Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

[Yon'der Horizon]

Re: Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

you guys are good sh*t! thanks again!

 

[Yon'der Horizon]

Re: Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

hey guys, i'm back! so the wire i disconnected (black w/ yellow stripe on the "raised M" on the ignition key switch) got the engine to start, but with this wire disconnected the motor won't turn off! so there are two other wires (3 total), another black/yellow that goes to the engine (power pack i believe), and the other is black (ground) that connects to the other "M" post on the key switch. if i understand correctly, to bypass the lanyard kill-switch, i would disconnect the black ground wire? correct? just want to make sure it is bypassed correctly. i read somewhere that there is 300 volts running through these wires, don't know if that's true or not, but just want to be safe, ya know?

i would just disconnect and test, but i am in the middle of pulling the P'head to replace a blown gasket. have a whole laundry list of things that need a fixin'!

thanks again guys! =)

 

[ezeke]

Re: Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

The black with yellow stripe wire is one circuit running from the ignition switch raised 'M' post to the powerpack. When you turn the ignition switch to OFF the raised 'M' is connected to the other 'M' on the ignition switch which is wired to the engine block.

So turning the switch to OFF grounds the powerpack, that's how it works.

If the Black with Yellow stripe wire is grounded by any other means, such as a bad ignition switch, a bad emergency kill switch, or a short along the circuit, the engine cannot start because the powerpack is grounded.

 

[Yon'der Horizon]

Re: Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

thanks Ezeke. i understand what you're saying, but i'm still not sure how to bypass it properly. do i just disconnect a wire, or clip two and connect them together?? sorry for my ignorance, but i'm not certain how to bypass this properly, temporarily. thanks!

 

[ezeke]

Re: Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

There are three connections to the powerpack end of the kill circuit at the engine. Each should have a bullet connector that you can temporarily disconnect.

 

[Yon'der Horizon]

Re: Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

So I am still at this electrical issue. I thought I had it fixed 3 times now, but it keeps failing. I am leaning toward the ignition switch now, but want to test it first. I have tested it numerous times by connecting my DV meter at the red harness while cycling through key positions and it always passes. So I'm looking to find another test to prove the switch is bad before I drop the money on it.

One other problem, the trim/tilt is out as well as previously mentioned. Until this last 'complete power failure' when the trim was out, it was just plain out. Now, when you hit the up or down tilt buttons the relays in the control box buzz. They literally buzz and vibrate while pressed. What do you think would cause this? Seems like a bad ground or lack of power. (batteries are fully charged by the way).

So a few questions:
How often do ignition keyswitches fail (and does this sound like the problem)?
What would cause the trim/tilt relays to buzz? (failing motor)??
What is the best way to test the keyswitch? (besides testing at the harness. Can it be tested right at the switch itself?) It seems like the two 'M's' are grounded to each other, disabling the power packs and god knows what else.

This is turning out to be a nightmare. I appreciate your patience and insight! Thanks guys.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Warning Horn/Key-Switch Electrical Issue-Trim/Tilt too!

You should check the ignition switch with an ohmmeter and the battery disconnected. If you allow voltage to flow down the black and yellow wire, you will cook your powerpack. If you allow voltage to flow down the gray wire, you will cook your rectifier.

What usually causes relays to buzz is lack of sufficient power.