50hp Mercury solenoid replacement

How to diagnose and replace a solenoid in a mercury outboard motor.

[@allenhughes12]

I have the exact same problem and your video makes me feel a little better about life in general. Thanks for the helpful tips.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@pensnut08]

Thank you!! I'm learning. I tried to start my 60 hp Merc tonight after hunting. All it does is a whirling sound. I think that it is the starter not the solenoid. But thanks to you and this video I know how to check the solenoid! Thanks again!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@ezio8591]

another helpful video, thanks! Your vid on how to disassemble, diagnose and reassemble the Polaris Trail Boss transmission was also very helpful and helped me to get my boss up and running again! Keep'em coming :)

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Thanks and will do!

[@michaelberry1938]

This is the EXACT SAME issue I’m having! Wow! You absolutely nailed it, very helpful. Down to the fact that I replaced my battery too 😂 My outboard is a ‘02 50hp Mercury 2-stroke. Thank you so much.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You're welcome, glad I could help.

[@dmadsen2946]

You solved my problem. Great video. Clear and concise. Direct and to the point.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Cool! and thanks!

[@tacklebuster]

great help and great comments. The repair shop wants to charge me over 1K for new solenoid and starter, then told me the motor is only worth 1100, that's when I knew what they were up to. Let that be a lesson, always Google first.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I just now read this and sounds like they were trying to take advantage.

[@jumpstartoverland5734]

Hey thanks for this video! I watched it this morning and was on the lake by this afternoon! I have a '06 suntracker party barge with a mercy 60hp 4 stroke. When my boat died, it was all of a sudden (not gradual). Just died and wouldn't do anything. Even the trim wouldn't work. The part that I got was called a "relay assembly" part # 8M0098898. There was some confusion at the parts store as I asked for a solenoid and their computer brought up a different part. After looking at the diagram I was able to point out the part to the guy at the store and it worked like a charm. Appreciate ya man!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome and thanks for the info.

[@tonyparker1743]

Thank you for the video... Problem resolved and you saved me from buying a new starter!! 👍

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome and that's good to hear.

[@mattgaias7869]

Exactly same symptoms, just had new battery load tested and everything was good, now to find a solenoid switch, thanks

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome. Try Amazon, that's where I got mine from.

[@bhuditmaneejak2105]

Thanks a lot .I got the same problem.This is the best guide to diy to fix it.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome and thanks

[@alafanlaman]

Enjoyed your video. Especially your idea on your starter switch made with a medicine bottle. Gonna make me one of those.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Cool!

[@steveking8548]

Did you not see the smoke coming off that wire??? Better stay away from that pill bottle or you'll end up watching your motor go up in flames.

[@Dennis_J._Aitken]

Thanks for the great video with excellent description an pictures. Hope you caught some fish!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome and thanks

[@lbg198617]

I'm having the same issue no tilt and won't start at all. I try the battery from truck so I knew it was not a battery issue. So that's what led me to this video thanks for the great video I will be ordering a new one.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@lbg198617]

I replaced the solenoid still not working. 😢

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I would check the starter to make sure it is working properly. I would disconnect the positive cable from the starter and run a jumper cable straight from the battery to the starter and see if it will cranks normally.

[@Odin31b]

Thanks for breaking it down, Barney Style for us.

[@mikes1798]

Thanks. I have the 40hp version of your outboard. Will do the same voltmeter checks this weekend. My solenoid clicks but the starter is lifeless. New battery. 1998 model.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Sorry for the late reply. Sounds like the solenoid, was it.

[@mikes1798]

@@LonnieJohnson1 No worries, it was the solenoid which I was able to isolate thanks for your tips. I ended up just getting the original mercury part for a little bit more. Looking forward to another two decades of peace!

[@joeboyd7796]

Thanks for the video. I have that exact same issue with my 25 hp Mercury. Hoping that will fix the problem . It's intermittent, but still annoying as ***.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@stevelescarbeau798]

thank you, very informative. Diagnosis complete

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You're welcome

[@KELLEYSrUS]

Thank you. This was a huge help.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@karllode4718]

Excellent, all works on 120 Mercury Sport Jet now. Thanks.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Thanks, and you're welcome

[@frankcoogan5393]

Hello. Great video!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Thanks!

