How do I turn on the power and start a Yamaha GP1800 WaveRunner?
I've just picked up a 2020 Yamaha GP1800 SVHO and I'm a bit stumped on the starting sequence. How exactly do I wake up the dash, turn on the power, and start the engine properly?
Answer
To power up a 2020 Yamaha GP1800 SVHO, press the 'Start/Stop' button once without the lanyard attached to wake the Connext display, then disarm the security system using your PIN or the remote transmitter. Once disarmed, clip the engine shut-off lanyard to the switch and your lifejacket, then press and hold the 'Start/Stop' button to fire the supercharged engine.
Waking and Disarming the System
Yamaha uses the Y-COP security system on the GP1800 to prevent theft. The dashboard remains completely blank when you approach the ski. Do not attach the red kill cord lanyard just yet. Press the 'Start/Stop' button on the left handlebar once. This sends a wake-up signal to the ECU, and the Connext digital display illuminates.
The engine remains immobilised at this stage. You have two ways to disarm the system.
- Remote Transmitter: Press the release button on your Yamaha key fob. You will hear a short double beep confirming the immobiliser is disarmed.
- Connext Screen PIN: If you lack the fob, use the directional buttons on the right handlebar to scroll to the security screen, enter your four-digit PIN, and select the disarm option.
If the screen remains dead after pressing the start button, look for a battery isolator switch. Many dealers install a rotary marine switch inside the engine bay or under the rear seat to prevent parasitic drain on the battery during storage.
The Starting Sequence
Before cranking the engine, ensure the WaveRunner sits in at least a metre of water. This depth prevents the jet pump from vacuuming up sand and pebbles, which destroys the impeller and wear ring.
- Clip the red engine shut-off lanyard to the switch housing on the left handlebar, underneath the Start/Stop button. The plastic fork depresses a small plunger. The engine refuses to start without this plunger pushed in.
- Attach the other end of the lanyard to your buoyancy aid.
- Keep your right hand off the throttle trigger. The GP1800 features a ride-by-wire electronic throttle. Applying pressure during startup confuses the throttle position sensor and prevents the engine from firing.
- Press and hold the green 'Start/Stop' button until the engine catches. Limit cranking to 5 seconds at a time to prevent overheating the starter relay.