2000 AN Key Pad and Transmission Problem

[michael999]

I have had no problems with my 2000 Air Nautique until recently. The following two problems developed simultaneously:

1. The keypad failed over the course of several hours. At first, the 3 key would not work, or would work only ocassionally. If it worked, the green indicator light would come on and stay on while entering the code. After several tries, I was able to enter the unlock code and start the boat. Then, during the day, when I would press the stop key, the starter would grind sometimes, as if the stop and start button were crossed. I was clearly pressing the stop button--not the start button. The next day, I could not enter the start code at all. The 3 button and the 4 button would not work at all. The blower would sometimes come on. The horn button failed to work. It appears as if the ignition keypad needs to be replaced. BTW, I noticed what appeared to be moisture behind the sealed window for the green indicator light.

2. On the same day, I started having problems with the transmission. When I would move the throttle from forward to neutral, a very loud and distrubing grinding noise would occur. It was either the transmission or the starter again, but it makes no sense that moving it from forward to neutral would affect the starter. So, it must be some problem with the transmission failing to disengage as it is moved into neutral.

I had a couple questions if anyone could help me out:

1. Is there any possibility these two problems are related? Any thoughts on what the problem might be would be appreciated, especially with the transmission. Is this just what to expect after 5 years (the boat has been very well maintained).

2. Any suggestions on where I could order a key pad replacement and have it delivered overnight? It appears fairly straighforward to replace it. If anyone has replaced the key pad, is it easy to do? It looks like you just pull off the dash, unhook the connector, replace the keypad and reinstall the dash. Should the battery be disconnected for this repair?

3. Finally, I allowed a friend to borrow the boat a week before this all occured. He did not report any incidents, but you never know if someone is hiding something. Is there anything obvious someone could do during a day on the lake that could affect both of these systems?

Thanks for your help.

[cranker]

RE: 2000 AN Key Pad and Transmission Problem

Hi Michael,
Sounds like you have some moisture on the contacts, should be no big deal, can you remove it, open it up and dry then reassemble, you could also use a spirit (metho or electrical contact cleaning solution) to clean the touch pad, and allow to dry completely.

[nms1991]

RE: 2000 AN Key Pad and Transmission Problem

The key pads are sealed units and I think both conditions are related as the noise is probably the starter trying to engage the flywheel when you go back to neutral. You can replace the keypad very easily as you described but you don't have to disconnect the battery but it is good practice. When you replace the keypad make sure you have drain holes in the dash pod in the corners of the recess for the key pad.