Jet ski not starting - MOST common causes 

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. That’s awesome, and you taking the time to share this means the world to us. Hope you have no starter issues moving forward. 😁👍 Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re into crypto trading, join our DIY ecosystem and become part of an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

Dave, thanks for watching. We are excited to upload the bellows replacement series which includes the reinstall of outdrive to transom. We have already filmed and completed entire project, looking to upload that series after the 1st of the year. 👍

Thanks for watching Hunter, sounds like a loose wire connection…🤔…or it may be due to damaged wiring. We recommend checking any and all wiring and wire connections to ensure there is no damage such as crimped, melted, or frayed wiring as well as no loose connections. Keep us posted and hey if you’re into crypto trading, check out our newly launched DIY ecosystem. Toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

@@warneachothereverydayheb.3406 Thanks for watching.

Good morning Tim, we do indeed. We have filmed the video however it’s still in the que for upload. Check out the video link below. Although it’s for a furnace video, you, you’ll see our JetSki inside our house where we are completing many helpful DIY sea doo videos. Fast forward to the (9:08) portion of video to see. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DVR7wUdfCEA.html 😎👍

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. Happy to help, and thank YOU! How’s your DIY projects going? Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re into crypto trading, join our DIY ecosystem and become part of an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

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Thanks for watching, we appreciate you sharing your experience. That would be the next part we would replace since all the other parts around it are good. 😎👍

Thanks for watching, any update? Have you tried resetting system by disconnecting negative cable from battery for 5 minutes?

Thanks for watching, a frozen engine would be no fun. Hopefully it’s either a faulty Starter Relay or the Starter. We would start with the relay, and we highly recommend purchasing OEM relay.

have you checked the battery with a voltage drop test. very easy to do if you have a multimeter.

@@zakiramjan9822 Thanks for sharing. We tested battery, starter, and relay. 😎👍

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. Is it the same beeping noise as when you connect key to DESS post/ignition probe to start engine? Your key and DESS post might be ever-so-slightly widening causing the ski to beep. Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re into crypto trading, join our DIY ecosystem. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

Good evening I have 2002 gp1200 Not starting, usually is stubborn old girl but takes awhile to get going but once started stays running no problem any ideas..

@@EmilyP17 Good morning ☕️ any update? We recommend inspecting the inner portion of your electrical box and ensuring everything is connected properly and nothing is damaged. You can also inspect your DESS probe installed on ski and ensure there is no corrosion. It’s likely related to an interruption in electrical connection…Keep us posted.

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. We would start with performing a system reset by disconnecting black negative cable from battery and leaving disconnected for a minimum of 5 minutes. Some leave disconnected for 30 minutes. After that, re-connect cable to battery and start engine. It’s likely that your ski is in limp-mode which is a built-in safety configuration. Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re into crypto trading, join our DIY ecosystem and become part of an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders ok, thanks for the quick response, I will give it a try and if that is the case my concern would be why it went into limp mode. I’ve been an ase certified auto technician for 31 years, but unfortunately I’m new to JETSKIs so I’m not familiar with the way everything works. I know when a car goes into limp mode it still runs, but with reduced power, anyway I’ll let you know what I find and I will post a youtube video to help the community in the future

@@jasont7887 We appreciate the follow up. If in limp mode, the onboard computer sensed something it didn’t like and configured itself into limp mode to protect other systems that would actually be affected in a negative way at high power settings. Could be as simple as low oil, low fuel, or something else.

@@JuanTorres-vt1dq Thanks for watching, any update? Fuel injectors are very likely the issue…especially if the engine stays running after it starts. Any engine acceleration issues at high throttle settings or speeds?

Thanks for watching, any update. We recommend testing or replacing Starter Relay. Below is a video link. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MAvBmwvGgyc.html Keep us posted. 👍

Thanks for watching, how old is battery? Does battery have more than 12v’s? An old battery can cause this however if battery is newer and fully charged, the starter relay is the next part to replace. 😎👍🧰

Battery is about a year old along with the starter. But the starter turns over just fine. I’m gonna get a spark plug checker and new fuel filter for it too. But if that’s not it then I’ll be getting that part

@@bradykice8759 Awesome, looking forward to hearing back from you.

