NO power when turning key
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12721
Printed Date: September-29-2024 at 5:35pm
Topic: NO power when turning key
Posted By: nc2001
Subject: NO power when turning key
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 11:37am
| Just trying to get a jump on a few things before the season starts. At the end of last season I was having a problem with my 88 SN. It would start and run fine but sometimes when I would try to start it I would get no power to the starter or dash, no alarm, basically no power to anything. I was thinking the ignition key switch may be bad. Any other ideas |
Replies:
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 11:53am
|
Jon,
Have you tested with a meter or a test light at the ignition switch? How are all your connections at terminals and wiring harness plugs? Ignition switches do go bad but I recommend testing first. Last year at GL one of our members found out his switch wasn't bad. This was after he changed it!!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: critter
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 12:04pm
|
You can test your neutral safety switch on the transmission too. Easy check. The starter will not turn if it is not in neutral or switch is open. ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique 1966 Barracuda |
Posted By: nc2001
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 12:09pm
| Critter its not that the starter wont turn its that I Get NO power when turning the key. So I dont think its the nss. Im not sure if testing the switch would work since its very intermitant, or would it? |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 12:20pm
|
Sounds like you have power to the switch because the engine will crank. Check for power on the "bat" terminal on the ignition switch anyway. Then check for power at the "ign" terminal with the key turned to the on position while wiggling the key. If you have power in and it's intermittent out, then change the ignition switch. Do you have a meter? ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: nc2001
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 12:37pm
| yep have a meter looks like ill have to wait till get the battery back in the boat to test or pull the switch and run battery to it. thanks |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:00pm
|
sounds like the NSS is going bad to me, causing the intermittent starting issue because it's not allowing current to go to the starter as that's what it does, prevents the starter from engauging when in gear.
attach both leads to the same post next time it happens and I bet it fires right up. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: nc2001
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:02pm
| dont know that much about it but if the NSS was going bad wouldnt it still allow power to the dash, guages, alarm, etc and just prevent the starter from turning. |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:16pm
no it will kill power everywhere. So either listen to what you are told or don't ask and then keep questioning who's right or wrong. Because it sure sounds like you all ready know what the problems is in your mind but you are not getting the answers you are expecting to hear to back it up. So either have an open mind and listen to the knowledgable ones here or fix it your self and quit waisting our time acting like you all ready know what the problem is and how to fix it, because your not even on the playing field right now. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
nc2001 wrote:Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:16pm
|
Jon,
Yes, power to the ignition comes off the "IGN" terminal at the switch and power to the starter solenoid comes off the "ST" terminal via the NSS. Your boat cranks so check the "IGN" terminal (check for voltage while cranking too - it may indicate another problem if low) Chris (79) isn't reading the tread thoroughly - again!! ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:19pm
|
Wrong Pete been here done that replaced the whole electrical system educating myself on the wrong way to fix the problem. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:22pm
 ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:23pm
|
if the switch goes bad then it creates an open curcuit and you have no power to anything since it goes right back to the relay where everything else is feed from, soo if you want to keep him chasing his tail then knock your self out. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: nc2001
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:27pm
| ok just asking cause every vehicle (obviously not a boat I know) that I have worked on, mostly jeeps, a bad NSS doesnt kill power to the entire vehicle. |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:28pm
|
Jon,
I thought the wiring diagram would help you. You'll see that the ignition power (purple wire) is the power to the engine. The yellow via the NSS is to the solenoid for cranking. As mentioned, you should check at "IGN" terminal with the key turned to "on" as well as in the "start" position. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 1:50pm
A CARS WIRING SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. so again by-pass the switch and you will never have the issue again, or just replace the switch will fix it as well or you can get your meter out and continue to enjoy chasing your asswhole. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 2:40pm
|
Did you lose power to everything with the key in the "run" (I) position as well as the "start" (S) position?
A better description of the problem would help. Theres a good chance Pete and Chris would agree on the diagnosis if they fully understood the symptoms. ------------- |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 2:58pm
|
if you don't have power in the run postion your sure as hell not going to have it in the start postion either. But again why would you have power at all when the NSS is bad? What are the other posibilities? there are none that will cause the same problem because if the NSS is good then you would not loose power to the dash only the starter.
So if you want to keep pulling *************** out of your asswhole and guessing or want to keep chasing that whole go ahead waist of time JMHO ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: nc2001
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 6:46pm
| just to clarify. Sometimes and I mean sometimes, its very intermitant but always happens in the wrong time/place. when I turn the key i get nothing. no power to starter and no power to dash, guages, etc. Same problem in "run" or "start". Ill check on the nss too 79. |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 9:05pm
|
'79 - Do you realize the credibility you would have if you communicated with respect?
