Name: Can You Start An Outboard Motor Without A Key?
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Can You Start An Outboard Motor Without A Key?

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Skip to ContentAnchor Travel is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more.It has happened to all of us – those times when you simply can’t get your engine running.There could be many reasons why this happens. Maybe a wire got disconnected, your key was broken, or there was a breakdown. Or the simplest explanation – you lost the key by accident. In these cases, you can try starting your outboard motor without a key.In this article, we will provide you with all you need to know about this topic!Starting an outboard motor without a key is done by creating a short circuit. You do this by finding the two poles of the starter motor and placing a metal object between them.Losing a key can be troublesome, so always try to have its serial number written down somewhere. If you have that number, getting a replacement is incredibly easy and any locksmith can do it for you.Table of ContentsFirst of all, the most important thing you can do is recover the key or get a replacement. Starting your engine without a key is only a temporary solution!Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s see the actual methods of keyless starting.&nbsp;There are three ways you can do it. Some are simpler than others, but generally, you just need to follow a few easy steps.For those that prefer following a video guide, here is a short one that will show you the gist of this process:&nbsp;Watch this video on YouTubeThis first method uses the starter motor; you create a short circuit with the positive and negative poles found inside it.&nbsp;Make sure to carefully follow these instructions, and always use a screwdriver&nbsp; (or another metal tool with a rubber handle) when creating a short circuit.Once again, those that prefer video lessons can check out this handy Youtube link:&nbsp;How to hotwire an outboard motorWatch this video on YouTubeThis second method involves the ignition switch of your outboard motor and is a bit trickier but still manageable.Sometimes the ignition switch will have three wires. These can also be bypassed. Follow the steps below:We can’t stress enough that this shouldn’t be a permanent solution! If you find yourself in a situation where you need to do this, your first goal should be finding a key.For this method, we have also found a Youtube video that can be helpful if you get stuck on a specific step:&nbsp;How to hookup a remote start switch on a 1996 40HP Mercury outboardWatch this video on YouTubeThis method requires the installation of a remote starter switch, a device that lets you start your engine without a key. The installation is quite simple, but you still need to pay close attention to what you’re doing!Sunpro Actron CP7853 Remote Starter Switch for 6V and 12V Automotive Starting Systems, BlackBuy on AmazonLast update on 2023-10-03 at 20:07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising APIThere is also an alternative method to using a starter switch. This is done by bypassing the ignition switch on your boat.Finding a replacement key can be trickier than it seems. Sometimes knowing the model of your outboard engine isn’t enough.&nbsp;In this part of the article, we will provide you with a few tips on how to easily find the correct replacement key for your outboard engine. You just need to employ your investigation skills a little bit.See alsoPeople often misplace the manual for their outboard engine, which is a real rookie mistake. Your motor’s manual can provide you with tons of useful info, and you should always keep it nearby.If you know where the manual is, you can find the necessary info for the replacement key easily. The first few pages of the manual will have the info on your outboard motor’s serial number.Sometimes, it will even include a code number that you can bring to a locksmith. With this number, they will be able to cut you a new key without a problem! Many large marinas make key duplicates as well.With a serial number, you can visit any shop that sells engines of the same brand as yours and they can also make a duplicate key for you.If you can’t find the manual, your outboard motor should have the serial number marked in two places.&nbsp;The first one is the left side of the swivel bracket of your engine. There, you should be able to find an aluminum plate. On that plate, you should see your engine’s horsepower, model year, model number, and serial number, among other info.However, sometimes this plate will be painted over. In that case, try removing the top cover of your outboard motor. Look on its right side, and you should see a tag attached to it. You will be able to find all of that same info on this tag!Once you have the serial number, repeat the other steps from the previous section.If your outboard motor has a remote/throttle key switch, or a throttle/shifter/key switch combo, finding the code you need will be a piece of cake.You will be able to find it inside the remote control, right on the body of the ignition switch. Simply remove the screws that connect the remote control to your boat if it is attached. Alternatively, you can remove the four screws found on the back of the remote unit.The next thing you want to do is separate the front side of the remote control from the back panel. There you should be able to see the ignition switch. It is a cylinder right next to the throttle handle.Once you find the code number, take it to a locksmith or shop, and they can make a new key for you.If you happen to lose your outboard motor key and need to do any of the previous steps, your next goal is to assure that it won’t happen again.To prevent needing to do all the extra work in the future, make sure to record the serial number of your engine, as well as the key code. Actually, you should try to record all of the info you can find, as it will make getting a new key much easier.That settles it–you definitely can start an outboard motor without a key. However, you should keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution.You can do it in a relatively simple way, by locating the starter motor in the engine and creating a short circuit. This is done by placing a metal object (like a screwdriver) between the two poles of the starter motor.However, losing the key to your outboard motor is no small issue, so you should try to get a replacement as soon as possible. This is done by finding the serial number or the code number of your key!We hope this helps and makes all your key-related troubles disappear.I created this site to help people – to help you – with your boat problems. Instead of helping one person at a time, I want this website to be the “one-stop-shop” for everyone’s boating concerns. Read more.Click here to cancel reply.Hey! I’m Steve, founder of Anchor Travel.Air PumpFishingi-PilotInflatable BoatInflatable ValveIntexJon BoatKayakMarine BatteryMinn KotaMotorGuideOutboard MotorPontoonRIB BoatSafetySpot-LockTalon AnchorTransducerTrolling Motor

Skip to ContentAnchor Travel is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read more.It has happened to all of us – those times when you simply can’t get your engine running.There could be many reasons why this happens. Maybe a wire got disconnected, your key was broken, or there was a breakdown. Or the simplest explanation – you lost the key by accident. In these cases, you can try starting your outboard motor without a key.In this article, we will provide you with all you need to know about this topic!Starting an outboard motor without a...

Can You Start An Outboard Motor Without A Key?

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