1996 Evinrude 150 Shift Switch Problem

Problem with motor only firing on port cylinder bank. Starboard bank shut down. Faulty shift/neutral switch to blame. Ungrounding provided temporary fix.

[@stevefreise8727]

Same exact problem....took me 2.5 hours to get home on 3 cylinders yesterday...disconnected the ground after watching your video....running on all 6 now....sounds great...thank you very much!

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks!

[@jmtigerfan4765]

You are correct about what the shift interrupt switch does. It momentarily cuts out the spark to cylinders 1,3, & 5 (starboard cylinders) to aid in shifting. I'm changing mine as I speak. I think when the small plunger is depressed, it cuts the spark, as mine seems to want to stay depressed. I spayed lubricant inside the plunger and tried working it free with no luck. Also grease your shift cables as I've read this can cause problems also.

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks

[@james79764]

Thanks man that's what was wrong I did exactly what you did that it started working again awesome bro thanks be to order me if you switch or look into adjusting mine are maybe screw it leave it off Dam shift switch was making me go crazy

[@bobbygfl]

Awesome!

[@earlrobertshaw7976]

Was my problem exactly. Thanks for the video.

[@bobbygfl]

Awesome! Thanks for the comment!

[@mikelugo3819]

Thank you it fixed my problem, saved me $$$$...

[@bobbygfl]

awesome!

[@seanstahl5022]

the purpose of the switch is to momentarily interrupt the ignition so your clutch dog will disengage.

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks

[@StevenBustin]

Good video and info. Will try this on my problem but am only marginally hopeful. I have a 99 Force (Mercury) 120 hp. Cuts off occasionally at low rpm, even while making way, and when moving from clutch speed to neutral and back as I dock. Changed plugs, did not help. Wondered if fuel issues but till take a look at this and see if there is a solution.

[@bobbygfl]

Good luck!

[@youviewme]

Good Video and very well narrated.

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks

[@alfredmattor]

Your neutral interpretation switch should only have continuity when in neutral when you shift to drive the switch gose open. Just replace or adjust the switch that way your motor will will short to ground and shut off the cylinders to make going back to neutral easy

[@bobbygfl]

alfredmattor thanks!!

[@mikelugo3819]

DID YOU EVER TRY TO ADJUST?

[@elijahbragg7266]

Thanks so much this just fixed my boat

[@bobbygfl]

Eli Bragg thank you! This made me crazy until I tried the shift switch. I had to sand the new one down slightly to get it to not stall the motor.

[@keneykkk]

I was looking for your video of how you modified your shifter switch where you sanded it to make it fit. If you could send me the link for it. Thanks

[@bobbygfl]

Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHbUf3-GqbSlp5osi=KRBYZWgyyCwYj3R5

[@brandondavis7713]

Its called a shift interrupter switch kills the ignition momentarily to make shifting in and out of gear easier

[@bobbygfl]

Brandon DAVIS thanks!!

[@robcle6715]

I have a 1995 evinrude 150 intruder. it starts and runs a min then seams like it runs out of gas.if you turn the primer a bit it will start and idle only running off three cylinders. you can unplug the lower two plug wires On the port side and the middle one on the starbord side. no change in how the motor runs. plug all plug wires back and unplug top port plug wire motor die put it back and runs back on 3 cylinders. same if you do the top and bottom plug individually.

[@bobbygfl]

Rob Cle sounds like your power pack is fried. I'd start there if your sure the shift interrupt is not the culprit.

[@castillog8026]

I'm confused, if the switch was always open, why would disconnecting the ground fix the problem? I'm having the same issues, port side no spark. I disconnected my top wire, basically removing the ground, but still doesn't work, I'm going to try and removed the ground and see what happens.

[@bobbygfl]

It’s negatively switched from what I understand. Interested to know how it works out

[@gartheremko4213]

I have the same motor and it was also hard to start - the starter eventually died and was replaced. Starts perfectly now. I believe my starter was not producing the rpm s needed to start well.

