Outboard does not start - turning key does nothing - starter solenoid troubleshoot / bypass.

Replacement Solenoid Amazon Link:
STARTER FITS SOLENOID SWITCH JOHNSON OMC EVINRUDE OUTBOARD 383622 395419 582708 586180 47886 47886T 18-580

Update: as many mentioned be sure to check the neutral safety switch. If the motor spins and does not start it could just be that.

Be sure to check which version fits your boat, the device is easy to replace and cheap. If it looks rusted and bad, just get a new one.

The solenoid is a critical component in the starting of an engine. In salt water it is common for these to rust / or simply 1 wire to fall off due to rust. This causes the engine to not start. It is an easy thing to troubleshoot / check if you are out in the water and trying to figure out what is wrong.

When turning the ignition key you should hear a clicking sound. This is the solenoid engaging. If there is no click it means the key is not allowing power to get through to the starter. Most of the time it is not the solenoid itself that is broken but simply the ignition cable which activates the solenoid. If the solenoid does not receive a positive voltage to initiate, it will do nothing.

You can a small wire to test and see if this is the issue.

[Pacomero]

Without a doubt, one of the best tutorials I have had the pleasure of watching. It gets straight to the point. Tells me how to fix a certain problem. Without all the soapbox, personal opinions and grandstanding. Thank you.

[Float_]

Man you the Goat! I was getting nothing from the key switch. Checked my solenoid cables and the ground was loose. Tightened it up and she’s cranking again. Thanks!

[andrewross]

Thanks mate we were stuck out in the bay, watched this video and luckily we had some spare wire and used your method and then BANG we re up and running. Ya legend 😀

[Bubfd]

Like your on the water fixes, simple to understand and to fix.

[JohnDoe-lefy]

Great video and excellent information! Thanks so much!

[amat]

Great video sir. Short and helpful.
Thanks

[tyslink]

I have an issue with my solenoid not getting any power when the key is turned...nothing happens at all, no click, nothing. I just assumed it was a bad solenoid, but of course when I swapped it out for a new one still the same issue....wish I had come across this video sooner. It must be an issue between the key and the power to the solenoid...owning an old boat can be frustrating, but you do end up learning a lot along the way. I inherited it from my uncle right before he passed and I've been trying to get it out on the lake since. My wife keeps telling me to just sell it, but I won't be happy until I get it fully operational and do at least a few days of fishing in it!

[burningredsun]

Very informative tutorial. I believe I have a bad neutral safety switch that's intermittent. This should help! .

[cesarejosephvitale]

Thank you for your help my starter solenoid wires are broken from corrosion. I will try this on my 50 HP Evinrude outboard

[follyjim]

Good straight forward advice, thank you.

[larrys]

Very helpful. Thank you. My boat went thru Ian. Still on lift. I have power as engine trims up, horn blows, bilge pump runs but no click when I turn key ? Worried salt water got in / over engine. Boat seems ok some water pumped out with bilge but inside of boat looks ok. Marina power out so can’t lower boat but can get to engine ok from boat.

[loganl]

Also don't forget the golden rule, nothing is better than a second motor. A trolling kicker is also a great backup if you get stuck with a dead motor.

[westcoastprojects]

Hi . Awesome video . I have this issue when the engine gets warm . Will start on the button when cold . If I turn the motor off it won't start till its cold again . I turn the key and there is nothing . Almost like a thermal cutout has kicked in . Could this be the solenoid causing mu issue

[nathanivy]

Can u do a video on the terminal block wiring please I have the same motor it will help me alot thanks

[YungFlipFlop]

Thank you for the vid! My signal wire in this case happens to be receiving voltage when the ignition is turned but still does nothing. Not even a click. When I jump the gap with a screwdriver it turns the starter motor just fine. Any ideas?

[quaileggsvermont]

I didn't hear where that yellow wire went to? Mine goes no where! Just a dead end!

[TheDrEBLUES]

Nice video - if solenoid is engaging (clicking) does that mean its the starter?

[steveleston]

I'm wanting to connect a momentary 12VDC switch to observe the spark plug tester bulb. I will jump the yellow to the reds ontop. thanks

[Zen_Zone]

I have no click and all the wires look good but if I cross the solenoid the engine starts. Any idea what’s wrong ?

[salvatorelivreri]

I have a motor that stopped turning on about two weeks ago, it will click once quietly when I turn the key (not like a car that will go click-click-click-click). Battery fully charged 13.06V, safety latch secure, boat feels in neutral (but maybe a sloppy neutral safety switch).

When they key is held, should the solenoid continue to click or click just once? If the solenoid clicks normally, it would seem to be a connection problem after the solenoid on the way to the starter. Or do you think a fuse?