400da Windlass issue .... solenoid probable

[Boat Guy]

I've read about 20 threads and think I've got this narrowed down.

While testing equipment today for functionality I found my windlass was having issues.

It will not stay activated to run.

When I press the dash switch [ Windlass Main ] the light on the switch lights, I hear the solenoid activate. But, once I release the switch the light goes off and the solenoid isn't activated.

If I hold the [ Windlass Main ] switch down and then use the [ Windlass Control ] switch, the windlass is fully operational.

I pulled the panel in the DC switch locker located port side in the cockpit. I checked for wire issues and both fuses on either side of the solenoid. Both fuses are fine.

So, my feeling is the solenoid (image provided) needs to be replaced. I tried cycling the helm switch [ Windlass Main ] several times hoping that if it was some corrosion, it might help getting it to stay in position.

BUT - Here is the interesting thing -------

If I hold the [ Windlass Main ] switch down to the off position (bottom of switch) I can also use the [ Windlass Control ] switch to use the windlass.

So, the windlass works if I hold the [ Windlass Main ] switch either up or down. I would have thought holding the [ Windlass Main ] switch in the down pos. would not have allowed the windlass to work.

I thought pressing the bottom of the [ Windlass Main ] switch would have pulled the plunger down and not allowed it to energize the controls.

Any thoughts I might be missing? Any good source for the solenoid?

The markings on the solenoid list it as:

Intellite
01-00055-000
26896
BD Relay

This is one I found that looks just like it:

http://www.pacificrvparts.com/ProductDetail.asp?PID=41968&RP=Default

 

[peterkvs]

The behavior of your relay is correct. The switch on the dash is a double pole double throw switch wired to reverse polarity on the same pair of wires. These are the wires that go to the coil of the solenoid. The application of power in either polarity moves the plunger in the relay the same way, however the magnetic field direction reverses in the solenoid and there is a magnetic rod in the solenoid that is either pulled into place to lock the solenoid contact together or pushed out of the way to allow the contacts to open. I would guess that your magnetic rod is stuck and is therefore no being pulled into the latch position. Have you tried having someone hold the windlass main switch in the activate position and then tap the relay with a hammer. It might free up the rod in the relay. Another possibility is that you have a bad connection somewhere and you are not getting enough current on the coil to move the magnetic rod into the latch position. You can measure the voltage on both the coil terminals ( small ones) with respect to a good ground and make sure you are getting 12v at each terminal while someone operates the switch.

The relay you shared in the link looks like the correct one to me.

Good luck and let us know what you figure out.

Pete

 

[Boat Guy]

Thanks Peter....Makes sense...

I did try tapping on the solenoid. But, not with someone pressing the switch. I'll try that and probably replace it anyway.

 

[ttmott]

It's a latching solenoid. Looks like the latching feature is no longer working. You may be able to disassemble and fix; probably corrosion which is a problem on this panel with our boats....

This May or may not be it but provides a description

http://http://www.goodboatgear.com/detail/9758/%20Latching%20Solenoid?gclid=CKKNhI-2v7wCFUcV7AodPS4ALw

 

[Boat Guy]

Thanks....

Here is the company site information for contact info and reference:

http://www.intellitec.com/index.php...down_protection/Battery_Disconnects_100A-200A

 

[Carver370]

I just had to replace one on my maxwell windlass last season. Same company, different solenoid. Easy fix, not very expensive either!

 

[Boat Guy]

Follow up info:

I contacted Intellitec 1-800-251-2408 customer service and confirmed it was the correct part. They told me to purchase from Master Tech, inc 800-848-0558. I did, and it arrived in one day. I installed the new relay and the [ Windlass Main ] is now working properly.

All is good....

 

[bahamabreisus]

I love hearing about simple fixes

 

[Prosideus]

I have been having trouble with my main switch as well. I reset the windlass beaker in the cockpit Port side panel and now the main switch light stays on. I cannot get it to turn off and the up down switch does work the anchor. Is it possible that the solenoid is stuck in the ON position?

 

[Boat Guy]

Well, maybe someone will answer you that knows definitively. But, I would say yes, it's possible... It's a pretty easy fix.

 

[Prosideus]

Is the solenoid located behind the electrical panel in the cockpit port side?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Boat Guy]

Yes....If I recall correctly, in a silicone sealed box...All pretty easy to get to.

 

[yobub]

This is an old thread but I'm about to troubleshoot the same problem. '98 400DA. The windlass switch on the dash doesn't activate the windlass. When I press it I hear the solenoid click once but not activate the windlass. The foot buttons on the bow operate the windlass with no issue.

Before I replace the solenoid, does this trigger any other thoughts?