Logo
FULL SITE MENU

Ignition Coil Clicks, Won't start.

P

pbhughes

New member
Hi All, new here, but hoping for some help. 2004 Bayliner 195, Mercruiser 3.0 Alpha. Won't turn over/start

Boat started at the lake, we cruised for about 2 hours and shut off to chill. wouldn't start for multiple tries, then finally did after I messed with the battery select switch, so we made it back to the ramp.

I've replaced: both batteries (and fully charged them), the battery select switch (2 weeks ago), the ignition switch (last year), the starter & starter solenoid (both last year), and the ignition coil (today).

Since then, still won't start, but the ignition coil clicks. all the other accessories work. What's left? Emergency shut off, and throttle position switches? Anyone ever have those fail? Is there anything else? Bad ground doesn't make sense because all accessories work.

I'm grateful for any tips, tricks, or recommendations.

//signed//

Frustrated
 
1. Define wont start?
Cranks over and wont start?
Doesnt crank over?

2. Coils dont click that I am aware of, are you sure its the coil that is clicking or is it the slave solenoid or slave relay? Not sure what your model has.

If it does not crank over, pull spark plugs and see if any water is present......
 
didnt see slave solenoid in the list of parts changed....i'd start with its connections first.

2X on consistent and accurate descriptions...
 
kghost said:
1. Define wont start?
Cranks over and wont start?
Doesnt crank over?

2. Coils dont click that I am aware of, are you sure its the coil that is clicking or is it the slave solenoid or slave relay? Not sure what your model has.

If it does not crank over, pull spark plugs and see if any water is present......
Click to expand...
Jack,

Sorry for the confusion. Engine does not turn over. The "Ignition Coil" clicks when the key is turned, but the starter motor/starter don't respond. This is the 2004 3.0L carbureted Mercruiser 181 Cubic Inch in-line 4 cylinder. I finally located the slave starter relay, and have one on the way. I have the Mercruiser Shop Manual, and looking at the schematics that's the only component I haven't replaced...except the Kill switch, and throttle position switch.
 
The lanyard (Kill switch)
The Nuetral Safety switch (shift control box)

Neutral safety could cause no crank. Yellow with red stripe goes from key switch thru neutral safety switch and then to slave relay...if you could trace the two yellow with red stripe from control box you could determine if thats your issue by jumping them together at a easy location but thats up to your abilities....

Lanyard would not allow start but would allow crank.

The slave relay will definately cause no crank. If there are two side by side and are both 87a relays, swap them and see if it works. The relay is a standard GM type part and is available at any auto store...get 2 and keep a spare!!

You could also jump starter solenoid (small yellow with red connection to Battery plus) NOTE, no key in ignition for Crank test unless you are sure of your ability/knowledge....this test would confirm starter cranks and issue may be furthet back as with the relay.
 
Thanks again, and for correcting my terminology. Good info regarding the lanyard. Eliminates that as a cause. I'm tracking the neutral safety option. Only one slave relay...and it'll be delivered tomorrow. if that doesn't fix things, I'll move on to jumping the neutral safety, then the "relatively new" starter/solenoid. I have all the troubleshooting procedures in the shop manual.
 
kghost said:
The lanyard (Kill switch)
The Nuetral Safety switch (shift control box)

Neutral safety could cause no crank. Yellow with red stripe goes from key switch thru neutral safety switch and then to slave relay...if you could trace the two yellow with red stripe from control box you could determine if thats your issue by jumping them together at a easy location but thats up to your abilities....

Lanyard would not allow start but would allow crank.

The slave relay will definately cause no crank. If there are two side by side and are both 87a relays, swap them and see if it works. The relay is a standard GM type part and is available at any auto store...get 2 and keep a spare!!

You could also jump starter solenoid (small yellow with red connection to Battery plus) NOTE, no key in ignition for Crank test unless you are sure of your ability/knowledge....this test would confirm starter cranks and issue may be furthet back as with the relay.
Click to expand...
Any way to bypass the lanyard to see if that is causing my engine to crank over but will not start?
 
Back
Top