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. Hope you have been well. Any update? We love talking jet skis. Any recent MX performed on ski…?…it may help us determine whether or not any recent MX is tied to issue. Have you replaced plugs and wires in recent years? Another thing it can be is lack of vacuum pressure. Below are a few links that may be helpful. We will also link our (Fixing boats and jet ski) PlayList. 👍 Low vacuum pressure: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Jr7eWlFGvAc.htmlsi=PIBf9Afah6dYE9cL Replace Solenoid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SfjX9OtOyIM.htmlsi=7lNCLjafGBjmN2LJ PlayList: ru-vid.com/group/PLjCXOz8TSkZlae2qY97uVVTm3JdBOUoRS&si=z5nMupu1GPVf23EZ Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re interested, join our DIY ecosystem and help us grow an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

What’s up Adrian, any update? How many volts is your battery showing? It’s best to have over 12v’s prior to engine start. 4-beeps can also be triggered when the engine is stuck in a position outside of FWD/Neutral/REV…which may be as simple as you moving the shifter back and forth a few times to get it back in a safe configuration for start. Another possibility is a corroded DESS post or key…which may require a friendly cleaning to work again. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any questions Adrian and hey if you’re into crypto trading, join our DIY ecosystem. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

Idk man I’m on the same situation, it’s 4th of July just replaced the battery 10 mins ago and still nothing

@@jojogo22 Good morning ☕️ any update? It’s possible that the old plugs are playing a role however unlikely…since they are still providing a spark. Have you inspected your carburetor to ensure nothing is clogging valves?

@@Backyardigan951 Thanks for watching, any update? By chance is the engine shaking or knocking after it starts? The reason we ask is because it’s possible…however unlikely…that your Knock-Sensor is detecting knock and immediately shutting engine down. If that’s not the case, you may want to carefully disconnect battery, followed by disconnecting each connection point from your MPEM one at a time and leaving disconnected for 1 minute. Please keep us posted. 🧰

Did you find what the problem was?

Thanks for watching, that video was filmed with jet ski out of water…and…well…literally inside our house during the winter. That video will be published sometime this summer. 😎👍🧰

Thanks for watching, any update? When you connect key to ignition DESS, do you hear the fuel injection system activate?

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Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. Any update? What exactly are you experiencing…?…lack of acceleration or troubles with starting? Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re interested, join our DIY ecosystem and help us grow an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. A few things can cause this as mentioned in the video. Kinda sounds like the fuel system is activating once DESS key is connected…and priming the engine with fuel and allowing it to start…but then it runs out of fuel pressure or delivery…🤔 Another cause can be a vacuum leak or faulty vacuum solenoid. Below are two videos discussing more about that. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Jr7eWlFGvAc.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SfjX9OtOyIM.html Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re into crypto trading, join our DIY ecosystem and become part of an exclusive group of DIYers. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

No it doesn’t but you will do it completely by feel…. Get a mirror as it is near bottom of engine and will help get an idea of what your feeling and the 2 bolts that hold starter.

Thanks for watching, any update? Being only 2 years old…we will be shocked if the starter has already become faulty…🤔…or is the battery 2 years old and the jet ski much older? Is there any standing water in bottom of internal hull or any visible moisture near electrical connections feeding into MPEM?

I have the same problem with my Kawasaki sport tourer 1100stx. It will crank 1 time and stop immediately. I got a brand new battery yesterday and same thing. So could it be the starter or rely?

@@rancesprowls8191 Thanks for watching, starter relay is the next likely cause. 😎👍

I appreciate the response. I ordered and installed a new relay and starter and nothing changed still the one clunk and nothing. Would you have any other advice or what would be your next step? Thank you

You are welcome. Thank YOU!

You are very welcome, we are happy to help. 👍

@@ericthurston1070 Thanks for watching, any update? We can hopefully help. To be honest, we would focus on the Starter Relay first. Below is a video link showing how to properly and safely test the Starter Relay. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LfHRcmtMG_I.htmlsi=R4bu4n2MdBDu4v4b If this test ensures that the Starter Relay is good, we would then Director attention to the CDI. 😁👍🧰

So I have found with the battery in that starter relay is gd according to the multimeter. I am digging into the kill switch on the start stop switch now. Hoping it's the switch honestly, the CDI is $ 300.00 bucks and not very available. Only found 3 distributors that can get it. Not so sure I would want to use a used one so I don't have to do it again. Thanks for the help and I'll def keep you all informed.

