Replacing keypad with real key

[jeclarke]

I just purchased a model year 2001 Ski Nautique 196. Had a 5 minute test ride and then had it winterized and put away until May, 2009. This is torture!

The previous owner told me that the keypad was temperamental so I've been reading on this site about replacement keypads running $400-$500.

Surely someone has replaced this high tech unit with a conventional ignition switch and key. Something that will always work.

If you know how to make this change I sure would appreciate hearing what you did.

thanks

[j2nh]

Congrats on the new boat!
Check this thread:
http://www.planetnautique.com/index....ghlight=keypad
Richard did some surgery on his keypad and had success. Might be a good winter project for you.

[KenG]

Re: Replacing keypad with real key

I just purchased a model year 2001 Ski Nautique 196. Had a 5 minute test ride and then had it winterized and put away until May, 2009. This is torture!

The previous owner told me that the keypad was temperamental so I've been reading on this site about replacement keypads running $400-$500.

Surely someone has replaced this high tech unit with a conventional ignition switch and key. Something that will always work.

If you know how to make this change I sure would appreciate hearing what you did.

thanks

With regards to a key pad going bad,does anyone have a plan for starting and operating the boat if the key pad goes bad while on the lake. (hotwire)

On a drive (throttle) by wire engine if a wire is run from battery to pos side of coil and starter sol jumped will the throttle work.

[jeclarke]

j2nh,

Thanks for pointing me to Richard's fix.

Since apparently the 00-01 keypads are prome to fail early, unless I know that the manufacturer changed the design, why would I spend $500 for a replacement keypad that is identical to the one that failed. I'll be in the same situation in a few years spending another $500.

I'd still like to find out how to replace the keypad with a conventional switch and key.
Has anyone done this?

[2gofaster]

I believe that the problem you run into is that the keypad and switches for accessories are integrated together in the limiteds via that box under the dash. I think you'd have to replace that entire system and it's going to be far more expensive than $500 to do that just to get a key'd ign switch.

[AirTool]

I've read where this has been done for at least certain years and you will have to hard wire every device. My 06 keypad has only three or four wires going to it...and many functions which means it is communicating back to the brain box with a signal...not dedicated voltage to each device.

So, you'll have to have a switch that powers the gateway, then a switch or button for every other device on the pad.

I'll try to find the other post.

AirTool

[M3Fan]

Since apparently the 00-01 keypads are prome to fail early, unless I know that the manufacturer changed the design, why would I spend $500 for a replacement keypad that is identical to the one that failed. I'll be in the same situation in a few years spending another $500.

I don't know about that. As far as I know, my keypad is original on my 2000. So that's 9 seasons of use with zero problems. There are many, many 2000-2002 boats with those keypads that have never had a problem with them.

[jhiestand]

I've never heard of issues with them, either. The digital gauges, yes, but not the keypad.

After having experienced keys left at the house, dropped in the drink (& float chain broke), lost, etc., I don't know why other mfg's don't use keyless ignition.

[AirTool]

I don't know why other mfg's don't use keyless ignition.

I agree...but I wouldn't integrate it with all the other functions like bildge blower, etc.

I'd hardwire those switches either to the gateway for logic or directly to the device.