short in ignition????HELP!

[steve forsythe]

My gas gage has not been working so someone told me to find out if is the gage or the sender. To do this they said touch 2 of the terminals on the back of the gage with a screwdriver, turn the key, and see if the gage moves. If it does, it is probably a bad sender, but to try it on the sender also. My problem started when there was more than 3 wires on the back of the gage. There was a white, orange, 2 black, and a green!!! I touched the white to the orange (i think) and turned the key...the gage jumped a little and then nothing. I tried to touch another 2 colors together and got nothing, not even a spark...nothing. BUT now the key doesent beep, doesnt turn the starter, nothing. All the gages, the trim, the pumps, lights, etc. work fine. Just nothing when i turn the key! Did i short something???? And if so what now?? I cant fine an inline fuse, and really dont know what to look for anyway. Any help ASAP is greatly appreciated!!

 

[DJ]

Re: short in ignition????HELP!

What kind of engine? What type of remote control?

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: short in ignition????HELP!

200hp merc salt carb. Dont know what type of 'remote control'. What do you mean... it has a key start(push for choke)...turn it to the right and it beeps. Push for choke, turn farther to the right and she cranks.(used to) I touched a couple of things together with a screwdriver behind the fuel gage...the gage jumped a few times...but after a few other tries ....nothing. There is a white wire that runs directly to the fuel gage. Could i have shorted that wire without hearing a spark or shock or anything???? Thanks for the help...i am trying to fix things myself because most of the mechanics around here contradict each other, where all you guys seam to agree.

 

[DJ]

Re: short in ignition????HELP!

PS,<br /><br />Not real familiar with the Merc. systems. My GUESS is you blew a fuse. It may be a very small one too-1-2 amps. They're there to protect the engine electronics.<br /><br />Start tracing back your wiring harness. Unplug anything that looks like it might be a fuse holder. I would bet it's under the cowl. MAKE SURE YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE YOU DO THIS!!

 

[clanton]

Re: short in ignition????HELP!

Look for fuse on red wire close to starter solinoid, probley 20 amp. You check the fuel gage by grounding the termial marked S, sender/ sensor with key on meter should peg or read full.<br /><br />What year engine?

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: short in ignition????HELP!

the engine is 2000. I did not see a red wire but light was not to good. I think it was 2 black, a green, an orange, and a white. Are they marked on the back of the gage. It is very cramped under the center console. Did you say look under the cowl for a fuse???? Back by the engine?? I really dont know how to tell what wire is what. Maybe everything has been rewired. If it is a cheap problem...i can call someone in to fix.

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: short in ignition????HELP!

sorry i have been spelling gauge "gage" the whole time.....Dumb /?.s me!

 

[clanton]

Re: short in ignition????HELP!

The fuse is under the engine cowling.