have a single 1999 502 mpi engine keikefer controls ( sep gear shift/ sep throttle boat. all of a sudden in neatral boat won't turn over like the battery is dead no sound at all. what should i check to verify the switch is bad ? should my gauges still be reading ? and can i temp. by pass it to check ?

Move the shifter back and forth a 1/2 inch or so while turning the key.

It can easily be bypassed. Just remove the 2 wires from the Neutral saftey switch and connect them together.

go to starter solenoid and jump it. if it cranks, then there is a problem upstream. if no crank, start with engine end. battery first, then alla grounds, then solenoids...

if the switch is bad should any of my gauges be reading ? fuel gauge etc. ?

with the key in tho on position,gauges should work and alarm should sound,if not,the problem is not the neutral safery switch.

You are on the right track. My baja did the same thing last weekend. I poked my head under the controls and one wire magically was off the switch. Plugged it back in and I was in business.

Yes. All the neutral saftey switch does is prevent it from starting in gear. It sounds like you have a problem with the kill switch, ignition switch or the main engine breaker popped.