'21 Mojo ignition/starting issues

[arsnlgunnr]

over the last month, we've had to be towed in twice to our slip because the boat won't start. when attempting to start the boat, turning the key to the start position and nothing happens. no sounds from the starter or the engine, shifter is in neutral, kill switch clip is connected, both batteries showing 12v. all other systems are functioning, all ballast pumps, 7" touch screen, radio, surf tabs, wakeplate, horn, lights, etc.

first time:
went out for a morning surf session for about 1hr then drove over to a cover and anchored/floated for 1.5-2hrs. get back in the boat to leave, boat won't start. checked all of the usual suspects, switched batteries, removed/re-connected kill switch lanyard, messed with shifter to make sure in neutral position. boat still won't start. neighbors drive over and tow us in, try to start boat while being towed, still won't start. get the boat in the slip and up on the lift. come down 36hrs later, same issue. after a few failed attempts, turn the key to start, nothing. then 3-4 seconds later engine starts. wtf!?

take it to the dealer to have them give it a once over, boat starts for them every time and they weren't able to find any issues. memorial day weekend, we took the boat out 4 days straight and had no issues.

second time:
morning surf session for about 1hr, then docked at our neighbors dock for 2hrs. attempt to leave and take kids on a tubing run and same issue again, boat won't start. i get up underneath the dash and do a basic check to the wiring going to the ignition switch, everything feels connected and nothing loose. do all the previous troubleshooting i did before, boat still won't start. towed back to the slip with a jet-ski.

I'm hesitant to go mess with it anymore and waiting on the dealer to come out so they can experience the issue first hand and to do some more checks. we love our boat and had no issues the entire season last year, but man this is really frustrating.

My first thought is an issue with the ignition switch. Any one experienced this or have any thoughts on what the issue could be?

[zabooda]

Nothing happens when switched on indicates a possible ignition switch issue. Take voltage readings when it operates correctly and compare to when the system is dead.

[mjb929rr]

There is a safety switch in the throttle that tells when it’s in neutral. My thought is that would be the issue. Maybe try cycling the throttle back and forth and try again. My 2022 sl had this issue once but also one side of the thruster wouldn’t work. Turns out they have had a bunch of defective throttles lately. I was able to get around the thruster issue by applying pressure on the top of the throttle.

[Holdmybeer]

The new boats you have to wait for the system to boot up.
Turn the key to RUN wait unit the gauges cycle and the screen to boot then turn to start.

If you are doing this and still having the issue, I would let the dealer handle this. Your boat is too new.

[TXSurf4]

I am no expert by any means but I would say it sounds like it could be something with the ignition switch. Not sure if you are aware of this but these boats have what is called Smart Start so when you go to crank your boat all you have to do it turn it to "start" and then let go and the ignition switch will crank the starter over until the boat starts (or it reaches a predetermined amount of time in which it will stop). You saying "after a few failed attempts, turn the key to start, nothing. then 3-4 seconds later engine starts. wtf!?" makes me think that there is something wrong in the switch.

[arsnlgunnr]

Thanks all for the input. Tech is coming out next week for more in depth troubleshooting. hoping a replacement ignition switch is all that's needed. I'll report back with the findings

[arsnlgunnr]

**Update**

Tech came out last Wednesday while we were at the beach. Luckily he experienced the starting issue and ended up changing out the ignition switch. He ran the engine for a while as well as starting and shutting off the engine multiple times with no issues.

We take the boat out yesterday, it starts just fine leaving our slip. We do a wakeboard sesh for about 20 min, then go check out a cove. Get to the cove and turn the boat off. Try to start it again 1 min later and it won't start again. At this point I'm super frustrated :mad:

Aside from the kill switch and boat not being in neutral, are there any other fail safes that would essentially disable the ability to start the engine?

[Josh828]

I highly doubt its your issue but have you mentioned for them to upgrade you to the 22 software? They didn't do mine I guess you have to ask

[HFarr]

**Update**

Tech came out last Wednesday while we were at the beach. Luckily he experienced the starting issue and ended up changing out the ignition switch. He ran the engine for a while as well as starting and shutting off the engine multiple times with no issues.

