97 Honda BF90 Keyswitch Wiring

[moctod]

In the off position the key switch wiring diagram shows the black wire (negative-ground) and the black/red (ignition) wire connected. Is this a safety feature that grounds out the coil(s) on the engine so that it can't be started by accident? The black/red wire is also shown as the emergency stop. I've noticed that some marine key switches don't have contacts in the "off" position that allow for this connection.

 

[hondadude]

Almost all outboards have the two extra contacts on the ignition switch to cut off the spark. Yes, they do the same thing as the emergency stop switch...and are usually connected somehow in parallel in the wiring.

The other keyswitches to which you are referring are used in inboard/outboard (I/O) engines. These are like your car engine that is turned off by cutting the power to the ignition.

Mike