Yamaha Outboard Won’t Start (Troubleshooting Guide)

This article is about the Yamaha won’t start for fuel injection models. For other uses, see outboard won’t start (carburetor)

At some point in time that Yamaha motor mounted on the stern of your boat is not going to turn on and begin to work. An outboard engine that will not start is defined as; engine cranks but won’t start, engine won’t crank over at all, starting the engine is difficult.

Maybe the outboard cranks but won’t start or maybe it won’t crank over at all. Whatever the case, if your engine fails to fire up and start operating, you should refer to the troubleshooting guide listed below.

This troubleshooting advice will help you trace and correct faults within the engine’s electronic or mechanical system. That includes fuel and starting system, too. The information herein was sourced directly from the factory service manual.

It is highly recommended you download the factory repair manual for your exact model and year Yamaha outboard. An outboard that won’t start might have many possible causes and solutions. This information is extensive but it might not include every detail that is specific to your model or year. 

YAMAHA OUTBOARD WON’T START – FUEL INJECTION MODELS

Starting System

The starting system on your Yamaha outboard includes the starter motor, battery, fuel pressure sensor, throttle position sensor, ignition system, starter relay, wiring harness, switches and more. These parts work together to convert electrical energy from battery into mechanical energy to rotate the crankshaft and start the Yamaha outboard engine. Use the directions below when troubleshooting the starting system.

Ignition System

The ignition system on your Yamaha outboard engine is a system in which fuel-air mixture is ignited so as to fire up the internal combustion engine and keep it running. Parts of the ignition system include spark plug(s), coil resistance and ignition coil leads, spark plug caps, correct ECM output peak voltage and more. Use this guide to trace and correct faults within the engine’s ignition system.

Fuel System

Your Yamaha outboard’s fuel system is an electronically-controlled system that injects a precise amount of atomized fuel into the engine’s cylinders. Main components within the fuel system include the fuel pump, fuel filter, check valves, fuel hoses, fuel pump diaphragm, injectors and more. Use these step-by-step troubleshooting procedures when checking the fuel system for a no-start issue.

Remember to check the basics. To start and run, a Yamaha outboard needs a properly timed ignition and correct air/fuel ratio. Also, be sure to check if the emergency shutoff switch cap is in place. If it still won’t crank, check the neutral switch. If you hear a clicking sound when the starter motor attempts to engage the flywheel, inspect the starter solenoid.