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  1. #1
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    Motor cuts out when shifting

    1150F23HD
    2B051372
    2013 150XL 4S

    Newbie here
    My new to me motor sometimes cuts out on me when I shift from forward to neutral. It's like I turned the key off. It seems to happen in clusters. One time out it doesn't do it then next time it will do it 5-6 times in a row. 2 strange things I 've notice are first i had it out 6 times last weekend and it only happened on my evening trips and second, when it happens I can shift into forward then to neutral and the motor starts without me touching the key.

  2. Member
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    Jan 2016
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    Ky
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    #2
    It's normal when shifting from forwards to neutral and reverse to neutral to idle down but to start up on its own the is something electrical going on.

  3. Member thommo59's Avatar
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    Apr 2017
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    Australia
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    #3
    There was another post in here almost identical several months back, you may need to do some searching in this forum
    2018 TRX 18. 2020 Mercury 200 Pro XS V8

  4. Member
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    #4
    Thanks. I will keep searching

  5. Member
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    Jun 2021
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    Bluefield WV
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    #5
    Next time it happens, check to see if your key switch has completely returned to the "On" position.

    My 2019 Mercury Pro XS 115 was doing this exact thing. I was able to finally simulate it and resolve the issue. You can hold the key slightly past the on position with the engine running in neutral. If you shift into gear while holding the key in this position it will kill the engine due to the neutral safety circuit. It will automatically restart when returning to neutral due to the key position.

    In my case, my key switch had been installed upside down meaning the drain hole was at the top. I believe this is what caused the switch to begin sticking. It was as if the o-rings or seals had dried out creating too much friction for it to spring return to the "on" indent. It had me stumped because it was intermittent. It seemed to only happen on short runs or after being on the water in the sun for a bit. I guess the longer runs were enough to "bounce" the key back to the on position.

  6. Member
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    May 2023
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    #6
    I will check the switch but if I am reading this correctly yours would kill shifting into gear from neutral. Mine is running and cruising fine but if I bring it to slowest forward speed then shift to neutral, it dies like I shut off the key. It really hasn't affected me using the boat but could be an issue if it happens while docking which it luckily hasn't done.

  7. Member
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    Jun 2021
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    Bluefield WV
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    #7
    Mine would die when shifting to neutral. Then restart on its own if I shift into gear and back to neutral.

    It has to do with the way the nuetral safety circuit is programmed.

    I had the same issue. I was just trying to explain how I validated it. I replaced my key switch and have not had anymore issues.

  8. Member
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    #8
    Thanks for the clarification. I misunderstood. I will check my switch. Thanks for the help.

  9. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    Apr 2008
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    Greenville, SC (US)
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    94,945
    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Kdixer View Post
    Next time it happens, check to see if your key switch has completely returned to the "On" position.

    My 2019 Mercury Pro XS 115 was doing this exact thing. I was able to finally simulate it and resolve the issue. You can hold the key slightly past the on position with the engine running in neutral. If you shift into gear while holding the key in this position it will kill the engine due to the neutral safety circuit. It will automatically restart when returning to neutral due to the key position.

    In my case, my key switch had been installed upside down meaning the drain hole was at the top. I believe this is what caused the switch to begin sticking. It was as if the o-rings or seals had dried out creating too much friction for it to spring return to the "on" indent. It had me stumped because it was intermittent. It seemed to only happen on short runs or after being on the water in the sun for a bit. I guess the longer runs were enough to "bounce" the key back to the on position.
    ^^^^ One strong possibility.

    This is a Smart-Start engine. It receives a signal for either key to start position, OR if the engine is running, Lanyard activation. Any abnormality in these switches (or wires to/from them) can falsely trigger a Stop/Start signal.


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  10. Member
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    May 2023
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    #10
    Update:
    I turned the key a few times with the power off. I have put around 20 hours on this motor and it hasn't happened since. Thanks for the help everyone.