Help! Electrical/alternator issues on 96 Prostar 190

[96prostar190]

Originally Posted by Table Rocker

If you were having an alternator problem, the boat would run off the battery until the battery was dead. The reason it looks like a purple wire problem is the ignition dies and the gauges stop working.

Hmmm, so would it be a re-wire type deal?

[Table Rocker]

Originally Posted by 96prostar190

Hmmm, so would it be a re-wire type deal?

Probably not much of one. Most people bypass the lanyard switch and it's over.

[96prostar190]

Originally Posted by Table Rocker

Probably not much of one. Most people bypass the lanyard switch and it's over.

Forgive me but I'm not much of an electrical genius... how would you bypass it? Isn't the purple wire the one that allows you to charge your batt?

[Table Rocker]

Originally Posted by 96prostar190

Forgive me but I'm not much of an electrical genius... how would you bypass it? Isn't the purple wire the one that allows you to charge your batt?

The purple wire I am speaking of goes from the ignition switch to the lanyard switch, back to the helm and then to the main plug on the back of the engine. If the current is broken on that wire, the ignition shuts down. The boat will crank, but the ignition is off and the gauges won't work either. The idea is to shut the boat down in the event of a driver ejection. If you go to the back of the lanyard switch (next to the throttle) and take the wires off and connect them, you have bypassed the switch.

[96prostar190]

Originally Posted by Table Rocker

The purple wire I am speaking of goes from the ignition switch to the lanyard switch, back to the helm and then to the main plug on the back of the engine. If the current is broken on that wire, the ignition shuts down. The boat will crank, but the ignition is off and the gauges won't work either. The idea is to shut the boat down in the event of a driver ejection. If you go to the back of the lanyard switch (next to the throttle) and take the wires off and connect them, you have bypassed the switch.

No kidding... Huh, I wonder if that's what the mechanic was talking about. So I can take that off behind the throttle and that'll take that purple wire out of the equation? So the purple wire on the back of the alternator is totally separate from what your talking about then?

I really, really appreciate the help man.

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Originally Posted by 96prostar190

Boat died in middle of lake, took it to shop they said it was my purple wire. I've owned the boat for a year now and I can't figure out what is actually wrong. I don't think it's the purple wire.

Has anyone had this issue? If so what did you do to fix it? I re-wired it my self to the back of the original alternator to ensure its not a connection issue. I'm just afraid to die in the middle of the lake again. Right now it's working fine but this has happened twice!

What happens: cruising along engine will just die. I can crank it but it won't start. All other electrical works fine.

Thank you so much in advance for the help!!!!

This sure sounds like the lanyard.

[Table Rocker]

Originally Posted by 96prostar190

No kidding... Huh, I wonder if that's what the mechanic was talking about. So I can take that off behind the throttle and that'll take that purple wire out of the equation? So the purple wire on the back of the alternator is totally separate from what your talking about then?

I really, really appreciate the help man.

That is the consensus around here. Good luck.

[96prostar190]

Originally Posted by thatsmrmastercraft

This sure sounds like the lanyard.

Thanks a lot man, I've checked/replaced the switch. Seems it's the purple wire but as table rocker was saying locating exactly where its proving to be a pain in the balls.

[96prostar190]

Originally Posted by Table Rocker

That is the consensus around here. Good luck.

Thanks a lot man. I'll give it a whirl!! Really appreciate the help!

[Table Rocker]

Also, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key on during the problem. You should hear the electric fuel pump run for a couple of seconds. If it doesn't, it is probably the lanyard not letting voltage get to the pump.

Search this site on "lanyard switch bypass" and you will find plenty of info.