2013 PCM 6.0 Starter Hang

[behindpropellers]

Starter will not turn off after engine has started.

Wired in a temporary switch inline with the neutral safety switch as a temporary work around.

1. If I start boat and boat starts, starter stays energized.
2. If boat does not start, starter is not energized.
3. If Stop button is pressed starter is no longer energized.

How does the start sequence work? Controlled by the PME or the ECM? I assume there is some logic that when you hit the start button it will crank until it sees XXX RPM and then the starter is turned off. If the engine does not start after 10 seconds or so the cranking is commanded off and then they yellow light comes on.

Yes. I have power at the yellow/red wire on the harness going to the engine when the starter remains engaged.

Tim

[SatherG230]

I thought the start button was just a momentary switch...if it continues to turn over, could it be the start button sticking?

[behindpropellers]

I thought the start button was just a momentary switch...if it continues to turn over, could it be the start button sticking?

I think it was momentary on previous models and then it was changed. Maybe somebody else with a 2013 can confirm. Otherwise, no it is not the button sticking.

[jpwhit]

With eControl ECMs, basically boat 2008 and later, the start button is a momentary switch to signal to the ECM to initiate the engine start process. The ECM will continue to run the starter until it thinks the engine has started or there is a timeout to keep from overheating the starter. I don't remember off the top of my head what the ECM uses to decide the engine has started. My best guess is an increase in RPM over some threshold. Also holding that button for around 2-3 seconds signals to the ECM to shut the motor off. So if the momentary switch itself were sticking then the engine would start and immediately turn off.

Are you seeing RPMs readings once the engine is running?

If so, I think there is a relay the ECM drives to send power to the starter solenoid. It's very rare, but a relay can fail in a way where is tends to stay engaged with even the tiniest amount of voltage on the coil. Which can happen when the coil is driven with an electronic switch like is in the ECM.

If none of those help fix the problem, post back because this is a intriguing issue that I've never seen before.

[behindpropellers]

With eControl ECMs, basically boat 2008 and later, the start button is a momentary switch to signal to the ECM to initiate the engine start process. The ECM will continue to run the starter until it thinks the engine has started or there is a timeout to keep from overheating the starter. I don't remember off the top of my head what the ECM uses to decide the engine has started. My best guess is an increase in RPM over some threshold. Also holding that button for around 2-3 seconds signals to the ECM to shut the motor off. So if the momentary switch itself were sticking then the engine would start and immediately turn off.

Are you seeing RPMs readings once the engine is running?

If so, I think there is a relay the ECM drives to send power to the starter solenoid. It's very rare, but a relay can fail in a way where is tends to stay engaged with even the tiniest amount of voltage on the coil. Which can happen when the coil is driven with an electronic switch like is in the ECM.

If none of those help fix the problem, post back because this is a intriguing issue that I've never seen before.

Thanks. Yes there is RPM on the gauge. I was under the assumption that the PME had a relay inside of it that powered the yellow/red wire (starter solenoid wire). That wire remains hot after the engine has started.