Recently bought a 2009 Triton 18 HP with a Merc 150 Optimax from a friend. The boat is in great shape, low hours and well maintained, but the only issue I'm having with it is the ignition switch is extremely finicky!! Turn the key over and you can hear the beep followed by the pump coming on but if the key isn't gingled EXACTLY right while being turned, she will not fire the starter. I knew it had the issue when I bought it as I've fished the boat several times with him. He was always able to crank it first or second try, and I have done it myself a time or two but sometimes it can take me 2 or 3 minutes to get it just right. Another friend of ours has owned 4 Tritons and he says every switch on his ended up doing the same thing. I want to replace it but am not paying double for the part and 2 or 3 hrs of shop labor at a mechanic to do it. I will tackle it myself but seeing as how a factory replacement switch would be prone to the same issues I would like to go aftermarket. Any Triton guys run into this issue? Any aftermarket switch recommendations?

The ignition system is a motor problem.

 

I know you don't want to pay to have a professional make the switch but I suggest that you have a certified Mercury shop take a look at it and correct the problem.

 

The last thing you want is to be on the water and not be able to start your big motor.

I had read about some recent model Tritons having electrical problems before I bought my 2017 179 TrX. The forum posts made them sound like Jaguar cars. However, Triton changed the electrical components it uses and, so far, so good, for me, at least.

 

However, I think that the ignition switch is a component from Mercury. I can’t imagine that a new one would be very expensive or hard to swap out.

4 hours ago, PECo said:

I had read about some recent model Tritons having electrical problems before I bought my 2017 179 TrX. The forum posts made them sound like Jaguar cars. However, Triton changed the electrical components it uses and, so far, so good, for me, at least.

 

However, I think that the ignition switch is a component from Mercury. I can’t imagine that a new one would be very expensive or hard to swap out.

No they are cheap.....under $40 in most cases. But I'm thinking about going off brand from Merc if the problem is persistent like a few buddies have lead me to believe. It's not a motor problem, the original owner can crank it first try all day......i just have a hard time finding the sweet spot with the key. More aggravating than anything

Before you tear into the switch try spraying with DeoxIT D contact cleaner.

Tom

3 hours ago, WRB said:

Before you tear into the switch try spraying with DeoxIT D contact cleaner.

Tom

Will do. Thanks

Tried it......no luck. New switch is on the way.

On 2/24/2018 at 3:21 PM, WRB said:

Before you tear into the switch try spraying with DeoxIT D contact cleaner.

Tom