[@MRLT409]

Thank you, 4 years later and your video saved me. Thankfully you are concise and clear. I have a question, im getting 10.92 at the key switch. My Bindix attempts to turn when I turn the key to start it but its only a nudge, the solonoid clicks and nothing happens. When testing as you did in your video i get nothing at the solenoid so i will start by replacing, just wondering if the 10.92v at the ignition wire might be a different problem that needs to be addressing

[@LonnieJohnson1]

What does the battery voltage read?

[@MRLT409]

​@@LonnieJohnson1 12.5 at the start of testing. Around 12.2 right now

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You should have the same voltage at the solenoid when you turn the key to start it. You can also run a jumper cable from the positive side of the battery to the starter to see if the stater cranks the motor like it should and that will tell you the starter is good.

[@JakeTaylor-qo7kg]

Great job!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Thanks!

[@JaneSpades]

That is ingenuity right there!!!❤ DO I TEST MY RELAY THE SAME WAY AS THE SOLENOID? I have an '05.. 50 Merc

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Yes

[@monchiefalcon2414]

Can you tell me where I can find a wiring diagram for the fuse panel for a tracker PT 175 with a 50hp mercury outboard. I bought a new panel because my old one had some loose plugs and I didn’t take a picture of which wires were positive and negative. Need some help. Thank you in advance

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I replaced my fuse panel with a larger fuse panel because of all the equipment I was using. I made sure I didn't over load any fuses. You can do the same with yours.

[@redneckrifles]

Out of interest what voltage did you get through the new solenoid? I think mines on way out only seems to spit 8v out 12.5 in!!! Starter turns slower than I remember too.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I got very little because it was shorting out. I should have been getting 12v.

[@dannycaldwell6895]

Hey sir, where's the neutral safety on the motor?? Think mine maybe bad

[@carvinlambert6899]

Thank you so much!!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You're welcome

[@RobMon-ke9ml]

Lonnie I have the same 50 HP 2 Stroke motor (2004) and it runs great (when she's running)! I am getting the motor ready for the April 1 fishing season. I am getting 12.8 volts at the new battery and it's making its way to the new Solenoid which is also getting 12.8 volts. When I turn the key at the ignition I hear a clicking sound at the Solenoid and the new Starter turns slowly not able to push the Bendix up to the fly wheel. I measured the ignition area on the Solenoid and it is only getting 2.4 Volts and then measured the starter bolt on the Solenoid and that is only getting 1.8 Volt (which is why the Starter is tuning slowly). Any idea of what may be causing the drop of voltage from the 12.8 V at the Battery to the 12.8 V at the Solenoid to 2.4 V at the ignition area on the Solenoid to 1.8 V at the starter bolt on the Solenoid? I figure if I can get 12.8 V at the ignition area of the Solenoid it will solve the problem and push 12.8 V to the starter bolt on the Solenoid to the actual Starter. Thanks in Advance!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Here's what I would do. I would run a jumper cable to the starter to see if it will crank like it should or if it's dragging. If it cranks like it should then I would look at replacing the solenoid.

[@RobMon-ke9ml]

Ran a jumper to the Starter. Now it is spinning fast but not engaging. Not sure if this is true or not, but I was reading you need the Solenoid to get the Bendix to engage the fly wheel. So I took your recommendation and ordered a new Solenoid (Mercury OEM $50.82 ). Should be here Tuesday and I will install and see how it goes. Appreciate you taking a look at my post. I hope this will do the trick!@@LonnieJohnson1

[@LonnieJohnson1]

No problem, let me know what happens.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

FIXING TO GO GET ME TWO NEW BATTERYS , DO YOU HAVE A VIDEO ON THE TWO BATTERY SET UP WITH A BATTERY SWITCH CONNECTED

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I do not, but the switch I use is mounted at the positive battery terminal. If you go to Amazon and type in (battery shut off switch 12v) You will see lots of different inexpensive shut off switches. I just have a main shut off switch to the main battery that works with a key and the on board charger is connected straight to the two batteries so the batteries are always charging. After seeing some of the new switches that 's available I might change out my old switch and if I do I will make a video on it.

