Ranger folks,
I am starting a new thread specifically for inclusion in the sticky note “Ranger maintenance tips and tricks.” The purpose of this thread is to highlight the value of obtaining—if you don’t already have one—a backup key start switch for boats equipped with a touchpad/keypad dash. Included below are two pictures from valuable forum contributor Dean C. One shows the Mercury part number; this same item also works with Yamaha and Evinrude engines. The other picture shows the backup key assembly itself.
To install, detach the wire/plug assembly *that contains yellow wires* from the rear of the keypad/touchpad. This plug and its attached wires is for the start switch/button. There will be a second plug behind the keypad. That plug and wire grouping is for the stop switch and does not contain a yellow wire. If you look at the picture of the backup switch assembly, you can see the yellow wires in it, so yellow to yellow makes sense. Take the plug that you have pulled out of the console/keypad and plug it into the auxiliary key assembly. Then turn the key to start the engine [in the water...].
Many keypads/touchpads on Rangers have lasted close to 20 years without failure. But why not keep a backup key switch just in case? Caution: any electrical component can corrode if left exposed for years. So if you take the backup key switch out of its sealed bag to look at it or test it [not a terrible idea...], be sure to reseal tightly in a strong ziplock bag, so that the contacts are in good shape years down the road. Pictures below:
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