2016 250 pro xs first start in the cold

[wisranger]

I have a 2016 250 opti pro xs, the first start of the day in the cold weather here in Wisconsin my motor struggles to start. It does eventually turn over but throws a low voltage alarm. The starter motor seems quiet as well. Then the rest of the day it starts fine, occasionally throws a low voltage alarm. That being said I’ve checked my battery it is good. I have a big X2 from batteries plus. The same one that’s recommended here on BBC. the motor is on a ranger 520c. Wondering if anyone has any advice where to look next? There is a main switch on the boat that seems kind of cheap to me. Maybe doesn’t let enough current through it? Or could something be up on the engine itself? After it’s started the thing runs fantastic!

[lpugh]

what group size is it and what are the CCA and reserve minute specs
I don't recommend any cutoff switches for the cables that go to the motor

[mdtritn21]

Clean all your battery terminals until they shine and try it.

[wisranger]

I have a 31M batteries plus X2 agm. I think my next step is to eliminate the on/off/jump start switch.

[06 SB]

I had a 2016 250 Proxs that would do that too. I never figured it out. I juat put up with it. It was only the very first start. All others were normal too even if you started it up, shut it down then cranked again. The second start was always normal. Make sure you pump the bulb tight too.

[lpugh]

Next step would be to verify the CCA of the battery with a high end tester perfomed by service tech, Then amp draw test on the starter, and then Appropriate voltage drop tests on both positive and negative circuits which would tell you if you do have a problem with the switch

[Snowedin3]

I just experienced the same thing yesterday - fully charged battery that's never given me an issue (low voltage alarms on graphs). I did not have any issues starting though. Air Temp was about 45 degrees and water 51 degrees.

[SilverFox579]

Checking all connections is first order of business, tight, no corrosion, etc.

One thing that's come up here before regarding battery switches, they are not all created equal, and many times dealers install switches that are NOT rated for full capacity of the battery.

To test, connect your engine leads direct to the battery and see if the problem persists.

[EuropeanAM]

I have a 31M batteries plus X2 agm. I think my next step is to eliminate the on/off/jump start switch.

Bypass that switch- and make sure you have clamp-style terminals on the battery (use the threaded lug on the Clamp-Style terminals for the ENGINE connections).

Built-in screw terminals and Battery Switches are the two most common areas we see problems with current-carrying capacity.

[Redngoo]

Maybe some pictures of a "properly" wired battery to motor. Inquirying minds would like to see

[wisranger]

Thanks for the responses guys! Unfortunately the season for me is almost done... this might be a winter project. But if I can get out here yet this fall I will post my results. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

[SilverFox579]

If you decide to replace your battery switch make sure it is rated for the cold cranking amp capacity of your battery. Most dealer installed switches don't even meet engine required minimums.

[JINXBASS]

Mine has always done this. Even after a new battery. This has been going on for 5 years now. Some one had an idea that it was leaking fuel into the cylinders. Don't know if that is true but I know it is not a battery or connection issue.

[Dan21XRS]

I thinks it's just the Nature of the Beast. My last two Pro XS (2013 and 2018) have done this on first start-up. Last Saturday before hitting the lake I put my starting battery on a portable battery charger for a half hour to make sure it had a full charge (because the day before it barely turned over and started). Air temp was 35*, water temp was 67*. I wanted to see if I possible had a battery going bad. It takes 5 minuted to get to the ramp and boat in the water. First start and you'd swear the battery was close to dead... Back it off the trailer, tie up to the dock, shut off engine, go park the truck, walk back down, start the engine and it's 100% opposite of the first start just 5 minutes ago... It's the Nature of the Beast... And this is only during the cold weather months, say any temp under 40* at first start up... Dan

[06 SB]

I thinks it's just the Nature of the Beast. My last two Pro XS (2013 and 2018) have done this on first start-up. Last Saturday before hitting the lake I put my starting battery on a portable battery charger for a half hour to make sure it had a full charge (because the day before it barely turned over and started). Air temp was 35*, water temp was 67*. I wanted to see if I possible had a battery going bad. It takes 5 minuted to get to the ramp and boat in the water. First start and you'd swear the battery was close to dead... Back it off the trailer, tie up to the dock, shut off engine, go park the truck, walk back down, start the engine and it's 100% opposite of the first start just 5 minutes ago... It's the Nature of the Beast... And this is only during the cold weather months, say any temp under 40* at first start up... Dan

Perfectly describes what my 250 ProXS did no matter the battery - Odyssey 2150, Northstar 31 or Lithium. Heck I even disconnected all the switches, connections except for the main wires. No change. My 175 ProXS does not do this.

[Dan21XRS]

Forgot to add... I never power anything up before I start the engine the first time. Always start the engine first then power up the graphs... For the rest of the day I've got at least two 10" Birds and whatever else I need to run, be it live wells, running lights and the engine always starts right up, no hesitation what so ever... Dan

[EuropeanAM]

Maybe some pictures of a "properly" wired battery to motor. Inquirying minds would like to see

See the FAQ Section: "Batteries that Meet the Requirement". Terminals and proper stacking/connection methods are discussed in the FIRST post.

[NoCAL]

Mine does it first thing too. I always pump the bulb but I do turn my graphs on in the parking lot. It will always start just seems to crank longer that first time in the morning. And it throws the low voltage alarm. Never does it again the rest of the day. I always just thought it was cold and needed to crank more to turn over.

NoCAL

[lpugh]

I have never had a low voltage alarm ever

Charger is always connected and on when boat is in the garage
Battery cables have been shortened to minimum lengths (no coils) and the correct end crimped with a hydraulic crimper
No switches on cables to motor
Electronics and lights always turned on and setup in the parking lot
Napa grp 31 commercial battery for cranking

BAT 7234

Never pump the bulb up (boat is used at least once a week) yea I know. The only time I pump the bulb is after fuel system service

I have the notion in my head that if it needs pumping up. It is telling my have a problem that needs servicing.....early warning system,

this is not recommended , just my way

Electronics never flicker or reset regardless of pumps running
Battery is tested monthly
Gear oil changed twice a year
DFI oil in the motor, premium plus added to the fuel as well as quickclean, never use stabilizer
Only put enough fuel in the tanks to assure I have what I need for that day of use, this assures of fresher fuel all the time

Yea it cranks a little slower in very low temps, just keep in mind how thick the gear oil is as well as the lube in the crankcase
In extreme cold as some of you have, I would consider leaving a heat lamp on the lower unit over night before use and see if that helps
Very rare in my area for temps to fall into the mid twenty's, mostly mid thirties in mid winter

[SilverFox579]

My 175 ProXS does not do this.

Nor does my 2.5L only time it did was when the dealer installed 800CCA wet cell was 2yrs old. Replaced with 1150CCA AGM and never again.