Ignition switch

[jimgabalski]

My boat ignition switch is misbehaving. When I turn it, I get the alarm but it does not fire. After a couple of tries, eventually it fires and the boat starts perfectly well. Sometimes it takes multiple (up to 15-20) before I get it to connect and then fire up the engine. Could it be the solenoid? When it turns over, the boat starts fine.

What makes me think it is a bad switch is that this morning the alarm seemed to be buzzing very low even when the boats was running.

My boat is a 2000 2100 SR.

[mmwjr]

Welcome aboard

Sounds like a bad slave soleniod which is located near the engine breaker. About $25

[jimgabalski]

That's what I was thinking. Easy enough to switch that out so I will try that and see if it works. Appreciate the reply.

[speedysprocket]

Originally Posted by mmwjr

Welcome aboard

Sounds like a bad slave soleniod which is located near the engine breaker. About $25

What does that solenoid next to the breaker do?

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by speedysprocket

What does that solenoid next to the breaker do?

It is know as the slave solenoid.

It is energized when the ignition key is in the start position. It then provides power to the solenoid on the starter.

It is used as a safety function to isolate the ignition switch from high current in case a short were to occur.

[speedysprocket]

Interesting and good idea. Not to derail, but I've found neither of my engines will start without both battery switches on. If only one switch is on, solenoid will click, but no starter engagement. Both rotary switches need to be on to start. Is that normal?

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by speedysprocket

Interesting and good idea. Not to derail, but I've found neither of my engines will start without both battery switches on. If only one switch is on, solenoid will click, but no starter engagement. Both rotary switches need to be on to start. Is that normal?

Not sure but it sounds like to much of a load on the battery if only one is on. The load causes the voltage to drop too low.

[speedysprocket]

Nothing sounds strained though. It'll turn over with both switches set to only one battery each, but only clicks if one switch is on both and the other is off. I have four batteries total, one of which is supposed to be housekeeping, but I think the wiring has been added to and messed with so much, all four do everything together.