11 replies to this topic

[Deputydog336]

So this is my first season with my 2006 challenger 180 and a few things have come up.  Can anyone tell me where or a part number for a new intake grate....we unfortunately ran over our towable rope and wrapped it around the drive shaft.  I was able to cut it all out and does not appear to have damaged anything except breaking off the last piece of one of the three tines of the grate, half of which I found wrapped in the rope the other 1-1.5 inches is MIA.  I think I should replace the grate as to not let anything to big into the intake/impeller.  

2nd issue - having a starting problem.  Over 4th July weekend the boat sporadically did not start.  Tested start button and it has power and always has eventually worked.  The d.e.s.s. Is giving proper code sounds...and boat is in neutral? My uncle believes it is the starter having an issue where it is not returning to normal position after some stops, so that it can't fire again, and takes numerous attempts to finally engage.  Anyone have any ideas.  Looks like starters are about 100 bucks, where in the boat is it at, and can I get to it?  Also what do you guys do with the battery switch when not in use.  A buddy never turns his off others say they turn them off all the time, what is right and could that have anything to do with my problem.  I have had the problem twice with the battery switch on after about 30 mins of sitting engine off, but I have also had the problem first thing in morning on it's first start of the day when I had the battery off until just before starting (cold start).  

I also have a non working 12v jack, checked the fuse and I saw someone else on the forum had the same issue, and I don't think the ICSnis working...when you push the button I hear the motor for it but it does not appear to be lowering and raising the intake grate...this appeared before the intake grate was damaged by the tow rope.  

I know that's a lot but if anyone has some answers that would be great.  If only I could get this stuff taken care of, we have loved the boat this year so far and have been having a blast....if I could just get these issues resolved so the wife isn't complaining!!!

[dootndo2]

You can view the entire parts catalog here:

http://epc.brp.com/d...portboat&lang=E

-- not starting
It's probably the neutral switch.  I had to have mine replaced.

The fuse box is not correctly labeled.  Also the radio and the ICS are on the same fuse.  This is the one on the right (I believe).  The 12v jack (on my boat) came with the wrong strength fuse and blew as soon as I plugged anything in.  I changed it to the correct 20a fuse and it works fine now.  Search here or jetboating.net for fuse details.

dootndo2

[dootndo2]

Sport Boats

204120308

Mobile Grate

[Deputydog336]

Thanks...I'm thinking it may be the neutral switch too, we had it out on the weekend and it seems like if you move from forward/reverse/neutral several times and keep trying to fire it up it eventually does.  I'm assuming it's the neutral switch not thinking the boat is in neutral and thus keeping the boat from starting.  Thanks too for the part number on the grate I need to replace that.  Does anyone know if there is an aftermarket grate?

[Deputydog336]

Where can I find the neutral switch, and how easy is that to replace?

[jdoetsch]

I also ran over a tow rope last weekend and had it wrap around the drive shaft, and spent a fun hour cutting it off (after being towed back).  I am very interested if anyone knows of an aftermarket intake grate that does a better job of preventing things from getting sucked into the impeller.  

As far as the intermittent starting, I suffered through that problem for about a month.  After placing the DESS key on I would get one long beep rather than the two short beeps (and no turnover of the engine).  Had to try a bunch of times shifting between F-N-R, until it finally started.  Very frustrating.  Took it to the marina and they couldn't find anything wrong.  After researching on the forums, heard about the neutral switch.  Ordered it online and replaced it myself (30 mins or less), and boat started up every single time after that.  

I always switch my power kill switch off because when I first got the boat, had the battery drain after not using for two weeks.  I think the aftermarket stereo must have a some kind of slow drain.  I haven't had any problems now that I am using the kill switch when I am away.  But I don't think the kill switch has anything to do with your starting problem - just the neutral switch.

After I sucked up the two rope, I tried using the ICS and don't think it was actually doing anything.  I found later that my ACC fuse (15A) had blown when I went to use the radio.  So I replaced that fuse and everything works now.

[Deputydog336]

As far as the intermittent starting, I suffered through that problem for about a month.  After placing the DESS key on I would get one long beep rather than the two short beeps (and no turnover of the engine).  Had to try a bunch of times shifting between F-N-R, until it finally started.  Very frustrating.  Took it to the marina and they couldn't find anything wrong.  After researching on the forums, heard about the neutral switch.  Ordered it online and replaced it myself (30 mins or less), and boat started up every single time after that.  

I always switch my power kill switch off because when I first got the boat, had the battery drain after not using for two weeks.  I think the aftermarket stereo must have a some kind of slow drain.  I haven't had any problems now that I am using the kill switch when I am away.  But I don't think the kill switch has anything to do with your starting problem - just the neutral switch.


Ok do you have a part number for the neutral switch..where did u buy it and how much...also how do you replace it?  I definitely need to do this and get a new grate as well...only had the boat back out once since my rope weekend as we've been on vacation but am hoping to get her out again in the next few days.

[Seadoo Challenger 180 2006]

Bought my neutral switch at http://www.shspowersports.com and it was $65.00.

[Deputydog336]

Update:  So I bought a new neutral switch off ebay for $60.00 it took me about 15 minutes and it was replaced.  Boat has started up with no problems since.  Still have not been able to figure out the 12v jack as all the fuses look good.  Have anew problem with my reverse cable but ill put that in a new post.  Thanks for the help everyone.

[Poland ME]

I have a 2006 Challenger 180 that just died on me last weekend. It was like someone e pulled the key out, that's how sudden it was. I checked the spark plugs (sparks),I hear a "humming" when i put the key on so I think the fuel pump is fine. Engine turns over but won't start. Any ideas? Oh, I checked all the fuses and they're fine.

[frewy]

Deputydog336, on 09 July 2011 - 02:54 PM, said:

I also have a non working 12v jack, checked the fuse and I saw someone else on the forum had the same issue, and I don't think the ICSnis working...when you push the button I hear the motor for it but it does not appear to be lowering and raising the intake grate...this appeared before the intake grate was damaged by the tow rope.  

Hi DeputyDog336

I have the same 2006 180 Challenger and the aux power does not work. I checked the fuse and wiring on the socket. Did you figure it out ?

[dootndo2]

On the 2006 (this is the boat that I have) the fuses are mislabeled.  The ICS and the Radio are on the same fuse (why I don't understand).  This happened to me.  I actually caught a fish in the ICS and it blew the fuse.  The radio went out.

Check here and/or jetboating.net for proper fuse layout.  Or, you can pop them one at a time to figure out which one is bad.

dootndo2