[@joehopler6628]

Awesome thanks I had the same exact problem 😅 bought a new starter then a new $145 battery and still acting like the battery's were dead took the plugs out and the sucker turns fine I was so confused

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@DaughertyKaine]

Where did you get your solenoid from? Also would you happen to have a part number?

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Got it on Amazon and here is what I got. Hope this helps. CRANK N CHARGE Solenoid Relay Switch Replacement For Mercury Marine 12 Volts 4 Terminals 20HP 25HP 40HP 45HP 50HP 55HP 60HP 65HP 70HP 80HP 90HP 89-818997A1 65W-81941-00-00

[@ChrisB-xs4un]

Hey Loonie, I noticed when you turned the key the ignition didn’t beep, is that normal with this motor ? I have a 2006 Merc 50hp 2 stroke on my Lowe Fm 165 and there is no beep, I’m told that there might be something wrong ? Thanks in advance

[@LonnieJohnson1]

My ignition only beeps when it's low on oil.

[@ralphwhittaker3766]

Can ypu help me with other wires on a 2000 50 elpto rectifier and harness install...i can take detailed pics or whatever you vid is only one i could find that resembles my motot

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I have a video for that right here on my channel>>>Mercury 50hp voltage regulator location

[@northgategmfleetmanager8137]

Hi Lonnie! Great video. Could you do a video on the Electric Choke solenoid, should there be no power from the key to the solenoid.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Thanks, my chock solenoid works by pushing the key in like a button while I'm trying to start the motor. There should be power to the key switch and the solenoid will only work when you push the key in like a button. Hope this helps.

[@northgategmfleetmanager8137]

Thanks Lonnie!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You're welcome

[@josemendieta3497]

Hi, I have a mercury outboard 60 hp 2 stroke, and it shows me a fault that is burning the main fuse, I have changed it several times and it will die again after just one use Also the engine does not exceed 4,500 rpm, I have already replaced spark plugs, coils and cleaned the carburetor I hope you can help me, thanks for your time lonnie

[@LonnieJohnson1]

If the main fuse is burning, sounds like you have a short somewhere. What type of prop do you have? because that has a lot to do with your rpm.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

i got the same ouboard mine is 2005 ,, i got 2 new batterys reading 12.75/12.70 new solenoid still clicking wonder what can i try now

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Run a jumper from the positive side of the solenoid to the starter and see if it cranks.

[@lancesateren1760]

Just watched your video on diagnosing a solenoid - very helpful. My issue with a 2001 75hp Mercury outboard: on turning the ignition switch the starter turns but will not lift to engage the flywheel. Per you video, there is voltage to the solenoid from the battery (new battery). There is no voltage from the key switch. There is no voltage from the solenoid to the starter. Also, pushing the key switch in usually makes a clicking sound of choking the carbs - no clicking sound any more. I would appreciate any thoughts you might have.

[@davefh1]

check the wiring from the battery,could be be gone black from corrosion,or any wires connected to the solenoid,you might have a voltage drop, look up voltage drop on youtube. worth a go try it

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

I GOT A NEW SOLENOID GOING TO TRY IT I WILL LET YOU KNOW / CAN YOU TELL ME WERE ARE THE FUSES ON THAT OUTBOARD I JUST SEE ONE ON THE TOP

[@LonnieJohnson1]

My fuses are under the console.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

NOW IT SEEM LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD GOING TO GET THEM CHECKED OUT I TESTED THEM GETTING 12.4/12/8 IN THE OTHER GOT A NOKIA 2 BANK CHARGER SAYING THE BATTERYS ARE FINE SHAKING MY HEAD LOOK LIKE BREAK OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND .BOAT THANKS FOR ALL YOU HELP

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

@@LonnieJohnson1 SO ARE MINE I GOT ONE ON TOP OF THE MOTOR WIRE HARNESS

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I will have to look again because I've not seen one around the motor.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

PUT MY NEW SOLINOID ON IT TRIED TO CRANK FIRST TRY /TOOK MY BATERY TO THE AUTO STORE THEY SAY BOTH BATTERYS ARE BAD MY NOKIA CHARGER SAY THEY ARE GOOD .CONFUSED GUESS I WILL GET A FRESH BATTERY IF IT CRANK I AM GOING TO CRY , THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@mrdiegotecoppolla6101]