@@ericthurston1070 Thanks for the follow up, the kill switch is a possibility. If it goes that far where you need to replace start/stop switch, we will post a link below that may be helpful as you work through that project. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5q9HbOxYY4Q.htmlsi=JB5Ff71-_riK6v85 😎👍🧰

Well bad news for me is it is not the switch either. I have completely toar the switch apart, checked all the springs, leads and reassembled it. I'm getting continuity through the switch. So all that's left it can be is the CDI so I'm gonna get one ordered and get that replaced. Ita gonna take a cpl weeks but I'll keep you informed. Any one got any inside leads on getting a NEW decent priced CDI replacement ? Everything I have found new is 300.00 to 350.00 not including shipping cost.

@@ericthurston1070 We appreciate the quick reply, hey we have been in your shoes. Installing a brand new CDI will be great. We don’t consider that bad news unless it doesn’t fix the issue. Keep us posted.

Thanks for watching. The 1995 Sea doo is manufactured by (BRP) Bombardier Recreation Products.

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. Any update? The good thing is that it’s attempting to crank which tells us that your Starter and Starter Relay is still good. It’s possible that the engine is not getting fuel. Do you here the fuel pump turn on when you connect DESS key?

I got a good one for ya. Me and my son have been working on this freebee for several months. '93 Kawasaki 750 ss. Ran good a higher rpm. Back on idle after 30 sec. would die and not start without starting fluid. Rebuilt carb and replaced everything. All new fuel pickup tubes in the tank and pretty much everything else. ( $$$) A local dealer had replaced all the fuel lines with the new ones earlier. So there was only one thing to look at or replace. The fuel selector valve. And that was the culprit. The dealer mechanic had crossed 2 of the fuel hoses on the valve. After changing the hoses to the correct position, it runs like it should. Starts right up in a millisecond every time. Even after several stops and starts just works like a million bucks. Hope this helps.

@@baanman That’s incredible info and we appreciate you sharing this. The best part of that story is that you had the opportunity to work with your son while rebuilding your ski. Your son and you were able to track down and pinpoint the exact part causing the issue. Nothing better than that! 😎👍

Thanks for watching, you are spot on. Made a blooper there. Right-Starboard Left-Port We appreciate that. 😁👍

Thanks for watching, my parents have an 03 GTX as well. We will be releasing a bunch of helpful videos on the 03 GTX this coming spring. When you say nothing on the starter button, are you referring to no electrical power whatsoever?

Thanks for watching, any update? Once engine starts, do you notice any unusual shaking or knocking with engine. Its possible…however unlikely…that your Knock-sensor is detecting a mechanical knock and immediately shutting engine down. Let’s start there. 👍🧰

@@DIYwithMichaelBordersno weird shake just turns off after being on for a few seconds

@@elgallodesinaloa5219 Thanks for the reply, any recent parts replaced? Have you replaced plugs and wires?

@@DIYwithMichaelBordersspark plugs but again it ran fine for 2 full days it’s didn’t start doing this until the 3rd day at the beginning. All we did that day was fuel it up

@@elgallodesinaloa5219 Thanks for the reply. Maybe contaminated fuel…it’s rare to run into that however we can’t rule it out.

Thanks for sharing, we read your other comment as well. We appreciate you reaching out to us. Did replacing plugs and wires help?

@@DIYwithMichaelBordersI replaced mine still no start. It cranks but won’t turn on and engine light comes up

@@dann3949 Thanks for the follow up. Once you connect key to ignition, do you hear the fuel injection system turn on and prime engine? If you don’t, it’s likely that your fuel control module is faulty. Keep us posted.

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders hey just a follow it was actually a faulty battery. It must’ve sat for too long so I replaced it with a nice $180 gel based battery and it starts up every time. I also replaced spark plugs and did 4 oil changes to flush water out of the oil because there was an improper water hose test done to it. I also had to drain some water out of the spark plug cylinders

@@dann3949 Thanks for the follow up, that’s great news. Fresh new battery for the season is great. Awesome job cleaning out oil system as well.

Good morning ☕️ any update? New plugs and wires are a great start. Looking forward to hearing back from you. We are working on this jet ski as we speak, we are filming a full engine removal and re-install series. 😁👍🧰

Good morning, just poured a cup of coffee and am sitting down to answer any and all questions for the DIY community. How old is battery…?…if older than 3 years…we recommend installing a new battery. If battery is still less than 3 years old, you may have a faulty Rectifier/Voltage Regulator. Below is a link to our video showing replacement of this part. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-U81igjcMKVM.html Let us know if you have any questions and hey if you’re into crypto trading, join our DIY ecosystem. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

Thanks for watching. That video was filmed…actually…out of water and inside for winter. That video will be coming this summer. 😎👍🧰

same here, I need to replace mine and really need to see for help!!!!