[@bobbygfl]

Garth Eremko awesome! Thanks for the comment. I replaced my starter also. And the bendix. However I think only the bendix was bad.

[@frankjohnson1518]

Some good info on this one. I have a 92 evinrude 150hp it's the nitro model. I'm have issues getting spark playing with the shift switch and the string safety switch I can get it to fire but it's not enough to start the motor. I've tried to bypass both switches to no avail.im wondering if there may possibly be another switch somewhere? I've found the shift switch on the motor , the micro switch on the shifter and the pull string below the shifter. It's driving me nuts and I'm about to just retire but would like to exhaust all my my options first any info would be greatly appreciated

[@nightwolf88130]

It's a ground short that's causing your low voltage firing. Check and clean all of your ground plugs, and ground connections.

[@bobbygfl]

Hope you figured it out

[@BigWater59]

It is called power reduction mode and is hard to diagnosis

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks!

[@dirkcourtney174]

I'm curious and have a question for the OP. After dropping the ground did your engine perform correctly when you ran it sir?

[@bobbygfl]

I’m not sure what your asking. If the ground is not connected it’ll run only on 3 cylinders terribly.

[@anthonys7311]

I just had the same problem on my 1996 johnson ocean runner 200. Half the cylinders wouldn't fire due to a bad shift switch.

[@bobbygfl]

Anthony S Yep if you don’t know to look for this thing to waste a bunch of time on other stuff

[@anthonys7311]

@@bobbygfl Did you find out why it sticks open? I'm stuck at the dock until I find a solution besides a new switch. Apparently people don't keep spare 1996 shift switches around in 2020. Thanks!

[@bobbygfl]

Anthony S age, grime, water intrusion. They just go bad. I don’t know if this is something I would carry a spare around but did you go bad

[@jonathantejada8339]

I have a evinrude 70hp 3 cyl with similar issue. Starts up no prob, once i put it forward or reverse it just dies.. so i takenoff the engine cover, start the boat, and i have to physically give it throttle and play with the choke while someone else puts it in forward or reverse to get going and i have to continue giving it gas from the engine.. once it gets going itll go, but if i put it back to neutral it will stall out and i have to redo the whole process...any help?

[@bobbygfl]

Jonathan Tejada Id start with redoing the carbs. Seems like a fuel problem. I’d replace the power pack and coils next if that’s not it. Air fuel or electric. Has to be one of those three.

[@jonathantejada8339]

@@bobbygfl thanks so much! Will def give those a try

[@johngovey1097]

I have a Johnson 150vxss. Ran great..then would start to stall fast unless you hit the gas. Now won't fire up at all. Tested for spark. Very low spark at all cylinders. I did order power pack also and coils. I also noticed the shift switch would not ohm. In gear or out, it would read open. But ohm your switch when you push on it and it ohms good. So called Johnson..they said switch is good..must adjust. I have no idea how to adjust. Was wondering if you got yours working? FYI get that ground back on..lol

[@johngovey1097]

Fixed..had bad fuel pump, crap in gas tank

[@cfauvel]

the shift interrupter is momentary, putting the throttle into forward or reverse and leaving it there will not close the contacts. to test it while motor is NOT running you'll have to physically remove it (not hard and press the switch. Then at the black/yellow wire test for continuity between it and ground

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks

[@ericthigpen241]

i know it has been awhile but i just recently picked up a 99 150 and i cant go over 3000 rpm, did that ever fix your problem if u can recall?

[@bobbygfl]

This fixed the problem. Only 1/2 bank firing. If it’s the switch.

[@MrGajden]

Hello

[@bobbygfl]

Look at the diagrams here. If it’s not listed then no it doesn’t have one. www.crowleymarine.com/johnson-evinrude/2995.cfm

[@richardgreenwald4988]

I have had some of the same issues but they replaced the stator

[@bobbygfl]

Wow that’s interesting I guess it wasn’t providing enough voltage. That’s about the only thing on messenger and I haven’t replaced and I hope I never have to LOL.

