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electrical problem #687167 09/08/06 03:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 117
kj3800 Offline OP
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My light switch has 3 positions. 1. bow, stern & dash lights are on. 2. stern & dash lights are on. 3. everything is off. When the switch is in the # 2 position the dash lights are bright as they should be. When in # 1 position, the bow & stern are fine buth the dash lights are so dim that I can't read my guages. Also my sonar powers off sometimes when I start my boat. Any help would be appreciated. who_knows

Re: electrical problem #687168 09/08/06 06:13 AM
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Bazztex Offline
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KJ

Could be the Switch has some corrosion on the #2 Position contacts. Changing the switch is about the only solution for that since the switch is sealed and can't be effectively cleaned.

Before you change the switch check your battery terminal connectionss to assure they are clean. Corrosion adds resistance to the circuit and that can make a switch problem seem worse than it really is.

The Sonar shuts off when you crank the engine:

Your starter draws a lot of Amps / Current when engaged in starting the engine. It's possible your Battery is getting old or the engine wire terminals may just need cleaning. Also check to make sure the terminal Wing Nuts are tight..loose wires will cause added resistance due to arcing.

One other thing to check is the battery size:

If you run all your accessories of the cranking battery you may need a larger size. It's common for maunfacturers to put a Group 24 Battery on the cranking side. It's cheaper for them to rig the boat that way. They work fine for a while but due to excessive Amp load cycling rates they dont last as long as a group 27.

If you have a Group 24 try going up to a Group 27 Cranking Battery for more Amp Hour storage. You may just be putting too much load on an undersized battery.

Bazz fish

Re: electrical problem #687169 09/08/06 06:35 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
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txsrig Offline
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Sounds like Bazz has got you hooked up!One other thing you might try on the sonar problem if the other steps don't correct the voltage drop is to check the wire size to your unit.If it was added on the wire gauge might be too small.Seen it happen before on 12 volt systems with electronics and sudden load changes.

Good Luck!

Re: electrical problem #687170 09/09/06 02:20 AM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 117
kj3800 Offline OP
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Thanks Guys! I will check all of those items.

Re: electrical problem #687171 09/10/06 07:27 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
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Leonardo Offline
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What they said! When you do get it worked out give some thought to applying silcone dielectric compound to ALL connections,splices and fuses. I don't do any wiring work without it!

Good Luck!


Take someone you love Fishing...
Re: electrical problem #687172 09/13/06 03:47 AM
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Posts: 117
kj3800 Offline OP
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Thanks Leonardo.

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