We take the boat out yesterday, it starts just fine leaving our slip. We do a wakeboard sesh for about 20 min, then go check out a cove. Get to the cove and turn the boat off. Try to start it again 1 min later and it won't start again. At this point I'm super frustrated :mad:

Aside from the kill switch and boat not being in neutral, are there any other fail safes that would essentially disable the ability to start the engine?I am totally shooting in the dark here, but is there any sort of thermal safety sensor on these boats that might keep it from starting if it senses the engine, tranny/drive, ECM, fuel pump or anything else may be too hot? If so, maybe it's acting up?

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

[arsnlgunnr]

I am totally shooting in the dark here, but is there any sort of thermal safety sensor on these boats that might keep it from starting if it senses the engine, tranny/drive, ECM, fuel pump or anything else may be too hot? If so, maybe it's acting up?

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

There may be, but I'm not seeing any fault codes or warning messages.

[arsnlgunnr]

I highly doubt its your issue but have you mentioned for them to upgrade you to the 22 software? They didn't do mine I guess you have to ask

i asked them to update the software and it was done when they de-winterized the boat...

[arsnlgunnr]

**UPDATE**

After the most recent starting issue back on the 19th, dealer asked that I bring the boat back to the shop. Of course to do that, I had to get the boat to start in order to get it on the trailer. Went down to the boat on the 24th to see if I could get it to start. After multiple attempts and checks, still couldn't get the engine to crank. At this point I was ready to start the boat by using a screwdriver on the starter/solenoid. To be able to see and reach the starter, this required me to get down in the starboard side rear locker and remove two of the panels. After locating the starter and figuring out my plan, I go back to the helm and turn the key to start just for grins. Engine starts! I let it run for a minute, turn it off, then attempt to start again, but engine doesn't crank.

The engine started, so I must've touched/done something. I go back in the rear locker again and have a look. I checked the connections to the starter/solenoid, all good and tight. Then I check a few of the wire harness connectors in the area by pushing them together to make sure they're tight. Go back to the helm, turn the key and the engine cranks! Shut it off, turn the key again and engine cranks.

At this point I believe I've found the issue and call the dealer to let them know my findings. I take it to the dealer, we get in the boat while on the trailer, he tries to start it, engine won't crank! He, opens the access door under the rear seat and does the same hand tightening I did of the connectors/harness. Attempts to start the boat and it cranks! Dealer replaces the harness thought to be the cause, attempts to start the boat, engine won't crank. They put the original harness back on, engine cranks.

Now their lead tech is officially stumped. Dealer contacts Skiers Choice for assistance and they recommend going through a list of checks and tests to rule out mechanical issues. All tests pass. So this is now an electrical issue. Problem now is, they can't get the boat to NOT start so attempting to troubleshoot is pointless at this point. They are now bringing the boat back out to do a water test in order to see if they can reproduce the starting issue. If not, then I get the boat back with the knowledge that the issue may or not be resolved. And the only advice they can really offer is to not turn the boat off until I get it back to my slip. Really hoping the water test goes well and all is good OR the starting issue returns during the water test which would allow them to actively troubleshoot.

Will provide another update soon....

[996scott]

Oh man that is so frustrating to hear. I wish i had some insight for you but hang in there, hopefully they can get it figured out.

[Holdmybeer]

Just an observation....how does a brand new harness cause a no crank issue, but a "faulty" harness is cranking everytime now.

Soft set connectors are a large issue in the auto market. A loose pin in the connector sucks to troubleshoot.

Are these boats now canbus? If so, a simple pinched wire would cause issues.

[Hayden]

**UPDATE**

After the most recent starting issue back on the 19th....

Thanks for posting all your findings with this. I would be frustrated as all heck but it really helps to log it like you have so everyone else benefits.

Again, thanks.