[CaptScottNC]

I don't know the most about outboards and there workings but when you turn the key halfway there is supposed to be a buzz from the engine horn jsut to let you know that the engine horn is working and connected. Now maybe there was some sort of short in this device aimed at letting you know the horn/buzzer still works?? These are my thoughts. Before this problem did the engine chirp, buzz or whatever very briefly as you fired it up and then was quiet? Best of luck!