Why don’t my cockpit and navigation lights work ?

C

Captain Jimbo

Member
May 10, 2012
94
Seattle
Boat Info
1997 Sundancer 250
Engines
Mercruiser 5.7L Bravo
For some reason neither lights are working, I’m going to check the fuses on the dashboard but any other suggestions? I also noticed the bilge blower only works on battery power , not on shore power, is that normal? And the speedometer is also not working , any ideas ?
 
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If your D.C. breakers are switched on and the panel switches for the lights are on, the lights should operate when the battery switch is turned on. If not working look for burned out bulbs and loss of continuity. The blowers should work when your battery switch is on regardless of using Shore power or battery power.
 
Not sure where my DC breakers are unless you mean the fuse panel below the dash ... I’m going to check those tomorrow, are those what you meant by the breakers ?
 
It's very easy for the connections to your switches to corrode. I had to unscrew and clean a few of the connections on my boat.
 
sbw1 said:
View attachment 91778 If your D.C. breakers are switched on and the panel switches for the lights are on, the lights should operate when the battery switch is turned on. If not working look for burned out bulbs and loss of continuity. The blowers should work when your battery switch is on regardless of using Shore power or battery power.
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Are most of the dc fuses 15 amp ? I’m not on the boat now and am going shopping
 
HawkX66 said:
It's very easy for the connections to your switches to corrode. I had to unscrew and clean a few of the connections on my boat.
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So, are you talking about the panel switches on the dash ? How do you get to those connections to clean them? Aren’t they up above the fuses under the dash ? I think I need to take all fuses out to get to them, so I might as well change all fuses while I’m at it .
 
Captain Jimbo said:
So, are you talking about the panel switches on the dash ? How do you get to those connections to clean them? Aren’t they up above the fuses under the dash ? I think I need to take all fuses out to get to them, so I might as well change all fuses while I’m at it .
Click to expand...
On mine, there is a panel to the left of the steering wheel. It has small breakers on the bottom and all my DC switches on the top. I removed the panel and unscrewed the switch that was the problem, cleaned and reinstalled it. I actually replaced my trim switch, trim tab switch and my windlass switch.
At some point I'm going to remove all the switches and breakers to paint the panel. That'll be a pretty big project so that'll wait for another day.

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IMG_20200829_122609.jpg
 
HawkX66 said:
On mine, there is a panel to the left of the steering wheel. It has small breakers on the bottom and all my DC switches on the top. I removed the panel and unscrewed the switch that was the problem, cleaned and reinstalled it. I actually replaced my trim switch, trim tab switch and my windlass switch.
At some point I'm going to remove all the switches and breakers to paint the panel. That'll be a pretty big project so that'll wait for another day.
Great idea! Now I see it, with your photo. I have been going behind the fuse panel through the opening in the head wall. I didn’t think about unscrewing the panel from the top, but I will and try cleaning all the connections . I cannot figure out which fuse controls the cockpit lights, they aren’t identified on the fuse panel. Thanks for your help !
View attachment 93121 View attachment 93122
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I have a similar issue in my 2000 amberjack 299. Naviwgatiin lights dont work along with the forward power receptacle in cabin, vent blowers and most of the lights. I am not sure where to look first
 
HawkX66 said:
At some point I'm going to remove all the switches and breakers to paint the panel. That'll be a pretty big project so that'll wait for another day.
Click to expand...

Those switch label cutouts (instead of backlit/engraved labels) also give you the option for a vinyl wrap. A friend of mine wrapped his dash panels for a total cost of $15 and it looks as good as my panels which cost me $600.
 
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