Stopping The Engine; Throttle-Only Operation - MerCruiser 496 MAG Owner's Manual

Explosive fumes contained in the engine compartment can cause serious injury or death from fire or explosion. Before starting
the engine, operate the bilge blower or vent the engine compartment for at least five minutes.
NOTE: MerCruiser DTS models are equipped with SmartStart. The SmartStart feature incorporates push button starting.
Rather than holding the start button or key switch to start the engine and then releasing it when the engine starts, SmartStart
completely controls the starting process. When the start button is pushed, the DTS system signals the engine PCM to start
the engine. If the engine does not start, the starting process times out after eight seconds or when the engine reaches 400
RPM. Attempting to start the engine with the engine already running will turn the engine off.
3. Turn ignition key to "RUN" position.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the "START" position then release, or depress the start/stop button and release. If the engine
is cold, allow the engine to operate at idle for 6‑10 minutes or until the engine temperature reaches 60 °C (140 °F).
5. If the engine does not start after three attempts:
a. Push the throttle‑only button and position the remote control handle or throttle lever to the 1/4 throttle position.
b. Turn the ignition key to "START." Release key when the engine starts and allow the switch to return to the "ON" position.
6. If the engine does not start after step 5:
a. Move the remote control handle.throttle lever to the full throttle position, then return to 1/4 throttle.
b. Turn the ignition key to "START." Release key when the engine starts and allow the switch to return to the "ON" position.
7. Inspect the power package for fuel, oil, water, and exhaust leaks.
8. Move the control handle with a firm, quick motion forward to shift to forward gear, or backward to shift to reverse. After shifting,
advance throttle to desired setting.
Shifting into gear at engine speeds above idle will damage the drive system. Shift the drive into gear only when the engine is
operating at idle.

Stopping the Engine

1. Move the remote control handle to neutral/idle and allow the engine to slow to idle speed. If engine has been operated at high
speed for a long period of time, allow the engine to cool at idle speed for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. The engine can be stopped by any one of the following 4 methods:
a. Move the ignition key switch to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" position. The engine will stop and the control system will
be deactivated.
b. Depress the start/stop button, if equipped. The engine will stop and the control system will remain active.
c. Momentarily move the ignition key switch to the "START" position, then release immediately. The control system will
recognize that the engine is running and will stop the engine. The control system will remain active. Moving the ignition
key switch to the "START" position again will issue a start request to the control system and the control system will start
the engine, if appropriate.
d. Activate the lanyard stop switch, if equipped. The engine will stop, but the control system will remain active. The control
system will not allow the engine to start if the lanyard stop switch is activated.
Throttle‑Only Operation
NOTE: When operating in throttle only (neutral) mode, the DTS Control System will not allow the engine speed to increase above
3500 RPM.
Zero effort remote controls: Zero effort remote controls have seperate throttle control and shift control levers. Advancing the
throttle control lever beyond the idle position while the shift control lever is in the neutral position will cause engine speed to
increase, but only up to the maximum neutral engine speed of 3500 RPM.
The Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) Zero Effort control can shift the engine or transmission at speeds greater than idle, causing
unexpected boat movement, which may result in injury, death, or property damage due to loss of boat control. Always place the
throttle control lever in the idle position before moving the shift control lever into forward or reverse gear position.
Panel Mount and Console Mount Remote Controls: Panel mount and console mount remote controls are equipped with a
throttle only button. To activate throttle only mode:
1. Refer to Remote Controls section for remote control features.
90-899883274 MARCH 2008
WARNING
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NOTICE
WARNING
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Section 3 - On the Water
Page 41