ignition relay

[topo66]

took my 04 22ir out last night and couldn't get it started while in the lake. Mechanic said it was the ignition relay. Any one else have starter problems or ignition problems? Are these boats prone to this?

[lee]

Was it a Merc engine?

[topo66]

ignition relay

it is a 5.7 marine power vortec 335 hp

[lee]

We have not had a problem with the MP ignitions, the Mercs had a problem in 2000/2001.

[sun-n-fun]

Actually, I had an extremely frustrating problem with my 1999 21V last year with an ignition problem. Sometimes, when I turned the key, i would just get a click, and nothing. Most of the time it would start just fine, and when it was misbehaving, if I just kept at it, turn the key a bazillion times, sooner or later it would go. I replaced the solenoid. Seemed like the solution for a while, then it started misbehaving. Replaced the whole starter, same thing. Finally, my brother-in-law mentioned to me the slave relay. First time I ever heard of that. Replaced that, and finally problem solved.

So, have you checked your slave relay??

[Fit to be Tige]

Same slave relay issue??

I am having the same problem with ignition "mis behaving" on my 1999 2100i. Most everytime it starts perfectly, but sometimes I turn the key, hear the 2 beeps, then nothing. It usually only takes a couple of tries to get it going, but the stress of it not starting one of these days is not optimal!! Does this sound like your slave relay issue? Was it easy to get and replace?

Thanks in advance

[dogbert]

I am having the same problem with ignition "mis behaving" on my 1999 2100i. Most everytime it starts perfectly, but sometimes I turn the key, hear the 2 beeps, then nothing. It usually only takes a couple of tries to get it going, but the stress of it not starting one of these days is not optimal!! Does this sound like your slave relay issue? Was it easy to get and replace?

Thanks in advance

Whenever that happens to me, it's because my throttle is not in neutral. As my boat gets older, it's easier to bump it slightly when you're sitting down or not get it exactly into neutral when stopping. I usually will move it back and forth a time or two to make sure it's really in neutral and that seems to work.

[Fit to be Tige]

Not sure

Thanks for the reply. I am about 95% sure it's in neutral since. Any other thoughts?

[R&T Babich]

When the ignition switch in our boat is turned to START the yellow/red stripe lead from the ignition switch takes the 12v to the starter ("slave") relay mounted on the intake manifold. The lead next to it is a yellow/black stripe that goes down to the Neutral Safety switch. After going thru the Neutral Safety switch the black lead goes back to engine GND to complete the circuit and latch the starter relay. The larger wires from the starter relay then take higher current down to the starter solenoid. (I know "relay" and "solenoid" are the same, let's not go there right now.) A 12v tester on the Neutral Safety switch black lead post would indicate all is well with the switches. No 12v there, no start. If all is well there should be 12v all the time at the red wire and 12v at the yellow/red stripe post only when START is selected.

[Fit to be Tige]

I will check it out

Thanks for the details and the picture! That helps a ton. I will have a look and see if I can diagnose the issue.

[NCSU91]

I just bought a 1997 PRE 2002 WT with a 350 Mercruiser which also had a problem with doing nothing when the switch was turned at the worst of times, starting with no problem at any other time. I replaced the upper solenoid and found no improvement. While checking things with a volt meter I found that I could jump ground (with a coat hanger) to the small ground post and get it to crank. So I took about 3" of wire and some crimp on ends and made a better ground to this post. I had no problems the last time I took the boat out. At least not starting problems.

[chpthril]

I just bought a 1997 PRE 2002 WT with a 350 Mercruiser which also had a problem with doing nothing when the switch was turned at the worst of times, starting with no problem at any other time. I replaced the upper solenoid and found no improvement. While checking things with a volt meter I found that I could jump ground (with a coat hanger) to the small ground post and get it to crank. So I took about 3" of wire and some crimp on ends and made a better ground to this post. I had no problems the last time I took the boat out. At least not starting problems.

Welcome to the site NCSU91 Where are you located.

Post some pics also

[R&T Babich]

We have not had a problem with the MP ignitions, the Mercs had a problem in 2000/2001.

What was the problem? Was it a bad batch of ignition relays, poor crimp connections, 12v relay for the ECM/fuel pump/injectors ... ?

[Fit to be Tige]

OK... after much testing, I have to swallow my pride and tell you that I think the throttle was not in neutral... it's tough to admit, sort of like never admitting being lost, but I believe it was actually driver error. Thanks for the posts!

[dogbert]

Bet you'll remember it now. I occasionally still forget and quickly realize that I've done it.