Ignition problem... I NEED HELP

[memo]

Hi all,
I have a 2004 40hp e-tec (dplsrE40) and recently we have some problems while running the engine. When we turn the ignition key the red lights in the tacho lighten up with the beep sound and then go off one by one doing the check. The problem arises right afterwards and when i turn the key for ignition, nothing happens. Engine is not cranking but only pure silence. There is also no dimming at the instrument lights while this is happening.

When we play with throttle and trim button a little bit, it starts normally if we are lucky. Yesterday, it took almost 10min to run the engine and it is frustrating.

Please help me! I need your ideas.
Cheers,
Memo

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by memo

Hi all,
I have a 2004 40hp e-tec (dplsrE40) and recently we have some problems while running the engine. When we turn the ignition key the red lights in the tacho lighten up with the beep sound and then go off one by one doing the check. The problem arises right afterwards and when i turn the key for ignition, nothing happens. Engine is not cranking but only pure silence. There is also no dimming at the instrument lights while this is happening.

When we play with throttle and trim button a little bit, it starts normally if we are lucky. Yesterday, it took almost 10min to run the engine and it is frustrating.

Please help me! I need your ideas.
Cheers,
Memo

Hi

Is there a safety switch to stop it from starting in gear? if so it sounds like it is not made when in neutral I’d look at that first around the gear throttle selector under the cover ?

[Hightower]

Yeh, check all simple things first, kill cord, loose connections etc.

[memo]

As far as i know there is not an add-on safety switch. But i don't know if this is coming in with the standart controls... I will open the cover and look.

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by memo

As far as i know there is not an add-on safety switch. But i don't know if this is coming in with the standart controls... I will open the cover and look.

Standard on most outboards I think

[9D280]

Yeah, I think it's standard. Suz / Yam & Tohatsu all have them fitted. It basicallty is a switch that is open circuit untill the lever is in neutral, where a cam on the mechanism closes it to complete the starter circuit. Just stops you cranking in gear. I bet if you have a pull cord it will start with that!

It's also incrredibly sensitive to the angle of the throttle lever. You may just have a tiny amount of mechanical slack inside your remote box.

[Nasher]

I had this exact issue with my Suzi 200 a couple of years ago.

The microswitch activated by a lever on the gear selection mechanism went duff, which led the 'system to believe the engine was in gear and locked out the stsrter motor.

Nasher.

[BumbleAbout]

I also had the same problem on a Yamaha remote throttle box.

On the day (on the water) I just took the cover off the throttle and found that the bullet connectors (one male and one female) to the "only allow the starter motor to operate in neutral" microswitch had been designed so that you could bypass the switch altogether (nice design).

Later I spent about £3 at Maplins for a similarly rated microswitch and replaced the old one.

[memo]

Thank you very much! your diagnosis of position sensor is true. Although i haven't opened the box and checked the engine started running perfect right in the middle of the neutral. I think i will check it properly next time i take her on the trailer.

Thanks again!

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by memo

Thank you very much! your diagnosis of position sensor is true. Although i haven't opened the box and checked the engine started running perfect right in the middle of the neutral. I think i will check it properly next time i take her on the trailer.

Thanks again!

inside the engine cover not the control box I think

[BumbleAbout]

Ah - I stand corrected - I have only ever seen the microswitch inside the throttle unit (for smaller outboards under 50hp) rather than at engine end of the bowden cable.