1995 SN won't consistantly start

[Scottnautique]

I have a frustrating problem that I'd appreciate some advice on. When I turn the ignition switch to start, the engine only turns over intermittantly (every 7-10 tries). I replaced the ignition switch, jumped the kill switch and still experience the same problem. Here's exactly what happens when the key is turned, the Instrument cluster engauges, I hear a clicking sound coming from what I'm told is the ignition box (@ the rear of the motor). Based on this sequence of events, I dont believe that it's a problem with the ignition switch, battery or kill switch. I'm unclear on how to determine if this problem is with the ignition box, starter or solenoid. I'd really appreciate some feedback on how I might determine the root of the problem. Thanks.

[H2O]

RE: 1995 SN won

Starter solenoid. Very common. On rear of motor look for electrical box with a red wire from battery and red wire to starter motor along with several other small wires connected to it. Remove and replace solenoid being sure to reconnect all wires correctly. Search for other posts for photos.

[surroundsound64]

RE: 1995 SN won

Mine does the exact same thing. I turn the key and all the gauges perk up, but no power to the starter. Mine is caused by some bad connection in the prop engage knob. I wiggle it back and forth a few times and it starts. There is some safety thing in there that is corroded (I presume) and I need to tear all of that wiring out and re do it.

[M3Fan]

RE: 1995 SN won

Could also be a grounding issue. Corroded battery terminals or low voltage at the dash- start with the basics first. How do your battery cables and clamps look? A bad ground somewhere will cause this exact behavior.

[Scottnautique]

Thanks for the ideas. I've tried the prop engauge knob scenario and have moved the knob during starting..I don't think this is the culprit. Regarding the grounding, the terminals are clean. How would I determine if there is low voltage @ the dash? With respect to the solenoid possibly being the problem, I guess the only way to prove this is the problem is to replace it, right?

[Scottnautique]

95 SN Ignition Box Problems

I've had trouble starting my motor for the past several weeks. Every 7-10 turns of the key it would turn over, and it was very frustrating. After changing out the ignition switch and talking with some people about the starter and solenoid, I decided to completely bypass the ignition box. I jumped the Solenoid directly from the battery (with a momentary switch) and the boat has started every time. So here's the question - can I have the ignition box rebuilt / refurbished / repaired or should I just buy another? If buying another is the best decision, where is a good place to buy one? I could use some guidance on this one. Thanks.

[NautiqueJeff]

RE: 95 SN Ignition Box Problems

The problem you're describing sure sounds like a bad starter relay (solenoid). Have you replaced it yet? This is a very common problem on the mid-90's Nautiques. Just replace it. It is only about $20.

[DennyG95]

Electrical issue casuing starting problems

Did you ever solve the problem ? I have the same issue, although I don't get the "clicking" noise when the key is turned on. My dash lights/power go on intermittently. SN dealer suggested replacing the ignition pigtail. and push button igntion relay switch.

Let me know how you solved the issue.

Tough to be Fonzie when the wife is driving...

[coloradonautique]

RE: Electrical issue casuing starting problems

Surroundsound,
RE: prop engage knob.. I think your problem is the neutral safety switch on the transmission. It kills the ignition when the boat is not in neutral. My bet is that your shifter is slightly out of alignment or the switch is sticking. You can use an multimeter to check it out without starting the engine. IIRC it is on top of the transmission and screws in like a temp sensor does on the engine. It should toggle between a short and an open to ground depending on whether the transmission is in gear or not. Try wiggling the throttle around and see if it toggles, then you might be able to adjust the shifter to make it more consistent or you may have to replace the neutral switch. I cannot imagine it is much more than $30 to replace.

Regards,

Lorin

[coloradonautique]

RE: Electrical issue casuing starting problems

Scott,
It definitely sounds like the solenoid. Start there. Otherwise, as others have mentioned, similar behavior can happen from low voltage (bad connections), low current (bad connections) or low battery. I used to have this happen occasionally on my 90 SN and it was almost always a loose battery terminal connection.

Good luck,

Lorin

[Scottnautique]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I've ordered a starter solenoid and hope to get it in by this weekend. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. Thanks again

[dalesieg]

did the solenoid fix the problem?

Thanks for all of the feedback. I've ordered a starter solenoid and hope to get it in by this weekend. I'll keep you posted on the outcome. Thanks again

Scottnautique,
Did the solenoid fix the problem? I am having the same problem. Where did you get the solenoid from?
Thanks,
Dale

[dalesieg]

fixed

Well, I replace the starter relay and that fixed my problem. Thanks for the posts.

[mrbobolina]

Thanks for the ideas. I've tried the prop engauge knob scenario and have moved the knob during starting..I don't think this is the culprit. Regarding the grounding, the terminals are clean. How would I determine if there is low voltage @ the dash? With respect to the solenoid possibly being the problem, I guess the only way to prove this is the problem is to replace it, right?

You can test the starter by jump startingt the solenoid. It is basically hotwiring. Also the starter does not have a solenoid it has a relay. It is built on the starter. They are sold as a single unit. Your problem sounds like a bad starter, which is something I delt with last season on my '97 SNOB. The other thing you will want to check is the master cylinder. It is located at the rear of your engin. It is under your fuses. Mine had a hairline crack. So it was essentially grounding out.

There is a way to jump the jump the relay to depict if the relay is bad on your starter. I have had a few tonight so I will not attempt to explain it, however there are plenty of conversations on this forum that talk about jumping the relay.

If you have tested and replaced the ignition. your cables are clean. Your natural next look (beyond spark plugs) would be your starter.

Good luck.