Shifter in neutral but boat would not start.

[nlmajors]

2003 Cobalt 240.

Yesterday, I stopped the lake and put the shifter in neutral. When I tried to start it again, the engine would not crank. It sounded like when you try and start and the shifter is still in gear but I was definitely in neutral. I pushed the shifter all the way down forward then all the way backward and back to neutral. Still wouldn't start. Tried it again but stopped in neutral after all the way forward and in neutral after all the way backward. Engine then fired up and rain like normal. Was this probably an isolated incident or indicative of a problem with the shifter? I

[Titaniumboy]

Maybe the shifter, but maybe the kill switch lanyard?

[bruceb58]

Maybe the shifter, but maybe the kill switch lanyard?

Kill switch disables ignition...not starter.

[bruceb58]

Next time this happens, just leave the shifter in the vertical position and wiggle the shifter while you try to start. If it starts, you may have to adjust or bend a thin metal arm on the neutral safety switch itself. That may depend on what shifter you have. Have a picture of it? Merc or Volvo?

[RWM250]

Maybe the shifter, but maybe the kill switch lanyard?

Kill switch disables ignition...not starter.

Educating myself with this question: If the kill switch disables the ignition, does it disable the ability to start as well?

[AsLan7]

Maybe the shifter, but maybe the kill switch lanyard?

Kill switch disables ignition...not starter.

Educating myself with this question: If the kill switch disables the ignition, does it disable the ability to start as well?

The engine starter will crank the engine but no spark will occur at the spark plugs which disables the engine from running. The lanyard kill switch basically grounds out the plugs.


.

[RWM250]

Kill switch disables ignition...not starter.

Educating myself with this question: If the kill switch disables the ignition, does it disable the ability to start as well?

The engine starter may or may not crank the engine but no spark will occur at the spark plugs which disables the engine from running. The lanyard kill switch basically grounds out the plugs.


.

Thanks for the explanation. I was curious how that was wired to operate.

[bruceb58]

Educating myself with this question: If the kill switch disables the ignition, does it disable the ability to start as well?

The engine starter may or may not crank the engine but no spark will occur at the spark plugs which disables the engine from running. The lanyard kill switch basically grounds out the plugs.


.

Thanks for the explanation. I was curious how that was wired to operate.

It removes power to the ignition system.

[Titaniumboy]

Maybe the shifter, but maybe the kill switch lanyard?

Kill switch disables ignition...not starter.

Thanks for the clarification.