engine doesn't shut off with key or safety switch

[scott_fx]

I took my '98 sunsetter vlx out for the first time last sunday and when i took the key out of the ignition the engine was still running. i then remove the safety clip thing thinking that would kill the engine but it kept running. i finally pulled the plug off the distributor cap to shut the engine down. knowing that the safety didn't work scared me.

does anyone know what may be causing this?

not sure if it is related but none of the gauges were working either. i assumed it was a fuse since they are all out but i wont be able to check them till tomorrow morning.

any help would be greatly appreciated.

[electricjohn]

Sounds like a sticking EFI relay.

[scott_fx]

Sounds like a sticking EFI relay.

Where is that? And is it just a standard relay that I can purchase at the auti parts store?

[electricjohn]

Sounds like a sticking EFI relay.

Where is that? And is it just a standard relay that I can purchase at the auti parts store?

The relay is normally mounted under the plate your computer is mounted on. It will be the only one with a purple wire going to it. There may be as many as three. Unplugging (pulling out) this relay from its socket should shut the engine down instantly. If not, that is not the problem. The relays are an auto store part.

[scott_fx]

Sounds like a sticking EFI relay.

Where is that? And is it just a standard relay that I can purchase at the auti parts store?

The relay is normally mounted under the plate your computer is mounted on. It will be the only one with a purple wire going to it. There may be as many as three. Unplugging (pulling out) this relay from its socket should shut the engine down instantly. If not, that is not the problem. The relays are an auto store part.

Thanks for your help and sorry about my ignorance...

Is the computer mounted under the dash? Is it the .mmc thing?

I really wish this boat came with an owners manual or I could get a service manual somewhere

[RTS]

It will be mounted on the 'rear' of your engine. Towards the front of the boat with a v-drive. there should be a plastic cover, with a couple screws holding it down. Remove that cover and you should see your relays. Mine is a carbon fiber looking cover.

[pup]

Someone else had this problem a while back . I think their problem was caused by the purple wire chaffing or shorting to 12v in the alternator area. Keeping the run side of the key switch live.

[Jen]

We are having a similar issue with our 2000 sunsetter. Haven't really did any trouble shooting. Sometimes the key would kill the engine and other times we had to pull the main line on the distributor cap. When we'd kill it by the main line, you could get a shock. Any tips or did  the EFI relay resolve your problem?

 

[tvano]

those multiple relays near the emc are all alike.

you can swap a suspect relay with another and see if the problem moves.