This video shows all the reasons an outboard might not crank when you turn the key or press the starter button. This can be caused by something as simple as a flat battery or range from faulty switches and blown fuses to a bad starter motor or even a seized engine. With a simple multimeter and a few ideas you'll be able to figure out why your outboard won't crank in no time.

When you turn the key the solenoid doesn't click

If, when you turn the key or press the start button, you can't hear a clicking sound coming from near the starter motor then the solenoid isn't activating. The solenoid is an electric switch that is activated by a small amount of electric current to then allow the large amount of electric current needed to turn the starter motor flow.

When you turn the key the solenoid clicks

If, when you turn the key or press the start button, you can hear a clicking sound coming from near the starter motor then the solenoid is activating. It may still be faulty, but you know the key switch or starter button is working and has power to it.

Problem with the pull start unit

There are several problems you can have with a pull start. The main problem is that the pull chord breaks but other possible faults are discussed in this topic.