stern light not working

[qt73937]

My bow light works but not my stern white light. I think it is the light base because I've confirmed the white light does work. Is there something I can use to push/pull the pins inside the base out so I can maybe clean them....or do I just need to buy a new one and rewire? I've changed out the switch and circuit breaker so they are new.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: stern light not working

First use a test light or multimeter to make sure you have a ground and 12v+ going to the light socket.

If you do, a little emory cloth or sandpaper to scuff them up. Then a light coat of grease or other protectant.

If you decide to replace it, look into LED's. Minimal power draw and 10,000 hour bulbs if you get a quality lamp.

 

[DJ]

Re: stern light not working

They are a contant souurce of issues. The pins never seem to hold their tension.

I just hollow out the base and extend the wires to a two prong plug below the pole and base.

 

[qt73937]

Re: stern light not working

Thanks for the reply. I checked with a test light with the switch and power turned on. I do not have a ground and 12v+ going to the light socket. Like I said I just changed out the switch and the circuit breaker below the switch and testing them with a test light do show that I have power. Is there something else in between the switch and socket that I'm not considering?

 

[Fireman431]

Re: stern light not working

More than likely you lost a ground OR the 12v+. Rarely would you lose both.

 

[qt73937]

Re: stern light not working

Fireman, you are right. I checked again and I only have 11.7-11.9v going to the socket. What's my problem? Thanks in advance and sorry for my lack of knowledge on this topic.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: stern light not working

11.9 is pretty close to 12 volts, especially if you're doing this on an older battery, if the boat hasn't been run for a while to charge the battery, or if you've been messing with the lights for a while. Aside from that, there is going to be a slight voltage drop from the battery, thru the battery switch, thru the bus bars/fuse block, thru the dash switches, then out to the lamp itself. Additional drop if theres corrosion involved in the circuit.

Concentrate on getting a ground to the lamp socket and your light will work.

 

[qt73937]

Re: stern light not working

I followed the wires to a main connection point with a 9 pin connector. When I pulled the connector apart, I found that the pins both male and female parts were badly corroded. I'm sure this is the reason for my drop in volts, will repin and replace connector. thanks.