Amberjack Toggle Switch Problem

[Drdestructo]

I just replaced all the helm toggle switches in my 2009 Amberjack 290. The cockpit light switch is a center off momentary switch that can be operated either direction. Wiring in the manual only shows a simple switch, not a momentary DPDT switch. Is there a relay somewhere that latches the power? New and old switch both operate the same. I'm getting lights on when held one way and nothing when held the other way. Not sure how it's supposed to work and not sure if there is a relay somewhere keeping it from working properly.

Anyone familar with how it should work? Anyone know if there is a relay somewhere?

 

[Lazy Daze]

There will not be any relay. Only a simple fuse. However, it should not be a "momentary" switch. A momentary switch means you have to hold it on. It should click on and stay on. Unless the switch is used to control two different circuits (which I don't believe it does), it should just be a simple on/off switch for the cockpit lights. Since the lights seem to be working, it sounds like you just have the wrong switch in there. Unless you add wires, you can't fully connect SPST wiring to a DPDT switch - not enough wires to do so.

 

[Drdestructo]

There will not be any relay. Only a simple fuse. However, it should not be a "momentary" switch. A momentary switch means you have to hold it on. It should click on and stay on. Unless the switch is used to control two different circuits (which I don't believe it does), it should just be a simple on/off switch for the cockpit lights. Since the lights seem to be working, it sounds like you just have the wrong switch in there. Unless you add wires, you can't fully connect SPST wiring to a DPDT switch - not enough wires to do so.

I know what you are saying but the switch is the original and the parts manual even shows a DPDT switch. There was another on here with the same issue a couple years ago and there was never a resolution in the forum. I've reached out to him in a PM but haven't heard back.

If it was just going to be a straight ON-OFF switch, there wouldn't need so many wires on the switch. It also has some function regarding the cabin stair light and switch at cabin entry. I need someone to share what they have and how it is supposed to operate. From there, maybe we can find the missing link.

Russ

 

[Lazy Daze]

Wait, I'm confused. You said the wiring showed a single throw in your first post, but now you're seeing a dual throw in the parts?

Let's do it this way... how may wires were connected to the switch that was originally there (keep in mind, this may not be "original" original... could have been changed by a previous owner)? If there are a whole bunch of wires (maybe 6-ish), that's a DPDT, which means it's controlling more than one circuit.

Can you get all of the (proper) lights to come on? If so, everything is correct. If not, either the switch is bad... you rewired it wrong... or something is wrong with the circuit.

Either way, a momentary switch is wrong.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Oh... what does your wiring diagram show in regards to those other lights, especially the cabin step? It "shouldn't" have anything to do with your actual cabin lights. In your diagram, trace out the circuit/circuits that are controlled by the switch.

 

[Drdestructo]

Wiring diagram shows a spst switch. Original switch is a DPDT spring loaded to center. Replacement from Flounder Pounder is also a DPDT, spring loaded. I know it doesn't sound like the right switch but I think it is. Even if it weren't spring loaded to center, why would there be another position?

As for the step lights, they are tied in on the wiring diagram. Also the live well and transom locker light.

I think the second side of the switch is used to light the switch tip when the switch is positioned out of center.

When I get back to the boat, I'll try to get all the wire numbers and see whats what. Also, if anyone with a toggle switch paneled helm could chime in that would be great.

 

[Bt Doctur]

No lighting circuit will have a momentary switch. If you are trying to get say stairs in one direction and stairs and cabin in the other direction you use a DPDT
Are you using lighted switches ?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Have you had the boat since new? Meaning, are you positive that the momentary switch is original? Heck, maybe it's a normal switch that lost it's "clickiness". Either way, it is wrong to have a momentary switch for cockpit lights - doesn't matter what is currently there. Don't base your thinking on Flounder Pounder - they are just a re-seller.

The second position on the switch is not used to light up the tip. The tip lights up whenever the system it controls is active. In other words, it would light up in BOTH "on" positions.

Being an AJ, there might be more to this than with a DA. Possibly the two positions are for some combination of fwd/aft cockpit lights, livewell light, transom locker light, etc. For example, maybe "up" turns all of the lights on, while "down" turns only the livewell light on. Just spit-balling there, but it sounds reasonable?

 

[Drdestructo]

I may not have been completely clear. One set of contacts of the switch is dealing with the light in the switch. the other side of the switch deals with the lighting control. After your last post, I need to see if maybe one way its cockpit lights and the other is for the live well and that stuff. In that case, I'd agree, it needs to be a non spring loaded switch.

I still believe the switch I'm replacing is original. Corrosion level matches the others. Wiring is factory also. I'll order up a non spring switch and report back.

Cheers

 

[srl]

I have the same problem, I replaced with the one called for and it doesn't work right. I'm going to replace it with a DPDT not momentary. the 2nd position on mine is for a light under the bottom cabin stair, it has to be dark out to see it.