How to Troubleshoot the Power Pack on an Outboard Motor

Built in a wide assortment of sizes to fit a variety of watercraft, outboard motors are self-contained engines designed to mount directly to the craft’s transom. An outboard’s power pack, the motor’s internal batteries that provide power to run the engine, is susceptible to damage from extreme temperature and impacts. Power pack malfunction is a common cause of outboard motor failure; troubleshooting an outboard power pack is similar to testing an automobile’s battery and ignition system.

Things You'll Need

  • Multimeter
  • Peak voltage adapter
  • Screwdriver
  • Wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plug the red and black leads of a multimeter into the respective red and black terminals of a peak voltage adapter. Set the multimeter and adapter to the DC voltage setting.

    • 2

      Touch the red (positive) lead from the voltage adapter to the terminal where the orange wires are connected to the power pack. Touch the black (negative) lead from the adapter to the ignition’s coil’s negative terminal.

    • 3

      Compare the reading on the multimeter to the specifications for your outboard engine; for most outboards the voltage reading will be at least 140 volts. Specification data can be obtained from a repair manual, or by consulting a repair shop or dealer. If the voltage reading is up to specifications the power pack is not the cause of the problem. If the meter shows no voltage reading, check the power pack’s lead wires for continuity before replacing the pack.

    • 4

      Disconnect the power pack’s orange and black wires from the ignition coil with a screwdriver or wrench. Disconnect the multimeter from the voltage adapter. Set the meter to the "Ohm" or “1X” setting.

    • 5

      Touch the meter’s black lead to one end of the power pack’s black wire while touching the meter’s red lead to the opposite end of the black wire. Any reading on the meter indicates the circuit is functioning properly. A “0” reading indicates a faulty wire that requires repair. Repeat the test on the orange wires.