Navigation Lights

General Boats and Motors
1

Iknow someone is going to give me grief for this, but here it goes. I did a search and really didn’t find the info I was looking for. My bow navigation lights just stopped working and I have no idea why. I tested the socket for continuity and the multimeter did not move. Just nervous about if I have hit the right problem (I have a new socket, just not sure if I should jump right in and install it). I’m not an electrical genius and not sure how to test the switch…Any tips, hints, or possible physical help anyone can offer is greatly appreciated. Thanks All…

2

Corrosion from salt often causes that problem. Try cleaning your connections on socket and bulb.

“Watch what we do, not what we say.” John Mitchell
Sea Hunt Triton 202
Yammy 150

3

Everything looks good there Stern. Also I purchased a new light…old one broke…

4

Does your message to Stern mean you fixed it?

You can do an easy test to see if your socket or your wires are the problem.

  1. Remove bulb
  2. Turn on lights
  3. Check for ~12 volts across the contacts of your socket
  4. IF ~12 volts, all is good (replace bulb)
  5. If NOT ~12 volts, pull socket
  6. Check for ~12 volts across contacts on back of socket
  7. If you suspect a short circuit somehow in the socket, you can disconnect one wire and check between the wires. You can leave one side attached to the socket. HOWEVER, if you did have a short at the socket, you’d blow a fuse.

You did check your fuse already, right? You can see visually if your fuse is popped, or reseat your breaker if your boat uses breakers.

If you do lose a wire to one of your bow lights, you can always install a green/red combo on the other side until you get the wires fixed. Did that for my old Whaler, and it stayed that way for years until I finally sold her. :slight_smile:

If you get stuck, PM me. I’ll come help you check it out.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
5

had to replace my entire ground block inside the console .
it was 10 years old and it had the worst looking black corrosion all over it .
now everything electrical working

6

JI, I have 10.5 volts at both sides of socket. Also breaker at switch is not popped…???

7

Sent you a PM

8

WD 40 can fix darn near everthing!

9

Ok, Anchor light is now working in Nav light setting, but forward red/green still not. I replaced the socket as well…Guess time to replace a switch???