You will be performing the test at the motor thereby eliminating any problem area in the wiring harness between control box and engine including the ignition switch.

Since the early 70s outboard motors began converting to CD ignition systems.

Each manufacturer had a different snappy name but it simply is an ignition that packed a lot of punch without the need for or points and condenser.

Until the late 70s most systems required battery voltage to produce spark.

Wire color and terminal location for 12 volts with switch on varied from motor to motor and year to year.
If you are in doubt as to which wire or terminal to check for voltage on older motors you can contact me here and include model and serial number.

I'll try to put together a wire color and location chart for all engines in the near future.

On these older Battery CD Systems you will check that terminal or wire at Power Pack for the presence of battery voltage which in most cases should be no less than 9-10 volts with key in on position.
The same 9-10 volts should also remain steady during cranking.

This way you will know your switch and wiring harness is not the problem.

Click here to go to late model test.