2019 Yamaha GP1800 wave runner, clicking under the seat, wonÔÇÖt start

[dblakemead]

Good afternoon, everyone?
I recently came across an issue with a 2019 Yamaha GP1800. The ski was running fine- the next time out, the ski wouldn't start. There was a clicking under the seat ( starter relay),But the Ski wouldn't start.. following the Yamaha repair manual, all the test steps showed all components within parameters- of course, I double checked everything- It is a simple circuit, so I started thinking the Ski had an ECU issue- The ski is now running!

The symptoms were, clicking under the seat, if you hit the start button six or seven times the ski would briefly turn over. Second symptom was the ski had check engine and was showing a reverse/Forward gate code, ski was not strapped-

After a couple of hours of diagnostics, I decided to cycle the anti-theft lock/unlock via remote, To my surprise for Ski started-

To date, this issue has never re-manifested..

My conclusion is that the ECU was caught in some state of limbo. I looked through the posts and didn't see anyone posting with this exact type of issue, so I decided to post it hoping it would be beneficial to someone who encounters the same scenario!

Donnie-.

[HardRider]

Your remote is going bad. Unlock with your remote and never touch your remote again or you will be buying a new one get charged$150 to program at Yamaha.

[dblakemead]

My thoughts exactly, but apparently the issue has never returned…

[HardRider]

I doubt it will return unless you cycle your remote or your remote battery is going weak.

[K7fxho]

My old ski did that once. It somehow locked itself and at first I thought it was battery or bad starter. Then after talking to a local shop. I brought it by. He programmed a new remote. Hit the unlock button and started right up. Was very relieved.

[dblakemead]

Remote has been cycled approximately 25 times, so far so good…

[K447]

Remote has been cycled approximately 25 times, so far so good-

My limited understanding is that the Yamaha radio security module inside the hull is what gets confused. It is connected to the engine ECU and controls whether the ECU is allowed to run the engine, and in what mode.

Somehow/sometimes the security module gets into a weird state where the engine ECU is either 'security locked' (will not start) or partially stuck in Learner mode (or seems that way). In either case the common fix is to Lock and then Unlock using the remote radio fob, or cycle between Learner Mode and Normal Mode.

If the problem happens on a ride and you do not have the remote with you it can become a problem.

Why/how does the Yamaha radio module in the hull become confused? Unclear.
Speculation is that a weakened battery or poor electrical connections to the battery can create voltage fluctuations whereby the radio security module internal functions become confused.

[K447]

VXR cranks ÔÇô yet won't start - solved

- the advice I've read countless times to others and even echo'd myself in many related threads here --> cycle the security fob !! I did just that and the day was saved !

Just wish that would have dawned on me a lot sooner ..l

[TimeBandit]

Yes, I was bit by the Security anomoly yesterday - 1st time ever it happened.
I think it is important to note that all the different accounts given differ slightly. In my case, a 2012 VXR, the engine turned over just fine everytime- just the fuel pump was not running. Which makes sense given the ground for the fuel pump is provided via the security control unit. Yet, others have posted that their's won't even turn over. Perhaps different degrees of the issue verses total lock and unlock states.

I'm also starting to think that the notorious yet rare 'long starting' issue (seperate threads on that topic) may be related aswell.

[dblakemead]

The lock/unlock via remote has Been cycled more than 25 times, so far the issue has not reappeared.

[K447]

The lock/unlock via remote has Been cycled more than 25 times, so far the issue has not reappeared.

While not fully characterized, the problem seems to occur mostly when the remote is not being used very often, or never.

Without the remote being used recently, the security system inside the Yamaha unexpectedly becomes confused.

If you do use the Yamaha security remote fob from time to time, that may or may not affect whether the problem ever recurs.