Starting issue

[Azeus17]

Hi everyone, its my first post here, but I have been lurking for a while and have already learned a lot. I have an issue with my 96 xp that I wanted to run by you guys. I have read a lot of threads already and think I have it narrowed down, but still would like to get some input.

First off, this is a new ski to me. I got it for free from a relative that had not used it in years. It was stored indoors and seems to have been taken care of. Before I even tried to start it, I removed and replaced all the gray fuel lines and cleaned and rebuilt the carbs. After I got the carbs back on, I figured I would take the plugs out and turn it over before I buttoned everything back up, just in case I need to get back in there for something. I got no beeps and nothing from the starter, but the gauges did light up. After some reading, I checked for power and ground at the plug post, both good. I checked continuity of the post itself, good with the key on. Checked all fuses, all good. Then I jumped the posts of the solenoid and it turned over. Basically at this point, I am thinking a new solenoid. That doesn't address the no beep, but I am guessing the beeper just went bad. Where is it at on this ski anyway?

Does that sound about right to everyone, or is there something else I should be checking to make sure? Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance.

 

[Ankeneyou]

Yup, sounds like a bad solenoid. The beeper is in the handlebar cover. Just remove the 4 screws on the bottom of the cover and you'll find it.

 

[Mickirig1]

You can get a replacement beeper at Radio Shack. A 12 volt, the same shape as the old one. They are like $10 - 15. If you lucky, the person working there can help you. Aim it forward to the holes in the cover. Make sure all the connections are clean and protected with Dielectric tune up grease. The solenoid is best bought from a SEa Doo parts place. So it has the correct plug for the connections. When you go to start, pull the choke all the way out. It helps pull fuel into the carbs.

 

[Azeus17]

Thanks guys. Solenoid on the way!

 

[Shovelmike]

Welcome Azeus. I bought a 96xp myself this Summer and am fairly new myself. Hope you soon get things going, these are great fun.

 

[Azeus17]

Ok guys, I'm stumped. I replaced the solenoid and still nothing. I tested the start/stop button for continuity and it's good. Tested for 12v coming out of the gray box that the button connects to and there is 12v there. Where does the 12v signal originate for the solenoid trigger? I tested the yellow/red wire on the solenoid plug with the button pushed and got nothing. I assume I should be seeing 12v when the button is pushed? I am guessing something in that gray box must send the signal, but not sure where to look.

 

[Coastiejoe]

I tested the yellow/red wire on the solenoid plug with the button pushed and got nothing. I assume I should be seeing 12v when the button is pushed? I am guessing something in that gray box must send the signal, but not sure where to look.

Yes, with the lanyard on and the START button pushed, you should get 12 volts at the Solenoid Trigger wire.

That wire comes from the MPEM. So power goes to the START button and back to the MPEM. Then from the MPEM to the Solenoid.

 

[Azeus17]

Forgive my ignorance, but is the MPEM the whole gray outer box or the smaller black box inside the gray box?

 

[Azeus17]

And another thing, in case it means anything, the two beeps came back today for some reason. Also, I noticed the VTS is not working either. Not sure if it's all connected or coincidental.

 

[Ankeneyou]

Forgive my ignorance, but is the MPEM the whole gray outer box or the smaller black box inside the gray box?

Black box.

 

[Azeus17]

Thanks. I'm not sure what I did, but it's cranking now. I pulled apart the connector going into the black box to test the small ground wire and put it back together and it worked! Maybe just some corrosion I guess. In any case, I'm glad that's done. Now I can button up the fuel line and carb project and try to fire her up!

 

[Mickirig1]

Disconnect battery before you do these procedures. Might pull the plug apart again. Swab some Dielectric tune up grease on the prongs of the male end. Not a lot, just coat them. It will protect it from moisture. Look for crud and green powder or gunk on prongs. Clean and protect all ground connections with Dlelectric tune up grease. You can buy a big tube of it at an auto parts dealer. There should be a small black wire connected to the engine block, this one provides the ground to the wire harness. The big negative cable from battery is connected to the engine. Clean and protect both. make sure your 15 amp fuse and holder in E-Box ( coil and solenoid ) is good if you have one. If E-box has ever been filled with water it may have damage. Put Dielectric grease in spark plug boots, it seals them from water.

 

[mikidymac]

Make sure both VTS plugs are left unplugged as a bad VTS can kill your MPEM.
Also if you forget the small black ground wire from the rear electrical box to the battery the ski won't start either.