Running light wiring probblem

[Marcus E]

I turned on the running light and smelled "burning". After pullin off the panel I was able to isolate the smell coming from the Running light switch. Turned the rocker on again and saw smoke coming from a group of wires running behind the swicthes. I'm still convinced its the Running light switch, however wondering if it's a bad switch or bad wirining leading to the switch. Any experience with an issue ike this?

 

[Kay Lee]

You either have a bad switch, a shorted wire, a shorted lamp socket, or a shorted bulb. Explaining how to troubleshoot something like this isn't easy. You either have to be proficient with an ohmmeter to troubleshoot unpowered wiring or you can use a DC voltmeter or 12VDC test light to troubleshoot the circuit live. Which are you most confortable using?

 

[JerryS]

It could be that the insulation has rubbed off of a wire and it is shorting. You just have to start hunting, there is no easy answer to your question.
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[Marcus E]

Thanks. I'm not comfortable with electrical stuff. I'll likely get the mechanic at the marina to trouble shoot the problem. I hate paying the rate, however I don't want to create more problems by digging into something I don't understand.

 

[Peter Norwood]

I have a problem with running light wiring from the panel to the front of the boat.

Anyone know how to see the harness on the way too the front by removing a panel?