Hi sir I have a question for you , the solenoid in a Mercury 40 hp elo two stroke is the same or different from this ? I'm from Argentina sorry for my poor english

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Yes, it should be.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

were did you get that SOLENOID FROM AND WHAT IS THE SN

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Amazon...Crank N Charge Solenoid Relay Switch Replacement for Mercury Marine 12 Volts 4 Terminals 20HP 25HP 40HP 45HP 50HP 55HP 60HP 65HP 70HP 80HP 90HP 89-818997A1 65W-81941-00-00

[@dalebertdurando1496]

The wires for your switch are a bit small for the starter, esp when comparing them to the starter wires (I noticed the smoke). A bigger jumper wire or a jumper cable may work better. Just got to be careful to prevent touching anything metal on the engine or boat. Also, other possibilities are bad battery connections or return (ground) connection on the solenoid. If you put the meter (positive), on the ground lead of the solenoid, it should stay near zero volts with the key on. If it jumps up to 12 volts with the key on, then that connection could be loose or corroded.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

GOT NEW BATTERY ITS TOO HOT TO GO OUT RITE NOW I WILL CHECK BACK WITH YOU . 101 DEGREES IN GEORGIA

[@LonnieJohnson1]

That's a little hot even on the water.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

hi got a question when you take your spark plugs out should you be able to tun the flywheel .all i have did i think mine is lock up

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Yes, you should be able to turn it. Was the oil injector not working?

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

@@LonnieJohnson1 yes, the oil injector is working i dont know what happened worked fine before i changed to starter/solenoid 2 new batterys do you have a video on 2 battery system setup with battery switch

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Sorry, I do not. Are you running 12 or 24v.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

@@LonnieJohnson1 12v

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

@@LonnieJohnson1 yes the oil injector works fine

[@beans316]

Can you please please tell me the part number or where to buy that solenoid? I believe that’s what is wrong with mine I have a 50 Hp 2 stroke Mercury a 2004 model Bass buggy pontoon boat looks exactly the same

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Got it on Amazon and here is what I got. Hope this helps. CRANK N CHARGE Solenoid Relay Switch Replacement For Mercury Marine 12 Volts 4 Terminals 20HP 25HP 40HP 45HP 50HP 55HP 60HP 65HP 70HP 80HP 90HP 89-818997A1 65W-81941-00-00

[@beans316]

@@LonnieJohnson1 Thanks a lot I’m getting ready to test mine right now I believe that’s what went bad on mine as well

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You're welcome, any time.

[@briansullivan4585]

where did you find a solenoid for 13 ? Just found one on line for 60 Thanks for sharing

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome. Amazon

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Type the link below in to the Amazon search bar. Crank N Charge Solenoid Relay Switch Replacement for Mercury Marine 12 Volts 4 Terminals 20HP 25HP 40HP 45HP 50HP 55HP 60HP 65HP 70HP 80HP 90HP 89-818997A1 65W-81941-00-00

[@ANDYYSHAWW118]

I have a 1990s mercury 125hp which has started making a click when i turn the key. If i keep trying eventually the engine starts, could my problem be the solenoid? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me

[@LonnieJohnson1]

It could, I would change the solenoid first. It's cheaper than the starter.

[@ANDYYSHAWW118]

@@LonnieJohnson1 thanks for the advice. I did use a multimeter and i get 12.56 on my battery, 12.56 on my solenoid and 12.56 on my starter motor. Could this still possibly be the solenoid?

[@ANDYYSHAWW118]

@@LonnieJohnson1 thanks for the advice. I did use a multimeter and i get 12.56 on my battery, 12.56 on my solenoid and 12.56 on my starter motor. Could this still possibly be the solenoid? Edit: i used a screw driver to bridge the solenoid and it wanted to start, is that a sign of a bad solenoid

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Yes it is, also does the solenoid give a hard click when you turn the key to start?

[@ANDYYSHAWW118]

@@LonnieJohnson1 yes it is a hard loud click when i turn the key

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

HOW MANY WIRES GO ON THE HOT PART OF THAT SELIONOID I MIGHT GOT THE WIRES WRONG , I HAVE THE SAME OUTBOARD MINE IS A 2005 MERCURY 2 STROKE / HELP I HAVE NEW STARTER/SELINOID JUST TICKING .

