Out on the river this weekend and had some weird problems getting my 2001 Ultra 150 started. First started the ski for 5 seconds to warm up, on trailer. Put it in the water, pushed start and...nothing. Then tried a few more times, then it cranked and started up. Few minutes later and a mile down the river it stopped, baffled me. Turned key off, then on, then pushed start button...over and over. Nothing. Then i noticed when i placing the safety kill ring back on, i could hear a small noise.....the starter trying to turn. I diagnosed that the push button start switch was stuck "on". This eventually drained the battery as the starter was still turning as i cruised along.
Got home, disconnected start/stop/trim connector (under steering panel)and checked with a multimeter. Was getting continuity between the connections...ie. switch was stuck in closed "on" position. Well, disassembled the push-button switch and cleaned the tactile contacts...put her back together and now all is good. On a fully charged battery, she cranks right up.
I hope this wont happen again. I was so pissed, thinking that i had fried the starter or solenoid !!
ANyone every had anything similar happen to them ?? Crazy...a simple switch can ruin your day.


