{"id":123,"date":"2022-07-23T19:26:20","date_gmt":"2022-07-23T19:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/?p=123"},"modified":"2023-04-02T11:40:32","modified_gmt":"2023-04-02T11:40:32","slug":"mercruiser-bad-ignition-sensor-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/mercruiser-bad-ignition-sensor-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Symptoms of a Bad Ignition Sensor on a Mercruiser Outboard"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you own a Mercruiser boat engine? If so, it is essential to know the symptoms of a bad ignition sensor on a Mercruiser. The ignition sensor is a vital component in the engine; when it goes bad, it can cause several issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the engine’s type and age, Mercruiser bad ignition sensor symptoms might vary. If the ignition sensor malfunctions, the engine will misfire, stall, or start poorly. A bad ignition sensor may cause engine damage over time, so it’s crucial to identify and fix it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing the signs of a bad ignition sensor can help you catch problems early, saving you time, money, and potential headaches. This article will discuss some signs that your Mercruiser has a bad ignition sensor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Tell if You Have a Bad Ignition Sensor on a Mercruiser?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When your Mercruiser has a faulty or bad ignition sensor, you will notice various abnormalities in motor performance that can indicate a potential problem with the ignition sensor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the signs that may indicate a bad ignition sensor include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 1: Trouble Starting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common symptoms of a bad ignition sensor on a Mercruiser is trouble starting. If your boat is having trouble starting, it could be due to a defective ignition sensor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could present itself in various ways, such as hard starts, stalling out after starting, or difficulties turning the engine over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 2: Engine Stalls While Running<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A bad ignition sensor could cause the engine to stall while running since it may not be sending the appropriate information to the engine’s control module. Check if a clogged fuel filter or low fuel pressure causes the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 3: Missing or Weak Sparks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the ignition sensor fails, the system may not get the required signal, resulting in weak or absent sparks. This can result in engine problems when starting and a lack of power when running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 4: Engine Not Getting Sufficient Gasoline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This could be due to a defective spark plug, a faulty fuel pump, or an air leak. Because the engine isn’t getting enough fuel, it will run rough and won’t start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This might also result in stalling out or backfiring. It is critical to recognize this disease as soon as possible because it can progress to more severe complications if left unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 5: Backfiring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the ignition sensor is broken, the engine may backfire because it doesn’t get the right signals about when to fire. Check to see if the engine timing is out of sync and if the engine is running too lean or rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure your engine works, have a trained mechanic check out and fix your ignition sensor if any of these things happen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ignition sensor tells the engine control module (ECM) how fast and where the engine turns. If there are any problems, they should be fixed right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7 Possible Causes of Ignition Sensor Failure on a Mercruiser Outboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The ignition sensor transmits RPM and position data to the engine control module that outboard engines need (ECM<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ignition sensor failure can cause engine failure, poor performance, and trouble starting. Failure of the Mercruiser outboard engine ignition sensor can be caused by the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Switches on and off at RPM above 2000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Problems with the ignition module or coil<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Defective fuel pump<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Faulty coil<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Wiring issues<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Engine grounding problems<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. The trouble with engine timing or compression<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Replacement and Repair Costs of Mercruiser Outboard Bad Ignition Sensor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A Mercruiser outboard engine’s ignition sensor replacement or repair cost depends on the model, year, location, and mechanic’s experience. However, the following is an estimated cost breakdown for a typical repair:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Parts & Services<\/strong><\/td>Descriptions<\/strong><\/td>Costs(Approx.)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
    Ignition Sensor<\/td>Replacement of faulty ignition sensor with a new one <\/td>$50-$250<\/td><\/tr>
    Labor<\/td>The time and expertise required to remove and replace the ignition sensor <\/td>$77 and $97 per hour<\/td><\/tr>
    Diagnostics<\/td>Cost of identifying the issue with the ignition sensor <\/td>$50-$100<\/td><\/tr>
    Total<\/td>The total cost of the repair, including the cost of the new sensor, labor, and diagnostics <\/td>$170-$450<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Note:<\/strong> It’s also crucial to know that other issues, such as a faulty control module, corroded cabling, or a bad power supply, might cause some ignition sensor faults. Thus, to avoid wasteful spending, proper diagnosis is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tips for Maintaining the Mercruiser Outboard Ignition Sensor to Prevent Future Failures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Maintaining the Mercruiser outboard ignition sensor ensures engine smoothness and lifespan. A well-maintained ignition sensor helps avoid costly repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here are some ignition sensor maintenance tips to keep your boating adventures going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n