Keyless ignition

[bxroads]

I’ve a 2004 196 SE and I'm contemplating the Mercury keyless ignition system (because I can’t keep the factory keyed ignition tight, you have to reach under the dash and hold it to keep it from turning. My wife (and driver) isn’t excited about doing that). I can’t seem to find the Mercury switch’s owners manual online and I’m wondering does it have the accessory position (for the radio). I can’t determine from the picture.

Has anyone tried one of these switches?

Clint

[RyanATX]

generally the way it works, you input your code, push start to "enter" the code... and that also puts the boat in a "key on" position. YOu would then push start again to start the engine. This may not be the case with that specific model ignition, but it is the case with all of the other keyless boats i've driven.

[2Tuff]

I have no experience with that system, but from the looks of the picture it appears that it has a "run" button that would power the boat and accessories up, then push start to engage the starter.

[WA-H2O-SKI]

Seems like a lot of Do-Re-Mi

Seems easier to just fix the ignition from sliding around in the dash. Can't you just get a large star washer to bite in and stop it from loosening? Or teach the wife to turn less hard?

My wife does like the keyles on our 196 LE.

-Steve

[teamseal]

I would say that the Merc keyless is already installed!!! Clint how is it? I installed a similar one in a 95 SNOB while I was in The R&D dept. It was a easy instal and worked well for many years as that old SNOB was one of our test mules!!

[bxroads]

Jody knows me well. Normally grass doesn't grow under my feet and the switch would already be a done deal. But for change, its still status quo. I'll probably try an upgraded metal switch before I go the push button route (as you suggested).

[holdendaniels]

Please let us know, what ignition switch you end up installing. I am having the same problem with mine and reluctant to buy another factory ignition switch. I am sure there is something better out there.