Motor won't do ANYTHING

[lncoop]

Hello everyone. Long time browser, first time poster. I have a 2001 90 HP Merc on my party barge. Late last week I began getting the rig ready for the season. I made sure the batteries were fully charged and turned the key briefly to make sure the motor would fire. It worked fine and always has in the past. However, Friday afternoon I was getting ready to take it out and I just happened to turn the key and nothing happened. Batteries are good, fuse on the motor's good, and I can't find any obvious issues at the helm (broken wires, fuses, etc.). It is doing absolutely nothing. The guage needles aren't even pinging like they normally do when I turn the key, so I'm inclined to think the problem is electrical and not motor related. Is it possible for the water/low oil alarm to go bad and interrupt the circuit? Guess I'll take it to the shop next week unless someone can inspire an epiphany. I just feel like it has to be something silly that I'm missing. Thanks for reading.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Motor won't do ANYTHING

Okay, it was something silly. Ever hear the expression "the problem was between the steering wheel and the seat"? Well, the rig came with only one battery. I added a second battery (but not a selector switch) and thought I could just separate the cables, motor on one battery house on the other. Apparently they all have to be on the same battery for the motor to start, gauges to work, etc., so I put everything back the way I found it and guess what? I'm feeling lazy so I think I'll just leave it that way and keep the second battery in the boat as a backup but disconnected. That way it will be easier to swap back and forth from my fishing boat. I know my post was viewed several times but no one had any ideas, so I thought I'd let everyone know operator error was the culprit. Hope someone gets a good laugh out of this and is maybe even saved a little frustration and or funds LOL!