Kill switch???

[joeyholzer74]

I am having some troubles getting my boat to start. It turns over just fine will fire then die. If i keep the key in the start position it will run, only tried this for a second or 2. It acts like the kill switch is in the off position, (which it is not). How do i disable to kill switch to check this? it has 2 purple wires leading to it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Kill switch???

Just disconnect the two purple wires going to the switch and hook them together. Sounds more like a defective ignition switch to me.

Turn the key to run, and check for voltage on the I terminal (purple wire) of the ignition switch. You should have voltage.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Kill switch???

Jump em together.
But it sounds like you have a key switch problem. Or other wiring issue. Folks who know the wiring will be along shortly with some diagnostic help.
In the meantime what year, model & drive are you working on, or even better what's you serial #.

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

It is a 2006 tahoe Q4 with a 4.3

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

I have already replaced the ignition this morning also with a new one. Start from the front and work your way back!

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

I have tried to disconect the 2 purple wires but am unable to as they are wired into the little box on the back side of the kill switch. They do run up to a connector but i am also unable to pull them apart as they may be crimped or stuck. Can i just cut the two wires and tie them together?

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Kill switch???

Just jump a connection between them them without cutting, or if you have a volt ohm meter check for continuity. There should be continuity when the lanyard is attached. You can test em with a light too, ground one connection and put the other one onto each side of the kill switch. Both sides should have power when the ignition is on.
Did you do as Don said and check for voltage at I when the key is on?

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

Working on getting a voltage meter on them now, misplaced mine in the move and need to go get one!

 

[Don S]

Re: Kill switch???

Since it's a 2006 model, and assuming you have a carbed engine, it's very possible the kill switch is bad. And since you replaced the ignition switch, it probably is the kill switch.
When cranking with the starter, the ignition would be powered thru the fuel pump electrical system from the starter solenoid.
You could cut the purple wires to the kill switch to test, but I hate suggesting destructive things like that, and without knowing how yours is set up, hard to say how to test it.

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

Ok so I cut the two puprle wires and tied them together and get the same results, fires then dies.

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

Ok, so i went and bought a volt. meter but really do not know how to use it. When the key is on the ON position i get .05 on the meter at the purple wire, if that helps anyone out.

 

[Don S]

Re: Kill switch???

You have to have your meter on volts, then put the black test lead from the meter on a good ground, then with the red test lead first touch to red/purple wire (B terminal on the switch) which should show 12+ volts, now turn the switch to run and check the purple wire on the switch, you should see the same voltage.

 

[Don S]

Re: Kill switch???

Just happened to think about a similar problem, and you do have a fairly new boat. Not sure when Mercruiser started this but look back around the back of the engine for a 15 amp fuse.
Here is a thread with a couple of pictures.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=554420&page=2&p=3816678&viewfull=1#post3816678

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

I am showing 11.74 on both leads, i take it that is good, i will check on that fuse now also!

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

Not able to find the "hidden fuse" I used a mirror and a camera to take pictures back there and found nothing.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Kill switch???

I am showing 11.74 on both leads, i take it that is good, i will check on that fuse now also!

Ayuh,.... What do ya get at the (+) terminal on the coil, with the key "On",..??

 

[Don S]

Re: Kill switch???

Well you just have to follow the voltage (with your meter) on the purple wire from the switch to the coil and find out where it stops. Could be a loose connection.
Do you have a serial number for your engine?

At 11.75, your battery is about dead, might want to charge it up and then see if it will start.

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

Talking too far ahead of me!! I wouldnt know where to find the coil in the tight little place!

Serial Numbers is 0W616182

 

[Don S]

Re: Kill switch???

Charge the batteries and see if it starts. If your voltage drop is too low for the ignition, it won't start.

Here is what your coil looks like. It's back near the distributor.

 

[joeyholzer74]

Re: Kill switch???

Ok, charging the batteries now. Could I have a fuel issue? Fuel Filter? Fuel Pump? The boat ran great for the start of the day, then got sluggish, and then after turning it off and swimming for a while we were dead. It seems like the boat turns over and everything is normal, until it fires and your release the key.