[@jimbrazil1488]

I've got a 96 Johnson with a similar issue. With my motor it bulks at 3000 rpm but as soon as I manually CLOSE the interrupter switch the motor runs fine. Disconnecting the ground does NOT solve the issue and it's only solved by depressing and closing the interrupter swtich. When you mentioned that disconnecting the connection with the female plug at the wiring harness "nothing changed", does that mean with this plug disconnected you were stuck in 3 cylinder mode? Thanks!

[@dmqj]

Jim, tenho o mesmo problema relatado, mas não estou conseguindo visualizar a solução .. teria alguma dica?

[@bobbygfl]

Yes, that could be the problem. I know this is a five year old comment, but I’m finally going through the entire channel and reading comments each day. I hope you figured this out I’d be interested to know what happened.

[@ThomasHegland]

You never posted what fixed this, but I see a few days later you replaced your Power Pack. Was the switch Bad? If it was the Power Pack instead, how did it run fine with the Interrupt switch disconnected? Appreciate some additional info. Thanks

[@bobbygfl]

Tom Hegland I replaced the switch and it fixed the problem. I replaced the power pack and coils because Sierra made an upgraded power pack that improved cold starts and my coils were splitting apart. But replacing the switch fixed the single bank firing problem. The new switch was too long and it took several trips out sanding it down a bit each trip to get it not stall the motor. Once it was the right height it has worked perfectly to date. And this video was quit a while ago. Hope all that helps!! Thanks for the comment

[@johnmusiuqe2115]

It work for me..... just removed the earth. And the 3 cylinders that were not now started working

[@bobbygfl]

that's awesome!

[@raychoncla1175]

My Ficht Has A Reverse Shift Problem And It Was Really annoying like the skeg was rapidly hitting bottom

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks

[@fishmandad588]

I sure hope u can help me , because my Johnson also starts the same way

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks hope you figured it out

[@IMTHATKIDJIT]

Is this only the starboard side mine is not firing on port side

[@bobbygfl]

I’ve only heard of it being starboard however depending on the power pack it could be the other side. Good luck!

[@IMTHATKIDJIT]

So i disconnected the ground and it now fires on all cylinders! So is replacing the switch the fix to that issue or what somebody told me it’s my gear case online I don’t know what to believe ?

[@bobbygfl]

@@IMTHATKIDJIT yes. Replacing the switch should do it. It is a negatively switched switch from what I remember. Meaning when you connected it grounds the circuit and shuts off half the cylinders. When it’s operating, I really can’t remember if it’s normally in or normally out but either way when it’s operating it connects the ground and kills half the bank. When it’s operating it is not grounded which is basically what you’ve done by ungrounding it. That little switch is not expensive my bet is it does fix your problem.

[@jerrythompson3918]

would this bring the check engine light on?

[@bobbygfl]

Nope.

[@josegabrielgarciamelian7235]

whatever happened did it rang good did you get that peace replace ? i have the same motor and i think las oner tuck it out i dont c it

[@bobbygfl]

Yes replaced it

[@thomaswild5570]

My motor does the exact thing it def sumthin rong with switch but mine only does for the first 5 to 10 min of start up then will spit and pop and then boom fires on all cylinders

[@bobbygfl]

Thomas Wild power pack would be my guess. The SLOW feature may be going bad.

[@MrCalebsdad]

I’m having some issues with the same engine. It seems to be stemming from the remote control throttle. Have you had to replace any wiring in the throttle control?

[@bobbygfl]

Jeremiah Ballard no. The wiring has never given me a problem. Boat is garage kept though for almost 20 years.

[@MrCalebsdad]

YOLOfotos this boat has been garage kept for the past 10. That’s why I decided to buy it. Thanks for the videos though. Very helpful!

[@fishmandad588]

Hi if u push down on that switch will your motor shut down

[@bobbygfl]

Yes.

