Does my jet ski have a starter solenoid or a starter relay?
The terms starter solenoid and starter relay are often used interchangeably as the switch that activates the battery current to your starter.
While they are designed slightly differently, both a starter solenoid and a starter relay switch are electromagnetic switches tasked with receiving a low power signal that in turn activates a high power signal to the starter. Simply speaking, all solenoids are relays, but not all relays are solenoids. Technically, the solenoid can trigger the higher current of the two.
This is why the two terms are used interchangeably or you may see the term “starter solenoid/relay” used in parts descriptions.
How does a solenoid/relay start my jet ski?
By pushing the start/stop button on your jet ski, you are sending a low power current to the solenoid/relay which will then trigger a higher powered current to go to the starter to turn it over.
Why might you think you have a bad starter solenoid/relay?
Several tell tale signs point to a bad starter solenoid/relay.
When starting your ski, does…
1. Nothing happen?
When having issues starting your jet ski, one of the first things to check is if your battery is charged! A dead or dying battery is more often than not the culprit of starting issues. But, it still could be the starter solenoid/relay if not the battery.
2. Do you hear one click and nothing happens?
Usually, if the problem is the battery, you will hear multiple clicks when trying to start your ski. On a bad starter solenoid/relay you will hear a single click.
3. Does the ski start on its own as soon as you attach the lanyard or DESS key?
Or not turn off when the key is removed?
Or do you have to push it multiple times to get it to start?
All of these are usually the sign of a bad solenoid/relay whose internal parts are stuck in place.
How to test your jet ski starter solenoid/rely.
The starter solenoid/relay is usually located in the electrical box, which gives easier access and more protection from water. It has a red wire (positive) going to the battery and a red wire (positive) going to the starter. The two smaller wires go to the start/stop switch.
Place a screw driver across these two posts and “jump” your starter. This may damage your screw driver a bit, so be wary of the one you choose. Some may say that you can use a paper clip, but this will leave a mark when it burns your fingers. The handle on even a small screw driver should be enough to protect your fingers.
If your ski still does not start the problem could be your start/stop switch or your starter. More on those to come.