Really guy, it's not funny anymore. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: January-21-2009 at 10:02pm
|
not to bust any balls, i would check for a bad ground connection. im not doubting anything said here and they are very good troubleshooters, but if you knew the times that i went through all these checks and found a bad connection be it the positive cable or negative... its a good starting point, if it checks out go to the next step
note: if it happens you can put a test light on the positve side of the battery and then you touch the engine with the tester, it will light if you have a good connection ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 11:54am
REALLY GUY YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE. I'll have me credit when you finish attaching the two white wires together and it starts right up. I tell it like it is and then if you really want to get wishy washy then so be it. everyone seems to think I have trouble reading I just don't dwell on the little anal retentive *************** some like to endulge in. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: Rglover
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 12:15pm
|
79,
I don't think people have a problem with your reading as much as your writing. You really don't seem to respect anyone but yourself. Maybe it's just a game you play, I don't know, but it really comes across disrespectful. Generally, when someone speaks to people the way you do I refer to it as "small man syndrome" but I have seen your picture, your not a small man physically. It's just not the norm for what the others here offer. Not everyone here has your extreme expertise. Check into Prozac. I have heard it has a calming affect. And, calming down could help your blood pressure. |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 12:21pm
|
When it does not turn on, try hitting it with the screwdriver a few times and then go try turn it on.
If it engages for sure is that. The started solenoid is cheap fo change. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: dwcar
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 1:21pm
|
I had a simular problem. I would reach up under the dash and wiggle the wires around on the ignition switch while holding the key on. It would fire right up. After crawling under the dash and looking, I found a loose wire. ------------- 83Ski |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 1:36pm
That's a common issue but it will usually die in mid song too, just not when trying to start, the spade connectors get a little loose and lose contact. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 1:42pm
newbie that never have meet me and know what I'm about, I'm sorry if I'm to the point and don't sugar coat it for the cry babies or politically correct d*cks, say it how it is not so line of BS ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 1:59pm
Luciano, A solenoid not picking up (closing it's contacts) may be caused by other problems and may not just be the solenoid. Low voltage to the coil caused by a weak battery or resistance from poor connections is typical. Tapping it with a low voltage may just "jar" it enough for the coil to magnetically pick up the armature and close its contacts. This is why I recommended getting some voltage readings. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 11:27pm
|
Hello,
This may or may not help you, but my boat sometimes will not start also. After reading several post of this forum, I am now going to check and see if my Gear Shift Cabel needs a slight adjustment. When my boat does not start, unlike yours, I still have power to the dash. Recently, I put on a new NSS and the first time out with the new switch, I had to bypass it to get the boat to start. In-order to enquage the starter, I have to move the shifter forward and reverse several times. This may be another thing to take a look at. I hope ths helps, Donald ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: January-22-2009 at 11:33pm
|
Also, I am upgrading my postive and negative battery cables to 1 AW to help with any low voltage issues that may be there. My cabels are 29 years old so I am willing to spend the money to do preventative maintenance.
My Pontoon Boat sometimes has starting problems and I am trying not to have these with the Ski Boat. Donald ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: January-23-2009 at 9:52am
|
once again.....97 percent of ALL electrical problems are bad connections, im not making that up, I live by those words and pretty much have come to the conclusion that it is 99 percent ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: January-23-2009 at 10:21am
Donald, Sounds like you're heading in the correct direction with new battery cables and taking a look at the NSS/shift cable adjustment. If you don't have a meter, you can pick one up for less than $20. Great to have not only for the boat but around the house and car too for checking voltage, continuity, resistance, etc. Get one, set it too resistance, remove one of the white wires from the NSS, touch the terminals with the meters probes and it will tell you exactly when the NSS switch is opening and closing as you move the shift. BTW, Many times diagnosing a problem can be difficult due to poor descriptions. This thread is a prime example. When stating the engine won't start, always define it as not "turning over" or not "cranking". If the engine does turn over but won't "fire" then it's known which direction to go for troubleshooting. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Donald80SN
Date Posted: January-23-2009 at 11:34am
|
Pete,
Thanks for the help. I have a Volt Meter, but I really do not feel comfortable working it yet. I have a manual I guess I need to read it. LOL !!! I will set it to resistance and check it out. That was the clue that I needed. I hear people talk about Ohm-ing ( SP?)it out. Thanks, Donald ------------- 1980 Ski Nautique SOLD Back to Cypress Gardens 2002 Sport Nautique, GT-40, FCT2, Cover Sports, Tower Bimini, Inc., Wet Sounds Audio System, Star Gazer Wake Edition S. 1968 Ski Nautique, Project. |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: January-23-2009 at 11:49am
|
and, Pete, same with transmissions, did you check the oil? no?
is the oil burnt? i dont know..........did you know you had a transmission in there? no not in any way downgrading, but thats what i learned over the years ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: January-23-2009 at 12:02pm
Mine just has a handle near the driver's seat to tell it which way to go.  ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |