Installation & Break-In

Place the new key all the way down and square onto the DESS post on the Scanner Tool 102 interface box. Click 'Add Normal Key.' On DI, 2005 RFI, and 4-TEC models, a selection will appear for key type — Normal, Learning, or Rental — so pick the one that applies. A confirmation box will appear showing the key has been added to the list.

Next, write the key into the module: select Vehicle in the upper tab, then click Write Vehicle. The tool writes the data and immediately reads it back to verify the write was successful. On 4-TEC and 2005 RFI models, a popup will prompt an additional step during this process — follow the on-screen instruction.

A few things to know before starting. The MPEM/ECU stores a maximum of 8 key serial numbers — if all 8 slots are full, one must be erased before a new key can be added. If 'Key Not Found' appears, the key is either not seated properly on the post or is defective. For RFID claw-style keys (newer models such as the 2019 Spark), the Scanner Tool 102 can program those keys as well, but it cannot disable the DESS system entirely. No pre-programmed key is required to start the process — a new key's internal magnet will activate the ski's electronics so the scan tool can read the ski first. Note that DESS key lanyard color indicates intended use (yellow = Normal, white = Learning, orange = Rental), but all lanyards are internally identical and can be programmed for any purpose.

Two rules apply to every SBT piston ring installation regardless of engine brand or displacement: (1) any writing, numbers, or letters stamped on a ring always face up toward the crown of the piston, and (2) the shouldered or silver-colored compression ring belongs in the top groove, with the second compression ring in the groove below it.

If a ring has a shoulder, bevel, or taper on its inner edge, that feature determines orientation — installing it upside down can cause the ring to seat incorrectly and allow compression to escape. When in doubt, hold each ring up to light, find the stamping, and orient that side toward the crown before pressing it into the groove.

For SBT top-end kits that include matched pistons and cylinders (such as Yamaha 800 and Sea-Doo 951 kits), the piston and ring set for each cylinder are already sized together — no separate end-gap or piston-to-wall clearance setup is required. Simply install the rings correctly oriented and proceed with assembly.

SBT's tech-support page (sbt.com/pages/tech-support) hosts PDF installation guides for a range of engines. Confirmed guides include the Yamaha 1200/1300 Power-Valve (PV) series covering models such as the XLT1200, GP1200R, XL1200, and XR1800; the Kawasaki 12F/15F 4-stroke (non-supercharged) engines; and guides for select Sea-Doo engines. Additional guides may be available depending on the specific engine or part purchased.

For engines that don't have a dedicated step-by-step installation document, a general rule applies: follow the removal steps in reverse order to install the new SBT short block assembly. Individual product pages may also include installation-related information under an "Installation" tab.

If a guide for a specific engine or part isn't visible on the tech-support page, contact SBT's technical support team directly for assistance locating the right documentation.

A blinking Maintenance light on a 4-TEC has two possible causes: the internal Service Interval counter is telling you maintenance is due (a simple reminder), or the engine management system has detected an active fault. Always try resetting the service counter first.

To reset the counter and turn off the reminder: connect the Scanner Tool 102, open the Vehicle tab, reset the "Last Service" counter, then select Vehicle > Write Vehicle. On 2007 and later 4-TEC models, a popup will prompt you to remove the key, reinstall it, then remove it again to complete the write. On 2009+ iControl models no popup appears.

If the light keeps blinking after the write, the cause is an Active Fault, not just the service counter. Open the 4-TEC Faults tab to see what is listed. Faults in "Active" state exist right now and must be corrected before they can be cleared. Faults in "Occurred" state happened in the past but are not currently active. Once the underlying problem is fixed, press Clear Faults on the Faults tab to clear the codes — no Write Vehicle step is needed for fault clearing.