the items I mentioned is bad assuming your engine is not locked up and spins freely.

 

[gotfish1]

Great description. If it "does" crank over when bypassing the solenoid, is it possible the solenoid is bad? (remember, nube here)

 

[gotfish1]

No issues,,,
Find the solenoid. I if you trace the red wire from the battery it will go to the solenoid.

Take a pair of pliers or a screwdriver and jump the two lugs. The one with the battery wire you traced and the one next to it. This will provide power to the starter.



If it cranks well, this means you have a good battery, good cables, good connections, and a good starter.

If not, one of the items I mentioned is bad assuming your engine is not locked up and spins freely.

One last thing: Great description. If it "does" crank over when bypassing the solenoid, is it possible the solenoid is bad? (remember, nube here)

 

[Coastiejoe]

One last thing: Great description. If it "does" crank over when bypassing the solenoid, is it possible the solenoid is bad? (remember, nube here)

Could be, it is testable.

There is a small plug at the solenoid. Unplug it and put a DVOM in the terminals. You should get 12 volts when the lanyard is in the DESS and the START Button is pressed. If so, and you know you have a good battery and good cables, then the solenoid is bad.

 

[gotfish1]

Thanks a lot. I'll give that a shot and let you know. If I need a new solenoid, can you recommend an on-line vendor?

 

[benjilafouine]

I thought a bad solenoid sound was more like "clicks clicks clicks" but it is worth to try.

Benji.

 

[gotfish1]

Did you watch the youtube video? I did that for the sound and was hoping it was a common issue.

 

[Chickenbig]

Sounds like a bad starter! Sometimes bad battery or connection makes the starter makes that sound. But I would start with the solenoid!