[@johnrunkle3105]

ok i replaced my switch after seeing your video thanks yet however my still stalls out when going into reverse? took off the ground then fine again?? when you say sand down the switch are talking about the button itself? how much should i remove?

[@bobbygfl]

John Runkle it’s hard to say. I’d use sand paper and do a mil at a time between tests.

[@seangreene64]

John Runkle what is happening is the switch is sticking in the slider. They sell a stiffer spring for this issue. Check with BRP. I THINK it has a blue mark on the spring.

[@jonzobel3133]

so i have an 04 Johnson 175 i have the issue where getting into neutral from forward and reverse is an issue bc my neutral safety switch is disconnected. i got a new one, reconnected it, put it into gear it stalls. i run the boat with the switch discounted without a problem minus shifting into neutral without a hassle. plz what can i do... help!

[@bobbygfl]

Jon Zobel you need to carefully sand off the tip of the switch to make it shorter. So here’s what’s happening: your transmission does not have a clutch. The neutral switch shuts off three cylinders to take the load off of the transmission so it can pop into and more importantly out of gear. Because that switch is too long you are basically stalling the motor for too long. Shorten up that switch and it just gives a quick shot to the motor versus a longer delay. The risk is you sand off too much and you have to buy a new switch. I did three or four tests before I got it right by wrapping some sandpaper around a block and just taking one or 2 mm off of the end of the switch.

[@jonzobel3133]

YOLOfotos not sure I understand. This is a brand new rebuilt motor Fresh pistons culindrds new Carb power pack 2018 lower unit dog clutch rods all of the above. Brand new. I just got a neutral safety switch off eBay spliced it in and it still acts up. I talked to some guys and they said the thing it attaches too might b gunked up dirty or the little plastic thing could b too far up or down I hear it needs to be straight. I’m very unfamiliar. The boat is fine when it’s discontcred, just hard to get it into neutral some times. Text me if you can. 9548505190

[@nightwolf88130]

@@jonzobel3133 your problem is that you bought it from eBay, I have bought tons of stuff from eBay, I eventually figured out that electrical parts are more commonly defective versus buying OEM. So now I only buy OEM electrical parts, I still buy alot from eBay, just not anything that I believe is not up to OEM standards, and no electrical parts.

[@bassslayer3656]

Trying to figure out what's wrong with mine, basically when u start it up it idles rough but the moment u put it in gear it purrs like a kitten anyone know what could be causing this?

[@cfauvel]

I suspect timing at idle. as you put it in gear the throttle is opened a little bit, thus advancing the timing... get the manual specific to your engine and adjust the timing accordingly....DO NOT mess with the FULL advance STOP screw....refer to your manual.

[@bobbygfl]

Thanks

[@bobbygfl]

Rebuild the carbs first and go from there.

[@plasticORpaint]

Do you have a part # or link to where I can find this switch?

[@bobbygfl]

Nick Hawthorne it should be the sensor assembly, part number 0584914

[@plasticORpaint]

YOLOfotos that looks like the optical sensor I’ve already replaced

[@bobbygfl]

Optical sensor is part of the ignition. This is listed with the throttle linkage.

[@skeletonboyhi3245]

hi you had posted a video in 2013 about youre evinrude outboard motor, i just want to know if you replaced the shifter switch you showed on youre video or was it the optical sensor that fixed you problem ? im having the same problem with my motor no sparks on the port side , would be great to here what you did to fix it. You can email me at [e-mail] , THANKS.

[@jaredleblanc7039]

yvon benoit my 93 Johnson fast strike doesn't have a switch there or the wires could that be a problem with mine cause when I bought the boat it's been running fine without it and now all of a sudden it's doing the same things yall describe about the switch

[@mannix2]

I have same motor and have the problem that the engine will not shut off.

[@cfauvel]

bad kill circuit in either the ignition switch or the power packs themselves...suspect the ignition switch.

[@bobbygfl]

Something wrong with the ignition