Technical Support

CDI Electronics helps boaters get back on the water quickly and efficiently. We have a number of support tools to help both Qualified Marine Technicians and Boat Owners.  This effort is led by our Technical Support Team who have developed resources to help you quickly and accurately diagnose outboard ignition problems.  If you are in need of assistance with an issue, please check the following sources before calling our Technical Service Department.

A Qualified Marine Technician – Due to a general shortage of qualified Marine Technicians worldwide, many Boat Owners are forced to do the work themselves.  If you are having trouble finding a qualified Marine Technician, visit  https://www.cdielectronics.com/find-a-distributor/ where you can not only find a reseller for our parts, but servicing dealers that have invested in a M.E.D.S. Diagnostic System — the best diagnostic tool in the business.  Just make sure you change the drop down entry titled “Distributor or M.E.D.S. Dealer” to “M.E.D.S. Dealer” before initiating a search in your City, State or Zip Code. 

Troubleshooting Guide  This resource has a wealth of information that will help you accurately diagnose the most common engine ignition issues. You can either choose to purchase a digital version of the TS Guide through Issuu (link below) or call us to purchase a printed version at 1.256.772.3829  Professional and DIY mechanics depend on our Troubleshooting Guide and keep a printed copy by their side for instant access. The TS Guide is available wherever you purchase CDI parts by ordering part #961-0002.  The TS Guide can be previewed online (a limited number of pages), with an option to purchase unlimited online viewing.  Note if you make the purchase online,  it does NOT come with a printed copy.

 

  Email Technical Service – Limited email support can be obtained without charge from CDI Electronics for Qualified Marine Technicians.  This service is not appropriate for DIY Boat Owners.  Send our Technical Service Department an email containing all pertinent information on the form provided as well as your questionis.  We will email or call you back.

Dealer Phone Support – CDI Technical Service Phone Support is provided free of charge for CDI Distributors and Qualified Marine Technicians.  Our Technical Support Team is available 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST at 1.256.772.3829 to help you accurately diagnose all types of ignition problems and help you order the correct part the first time.  Due to the large volume of calls during peak times, please leave a message with your name, business name, phone number and details of your issue, and a member of our team will return your call.

Who qualifies for the free support? To qualify for the phone support without charge, you must demonstrate an ongoing business in marine engine repairs. If you are not already established with CDI as a qualified business, we will ask for verifying information. This can include:

  1.  Where do you buy your parts? (Distributor or Online?)
  2.  Your business EIN #?
  3.  A business website
  4.  A business phone number with voicemail message dedicated to a business.
  5.  A valid business license
  6.  Other supporting documentation as determined by CDI staff.

CDI reserves the right to determine a qualifying business. If you do not qualify for free support, we are happy to provide fee-based technical support, or you may use our free, online support options (See above.)

Boat Owner Phone Support –  CDI is no longer providing free telephone support to DIY Boat Owners.  If you are a DIY Boat Owner, CDI is pleased to provide support for a nominal charge of $35 per 30 minutes of support, or  $50 per incident — up to 2 hours of support time.  Our Technical Support Team is available 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST at 1.256.772.3829 to help you accurately diagnose all types of ignition problems and help you order the correct part the first time.  Due to the large volume of calls during peak times, please leave a message with your name, business name, phone number and details of your issue, and a member of our team will return your call.

For DIY boat owners who purchase and use a 30 minute telephone support time block, and who wish to continue working with our support staff on the same issue beyond 30 minutes of support, the ticket can be converted to a per-incident request (up to 2 hours) for an additional $25. The charges are handled over the phone with your credit card as part of the call process.