Complete 12V power loss

[elltee11]

I have a 1995 Four Winns 258 Vista with an OMC 5.8 liter. Last week I put the boat up after cleaning and left the key turned on and battery switch to "both." I have dual batteries that are new. Upon getting on the boat yesterday, I had zero 12V power anywhere on the boat. No lights, radio, tilt, gauge movement, etc. I plugged in the shore power and found I did have 110 power. 110 power only runs microwave, refrig, 110 outlet and battery charger. I charged the batteries overnight and tested the next day. One hundred percent full charge based on two different portable battery chargers. Still no power anywhere on the boat. I have thoroughly cleaned the cables, although they were clean to begin with. Obviously I have something stopping my 12V current from getting to the "boat." Is there a breaker or fuse somewhere that I may have tripped? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. My nearest OMC dealer is 150 miles away and I would hate to tow this boat that far for possibly a simple issue. I'm stumped here. Thanks

 

[Coors]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

Can't help on a 95, but an 88 has 2 50 amp fuses, one in start/charge circuit.

 

[elltee11]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

Thanks!! Any ideas where thefuses would be located along the run from my battery to ...... Again, thanks for the help

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

You need to check the voltage at the batteries with the chargers off with a voltmeter. Then start tracing it down from there.

There may be a set of circuit breakers next to the starboard riser. You should check those circuit breakers and also check the power feed up to those breakers. That feed comes from where your battery cable feeds the starter solenoid.

If you don't have breakers there, there may be a fusible link in the cable leaving the starter solenoid that heads to you main fuse panel.

 

[elltee11]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

Thanks Bruce!! You said, "There may be a set of circuit breakers next to the starboard riser. You should check those circuit breakers and also check the power feed up to those breakers. That feed comes from where your battery cable feeds the starter solenoid."

Just below my starter solenoid are three red round push type knobs. If these are my breakers, how do you test them? with a voltmeter?

The cable running from the starter solenoid to the main fuse panel under the dash do not appear to be interupted. In fact the dash fuse panel does not control several other items including the radio that are "dead."

Complete power loss is so frustrating!!

FYI - this is my third post regarding problems on this boat and I sincerely appreciate all the help!! I wish I had the knowledge of some of you guys!!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

The red button on the breaker you just push in to reset.If it has the 2 50 amp fuses they should be inside rubber boots near the main electrical plug in near the left rear of the intake manifold..at least thats where OMC put them on my boat..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

Just push the buttons and see if that solves your problem. If not, remove the housing with the circuit breakers from the riser so that you have access to the back and measure the voltage to the circuit breakers. The wire that feeds those circuit breakers comes form the starter solenoid.

 

[elltee11]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

Thanks Bruce, I will follow your instructions tomorrow!! Any other suggestions are more than welcome. I keep telling myself this has to be a simple problem!!!!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Complete 12V power loss

I keep telling myself this has to be a simple problem!!!!

Of course saying that is often "the kiss of death".

In this case it should be simple though.