The speed sensor of a Sea-Doo GTX is a tiny paddle wheel connected to an electronic connector. It's beneath the jet nozzle, separated from the nozzle's turbulence by the ride plate. As the paddle wheel turns, it rotates a magnet past a sensor that sends a pulse to the multipurpose electronic module, where it's interpreted for the rider's benefit. When you must replace the speed sensor on a Sea-Doo GTX, paddle wheel and all are replaced.
Items you will need
Terminal remover
5/16-inch box-end wrench
Magnetic pick-up
Thread locker
Gasket sealing compound
Torque wrench, inch-pound
Removing the Sensor
Step 1
Position the Sea-Doo on its trailer, so the rear of the Sea-Doo hangs over the rear edge of the trailer.
Step 2
Move to the rear of the vessel and locate the sensor, bolted to the bottom of the ride plate, the panel that forms the bottom of the tunnel in which you find the drive impeller and directional nozzle. The sensor is readily identifiable by the small paddle wheel protruding from the sensor housing, 1/4 inch below the ride plate on the bottom of the Sea-Doo.
Step 3
Disconnect the purple-and-yellow wire from the left terminal and the black-and-orange wires from the right terminal of the tab housing of the speed sensor by using a terminal remover.
Step 4
Brace one of the hex-head bolts holding the sensor to the ride plate by using a 5/16-inch box-end wrench. Remove the nut from the bolt by using a 5/16-inch open-end wrench. Remove the bolt from the Sea-Doo by using a magnetic pick-up. Repeat for the five remaining nuts and bolts.
Installing a New Sensor
Step 1
Spread a small amount of thread locker onto the threads of the speed sensor mounting bolts. Push one mounting bolt through one of the speed sensor mounting holes -- preferably one nearest the front of the Sea-Doo. Spread a bead of gasket sealing compound along the mating surface of the speed sensor.
Step 2
Lift the speed sensor into place so the bolt passes through the appropriate mounting hole on the speed sensor. Thread the appropriate nut onto the bolt. Repeat with the five remaining bolts. Brace the head of the bolt with a box-end wrench while tightening the nut to 35 inch-pounds by using an inch-pound torque wrench.
Step 3
Insert the black-and-orange wire into the right terminal and the purple-and-yellow wire into the left terminal of the speed sensor's tab housing.
References
- Sea-Doo 2003 Shop Manual: GTI/LE LE RFI, GTX DI, XP DI, RX DI, LRV DI, GTX 4-TEC Series, 219 100 160; Bombardier Recreational Products
Writer Bio
Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history.
