Thermal switch

does anyone know what the thermal switch does when it is active. From my understanding, when the engine overheats the thermal switch closes and applies a ground to the pink and red/yellow wires going to the CDI. what does the CDI do with this input. some people have told me that they think it causes the spark plugs to fire every other time, keeping the engine at only half the power until it cools down and the ground is removed from the CDI via the Thermal switch. is this correct??? Thanks.

[boats.net]

Yes the Thermo Switch signals an overheat condition(switch on continuity to ground) which activates overheat alarm and rpm reduction.

does it matter how its hooked up?

there are 2 wires, both with the same jacket (yellow and brown i believe).

does it matter which wire is hooked up to which wire?

[jb123]

it IS just a switch however unless youre gonna cut the ends off they will only go one way.