Neutral safety switch in steering pedestal

[phil0044]

My 2008 26M with evinrude 60 hp engine refused to start. I took it to the dealer and they could only start it by jumping wires on the engine. After it started we were able to start it with the key. The dealer suggested it might be the neutral safety switch. Has anyone else experienced this type of problem? I had checked the gas, fuse, battery, etc., and tried shifting from neutral to forward and back. Does anyone have a schematic of the wiring/switches? Thanks Phil

[Obelix]

I got towed in once because of this problem.

I mounted a bypass switch on my console, problem solved.

I keep the switch normally in the off-position and use it only momentarily to override the neutral safety when it has an issue. I am 90 miles away from the boat so I don't have pictures.

[Kelly Hanson East]

Phil - thats a warranty issue, surely??

[dxg68]

Obelix,

When you have a chance could you please describe exactly how to wire a bypass switch?
Thanks!

[Obelix]

I will, as soon as I get back to the boat. I don't remember for certain the color of the wires.
To describe the process, there is a pair of yellow/red wires going to the safety switch.
The safety switch is a normally open contact that closes only when the shift-lever is in perfect neutral.

One of these wires also goes to the ignition switch. Both wires have an intermediate connector. I disconnected them and got a 12V/10A switch from Radio-Shack that I wired in parallel to the safety switch, using the same type of connectors.
I mounted the Switch in the removable panel opposite of the shift-lever and it was a plu-in, removable mod.

I'll be glad to provide pictures when I get back to the boat hopefully next weekend.