96 Seadoo GTX Starting Problems

[Ilikemybu]

I'm having trouble with my GTX starting reliably. Once started runs great, but most times I'll hit the start button, will only start to turn over engine, then quits, its like the battery is not strong, but put in a new battery, (not Walmart), well trickle charged. Hit the starter, starts to turn then quits. Sometimes if I continue to hold the start button, after it tries and quits, it will then turn over and start. A couple ideas come to mind, bad battery cable, bad start switch, rectifier?(don't know much about this though). I've checkedthe cables at the battery but haven't traced to the other end yet.

[Grumpy Old Guy]

Bad ground cable or bad starter.

[knightofwyte]

Bad ground cable or bad starter.

Sounds like that to me!

You should check the resistance of the ground cable with an MM. If thats ok then sounds like you need a new starter. Check SBT for them or use ebay.

[Bill O'Neal]

I agree, most likely, the brushes are worn down in the starter motor or you have some bad cables. Do not rule out the possibility of needing a new starter relay ( solenoid) though, as they get worn out too right before they totally quit. The rectifier is not related to this problem at all, as it is part of the charging system, not the starter system.

I would inspect all cables and grounds, replace as necessary, replace the starter and the solenoid and be done with it........

[Ilikemybu]

I'm going to start with the cables, another point I forgot to list, after I try to start and it fails....The clock on the message center resets, which tells me the voltage is being interupted (albeit for a very short time).

I also get the 12 volt low message (even when it does start), but I've read other threads that it doesn't look to be valid as long as you don't get that when running.

[Bill O'Neal]

Yes the 12V low will come on, then go off after a couple seconds if the charging system is functioning properly.

[knightofwyte]

That sounds exactly like one of the battery wires being corroded.

[Ilikemybu]

Well, checked, cleaned and tightened all cables, at battery, starter, and at starter relay, (they were in good shape already), but double checked. I even subbed in a new cable for the + and - one at a time since I only had one on hand. No luck, still have the problem. I've also noticed another "symptom", when I hit the start button, there is a 1-2 sec delay before ANYTHING happens, and when it doesn't turn, if I hold the start button down sometimes after a few second delay, it will kick in and start turning over.

Starter, start button, starter relay? Nice suggestions above, is there anyway to check them short of installing a new one? (I found the test for the start button).

Thoughts appreciated.

[knightofwyte]

Try jumping the starter relay, its beginning to sound like the relay is going bad. If it spins right over when you jump the connections I would say it's either the relay or the switch. Test the switch first to see how much voltage is applied when you press it. If its low then the switch may be damaged. If the voltage is normal then its probably the relay.

If when you jump the connections it doesn't turn over immediately, you have a bad starter.

[Bill O'Neal]

It is not going to be his switch. It will be the relay and/or the starter motor.........