Wiring problem

[L.Cole]

I recently read a post by Don S on how to test voltage to the helm. I must say that it was the most informative and straight forward solution I've seen. Even a dummy like me can understand it.

I have a simular problem. Sometimes the fish finder will work, sometimes it won't. Ditto for the nav lights, courtesy lights, etc. If I have the radio on and flip any switch, the radio will go off for a few seconds and then come back on.

Perhaps someone can tell me what the probable cause is?? I'm guessing a loose connection, or something of the sort.

Thanks,
L.Cole

 

[MH Hawker]

Start at the battery connections and clean and polish each and ever one no matter good you think they look. And some where along you will find it.

 

[kjsAZ]

+1 and don't forget that there are two wires, plus and minus. When you have them cleaned put a small drop of dielectric grease (the synthetic one only) on all connections and it won't happen again for a long time.
I don't know what fuses you have but if they are the round glass body ones with metal end caps: they also corrode well which can lead to higher resistance. Twist them a few times in their socket.

 

[L.Cole]

Thanks guys! That is a starting point. I think my toon has a breaker box - not sure how to get to it. I peeked under the console today, so many wires! Would it help to take the instrument panel and switch panel out to get to the connections?

 

[kjsAZ]

and the worst thing is that they are all as accurately routed and bundled as spaghetti on a plate..... Very few boat manufacturers have learned how to bundle wires...... It may help to take the panels out IF they have left long enough wires to do so. In some cases you will pull out connectors if you do it so be careful when you do it.

 

[L.Cole]

Thanks. You are right-on about the plate of spaghetti!

 

[HarborRat]

At some point in every boat's life the fuse box gets corroded and starts to cause problems. I've found cleaning them to only last so long, replacement is the way to go and not too expensive (my local ACE hardware carries them for boats). Even if you have breakers you probably still have a fuse block somewhere under the console.

 

[L.Cole]

Worth considering. I'll check it out. Thanks!

 

[L.Cole]

Worth considering. I'll check it out. Thanks!

 

[MinUph]

Yes mine is a 1999 and I changed the fuse panel last year. solved 90% of the problems. Mine still looses power to the stereo once in awhile but just for a second. Happens when I start the motor mostly.

 

[L.Cole]

Thanks , now, if I can just find the fuse panel! I wonder what causes the drop in power to the radio? Too much stuff on one circuit? I have a 2010 G3 pontoon and it looks like the previous owner did some creative wiring...

 

[Silvertip]

Certain electronics like ratios and fish finders will shut off when you crank an engine because the starter pulls the voltage down below the low voltage cutoff of the electronics. When the engine starts, voltage rises again and all is normal. That may also be a sign of a weak battery.

 

[MinUph]

Certain electronics like ratios and fish finders will shut off when you crank an engine because the starter pulls the voltage down below the low voltage cutoff of the electronics. When the engine starts, voltage rises again and all is normal. That may also be a sign of a weak battery.

This battery mention brings up another question. Hate to jump on L.'s thread but maybe related to both if us. While out last week I had the VHF on, its a 2 yr old unit that works great but I was getting "low battery" warning on the screen. Both my batteries show 14v on the gauge separately and together and show charging when running. I'm comfortable with the gauge readings but wonder why I was getting this on the VHF. The motor was off at the time.

 

[ahicks]

Could be a poor connection getting ready to let go completely? I would suspect a voltmeter reading right at the radio while it's giving the low battery reading might be a good plan?

 

[MinUph]

I'll give the voltmeter reading a try. Thanks

 

[ahicks]

Sorry so late (due to site difficulties) but I wanted to add that if you did get a low reading at the radio, you could work your way back to the battery to see where that drop occurs?

 

[MinUph]

Yea mine is a straight line from VHF to battery switch if memory serves me well I hooked up the new one direct.

 

[bruceb58]

Yea mine is a straight line from VHF to battery switch if memory serves me well I hooked up the new one direct.

You could also have a poor ground connection. That would cause a low voltage reading as well.

 

[L.Cole]

Thanks. I cleaned the battery terminals good this morning. Haven't had a chance to test the system again. I did get the courtesy lights, and the fish finder working. Thought I had the nav lights working, but keep throwing the breaker switch for the lights.


I found one other issue: The sound on the radio was very poor quality. When I jiggled the wires beneath the concole, the sound came on full blast. What gives??

LC

 

[ahicks]

I'm betting that if you look, you're going to run into some creative wiring, and/or connections.