When you look at the back of the ignition switch, you see six terminals, five of them around the outside of the back of the switch and one in the center. The terminals, clockwise from the "B" terminal are labeled "M," "S," "A" and a second "M." The terminal in the center is marked with the letter "C." If you find yourself intimidated by the handful of wires that need to go onto the correct terminals, relax. The solution this puzzle is as easy as looking at the face of a clock.
Items you will need
Small adjustable wrench
Disconnect both cables from your boat's battery before beginning the work. Note that the nut on the positive battery terminal that holds the red cable, is marked with a plus sign or the letters "Pos." Removal of the nut on the positive terminal requires a 3/8-inch wrench, while the nut on the negative terminal, that holds the black cable leading to the boat's common ground, requires a 5/16-inch wrench.
Locate the "B" terminal at the 12 o'clock position on the back of the switch. Move to the 2 o'clock position and find the "M" terminal.
Loosen the "M" terminal nut with a small adjustable wrench. Slide the spade connector of the black and yellow wire under the nut until the connector is fully engaged. Tighten the nut.
Continue clockwise from the "M" terminal, until you reach the "S" terminal, at the 4 o'clock position on the back of the starter switch. Loosen the terminal nut and slide the spade connector of the yellow and purple wire under the nut until it stops. Tighten the nut.
Advance to the 8 o'clock position on the ignition switch's rear panel, where you will find the "A" terminal. Loosen the nut and slip the spade connector of the solid purple wire beneath it. Tighten the nut.
Go clockwise again, to the second "M" terminal. Loosen the nut, as you have with the other terminals, and slide the spade connector of the black wire underneath it. Tighten the "M" terminal nut, move to the "B" terminal and loosen its nut.
Slide the spade connector of the pink and purple wire under the "B" terminal nut and tighten it. Move to the second "M" terminal, loosen the nut and slide the spade connector of the black and yellow wire beneath it. Tighten the nut and move to the "C" connector in the center of the switch.
Unscrew the nut on the "C" connector enough to slide the spade connector of the purple and white wire under it. Tighten the nut. Reconnect the battery cables.