@@rkal66 Thanks for watching, we are excited to get that video uploaded. 😎👍

@@ethanburk6587 Good morning ☕️ it may be that your Starter Relay has failed. Below are a few helpful videos including replacement of Starter Relay. If interested in purchasing this product, visit our Amazon affiliate link below. I earn from qualifying purchases OEM Starter Relay (278003012): amzn.to/3VkmrAu 1. Jet ski not starting - Replace Starter Relay ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MAvBmwvGgyc.html 2. Replace Start/Stop push button cap ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VillHbgDckY.html 3. Replace Start/Stop push button wiring mechanism ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5q9HbOxYY4Q.html 👍

Thanks for watching, you came to the right place. Sounds like your ski is in limp mode…which is a safety protection mode that decreases the allowable acceleration to prevent damage to engine while other parts are faulty. It may be as simple as replacing your starter relay and reconnecting battery and starting engine. If your starter relay was faulty prior to replacing it, the new one will send the proper signals to your MPEM and disengage limp mode. Please keep us posted. 🧰

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders WOW, thanks Mike for the quick reply! The limp mode sounds plausible, and since the starter relay, we did replace the battery and rode it. Seems to still be in limp mode though.

@@BrianMiller4802 Thanks for the reply, so the Starter Relay has been replaced…?…and it’s still in limp mode? Keep us posted.

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders yes.

@@BrianMiller4802 Awesome. Try disconnecting battery for 5 minutes which will allow your system to reset. If that doesn’t help, you may need to carefully disconnect each of the large plastic connectors feeding into your MPEM followed by re-connecting them…this is also a reset procedure. It’s unlikely however are you using your normal DESS key or your yellow key? Yellow is programmed for reduced acceleration “limp mode” only.

Thanks for watching, we appreciate you reaching out to us. Those videos are in the Que and are set to release within the next month. Please stay tuned, we have a large amount of jet ski video’s being released in the next few weeks. 😎👍

Is this video still coming out? It’s boating season in the South and it would be timely and helpful to see the video for replying the push switch under the start/stop button. Thank you!!

@@user-lj8qi5wt6t It is indeed, it is set to release next week. There are a few additional videos in the Que set to release before it. 😁👍🧰

Thanks for watching, we appreciate you reaching out to us. Those videos are in the Que and are set to release within the next month. Please stay tuned, we have a large amount of jet ski video’s being released in the next few weeks. 😎👍

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. All we are focused on is having fun, creating helpful content, and making a few extra spare change in the process. The DIY community is incredible and we continue to be more and more motivated each day. 👍

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders Sure. So you don't think you are shadow banned?

@@NoName-ml5yk Don’t think so.

@@l.r9655 Thanks for watching. It can be a stubborn part to replace depending on which year/make/model ski you are servicing for sure. 😁👍🧰

Sea Doo is the brand of jet ski, calling every jet ski a sea Doo would be like calling every car a Chevy.

Dude a jetski is a model on personal watercraft made by Kawasaki so you are calling everything a chevy already

No one cares

​@@MetalHawk47dude jetski is Kawasakis PWC, not every watercraft is a jetski.

Yikes…🤔…niiiiice! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Any and all thoughts, feedback, advice… is always welcome here. Our passion is helping the DIY community and we are more than willing to help answer any questions you have. That’s why we are here, so if you would like to ask us any questions, we be more than willing to help. Hope all is well. 😎👍

I appreciated the video it gave me the the next step to look at.

Thanks for watching, sounds like you have a Direct Injection (DI) engine. Once you connect DESS key to DESS post, it activates the fuel pump to properly prime engine with fuel prior to engine start. Let us know if you have any additional questions and hey if you’re into crypto trading, check out our DIY ecosystem. toolboxtoken.com Reach out to us any time! 🧰

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders okay when I put the DSs key on the fuel pump does not power up. Do I need 12 volts to the wires there are two wires

@@michaelmckenna6852 Thanks for the reply. You do indeed. You may have a blown fuse down inside electrical panel inside hull…that’s very common.

Thanks.. I will check and update with what I find

@@DIYwithMichaelBorders and I will be subscribing to you