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I got 2 wires on the positive side of the solenoid as you can see in video at 5:26. Your wires should be harness together like mine.

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

@@LonnieJohnson1 looks like mine have three wires on the positive post of the solenoid and that one yellow at the bottom

[@TERRYSMITH-vu6er]

love your videos but i can not see the wires that good the way you took them off would love a video close up of your wires

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I will double check this weekend but it looks like only 2.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

I'll check this weekend and see what I can come up with.

[@slabnastybaits2656]

Mine has the "push key in choke" style... does this wire run to that solenoid? Some moron removed my choke wire. So, now it takes forever to finally crank. Cranks great rest of the day.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You should have two solenoids. 1 for the starter and 1 for the carbs that activate the chock.

[@gameon2081]

I believed I have the same problem, when I turn the ignition there is no power and my tilt do not work on the shift handle or on the front by the throlling motor, now the tilt work on the button located in the motor, I will start checking the selenoid anyway, TY for the vid and any comment will be really appreciated. TY Again

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome. How much of a charge is in the battery.

[@gameon2081]

Sorry that I didn't reply to you, I didn't saw the alert, the battery was fully charge and I tested. It was the selenoid malfunctioning, I got a tester like the one you have on the video, and I tested the battery and the selenoid, and yes, it was the selenoid. I put a new one and problem solved. THANK YOU SO MUCH again for this vid, you have no idea how much money you save me with this. This same issue happened to me like 10 years ago and I paid a lot of money for a simple $20.00 selenoid. Again TY So Much!

[@gameon2081]

BTW, I also cleaned the contact of the trim relays with a wire brush even though they were in great shape just to avoid a future problem with them too.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Your welcome

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Cool, sounds good.

[@Brianleephillips]

Where did you purchase the solenoid?

[@bjorngidlund3383]

Did you find one. Would like to know what the part number of the solenoid is so I can make sure to find the right one.

[@larrysmith1134]

Good troubleshooting though

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Thanks

[@jacobsullivan4688]

I just replaced my water pump this morning and now this. I can jump it with a screwdriver but the key does nothing. My tilt/trim still works. Guess it’s solenoid time.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Sounds like the solenoid.

[@jacobsullivan4688]

@@LonnieJohnson1 the new solenoid got me started again. Only problem is the starter won’t stop spinning now. I Had to disconnect the battery to kill the motor.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Is the solenoid sticking on? or is the key switch not working like it should?

[@jacobsullivan4688]

@@LonnieJohnson1 I’m not sure if the solenoid is sticking. The key was working fine until the last time I started it. When I turned the key to the off position the starter continued to spin.

[@LonnieJohnson1]

You should be able to check it with a multimeter.

[@kendrickkennels5452]

Where is it located

[@LonnieJohnson1]

My solenoid was down and to the right of the starter.

[@kendrickkennels5452]

@@LonnieJohnson1 thanks

[@evanandkristinpoole6707]

I think your wires or you switch are not rated for the amount of amps you are putting through them. Great video though!

[@LonnieJohnson1]

If you look at a solenoid switch it is activated by two very small wires, and my wires are a lot bigger. The only reason it smoked the wires is because the solenoid was faulty with a bad short sending all the amps through the wires. Thanks!

[@larrysmith1134]

You smoked the wires because there too small for the amperage the starter pulls even if the solenoid was good those small wires would be smoked

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Sorry but not true. You need to look at the units they sale. With a solenoid you are just bringing two magnets together to make a connection and that doesn't take heavy wires to do that or all solenoid small starter wires would burn up. It smoked because the solenoid shorted out and I had the button pressed to long.

[@probeach1695]

$54.23 Canadian ..........Howevver we are taxed to the max

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Wow!!!

[@lara8075]

I have a 90 hp 2 stroke when i connect the battery the engine turns over but does not start do you think this is a solenoid problem

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Do you use the key or does the engine turn over when you connect the cable to the battery?

[@lara8075]

@@LonnieJohnson1 hey lonnie turns over when i connect the battery without the key. I did a bit of google research gave the solenoid a tap and it fixed the problem for now. so i am assuming the solenoid needs to be replaced? now I turn the key and the engine clicks a few times then starts I assume the starter motor is gone too hahahaha

[@LonnieJohnson1]

Sounds like the solenoid is bad.