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Fuse blown when shifter is at neutral position.

Beaverlaker

Beaverlaker

New member
My 98 Maxum, carburated 4.3 Thunderbolt V ignition, requires that the shifter moved forward without engaging the gear to start the cold engine. Engine would start after few turns of the key and would idle fast. Everything seems routine and normal, except when the shifter is pulled back to neutral position then the following symptoms would immediately happen: (1) A 15A fuse blown with a small pop noise (2) Engine dies (3) Turning key to restart will not trigger anything, as if there is no electrical power. To replace the blown fuse, the shifter must be moved forward, new fuse is then installed; but the fuse will pop again as soon as the shifter is moved back to neutral. This problem can easily be recreated with or without actually starting the engine. I am lost as to where to start the diagnostic, and would appreciate any guidance on this issue. Thanks in advance.
 
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What fuse blows? You probably have a wire in the handle that has been rubbed bare and is shorting out when you move it. After you fix the wire rub some 2-4-C grease on all the wires in the shifter handle so they slide w/o resistance. Been there; done that.
 
but the trim fuse is at the pump. no other wires in the control box except the neutral safety and that is only wired to the "Start" position.
 
Thanks for the tip guyjg, I'll look into the wiring in the handle next chance I'll have. The fuse box does not have labels for each fuse so I do not know which fuse blows
 
the control box has nothing to do with your problem
2012-04-26_163829_mercru_t-n-t_86.jpg.cf.jpg
 
manual 25 lists only 4 fuses. one 20A under dash for ign system, 3 at the engine 15,15,10
start in the engine bay ,around the shift plate for worn/damaged wiring
 
The blown fuse is in a fuse box under the dash, next chance I get to the boat I'll find out what color the wire is for this fuse. I ran out of 15A, LOL, last time working on this issue. Thanks for the diagram, bt Doctur.​
 
The red with blue (or purple) stripped wire is attached to the blown 15A fuse. In the engine compartment, this red+ blue wire is attached to an electrical box, about 1"x2", appears like a solenoid. This suspected solenoid has another wire (yellow with red stripe) connected to. The two posts of this solenoid are covered with a hard plastic cap. After inspecting with a multimeter to look for short circuit, but having no luck. Reconnecting the battery, installing new fuse, moving the shifter back and forth and resting at neutral, and the fuse does not pop. Engine starts and idles normal, which is good news. However if the suspected solenoid is the culprit, I'd like to know what this solenoid is for and perhaps get a spare or replace it. The interesting detail is when this problem occurred consistently, it only happens when the shifter is at the neutral position. Having check for potential rubbing between throttle cable and electrical wire, it's certain that there is no movement caused by the shifter, especially movement of the red+ blue electrical wire. Any idea is appreciated. Thanks
 
Red / purple stripe, if not mistaken also goes to the 2 pin plug at back of alternator. On 5.0 and 5.7 alternator on starboard side , I found dipstick tube , rubs the purple and red/ purple in to.
 
On this engine the alternator is on the opposite side of the dipstick tube, but I'll check around the alternator next time.Thanks Mikey NC
 
Yes I know, alternator is on port side with serpintine belt. Unplug that 2 plug connection at back of alternator( don't let it ground to anything) and see what happens.
 
Does it look look this
this is the slave solenoid and has a Red/purrple and Yellow/red and only those 2
THe shift interupt is connected to the ign system also.Unplug the wire and retest
Do not try to operate the boat because you will have difficulty coming out of gear
th
 
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Mikey NC, charging is good, around 14V. Voltage at battery posts is 12.6, at fuse box 12.5.

Bt Doctur, that's the device. Have pictures, but can not make them small enough to upload. Right now shifter works fine, does not blow the 15A fuse, so do not know what to test for. However, if it's not expensive I am willing to keep one for spare. What is this solenoid called, if I look for one to buy?

Thanks both for the feedbacks.
 
However, if it's not expensive I am willing to keep one for spare. What is this solenoid called, if I look for one to buy?

Buy 1000 of them, they do nothing for blowing fuses
and its only function is to connect power to the starters solenoid.Has nothing to do with ign or shifting. Whoever added it needed constant 12 power. Trace it and find it because it does not belong there
 
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