Power to gauges, but they do not operate

[Ken Barber]

1989 Center Console with intermittent problems where the power to all the gauges and accessories does not work. Frequently I shook some cables under console and got it to operate. Today I checked with a meter and there is power to the fuse panel and all the accessories including gauges, radio and GPS, but none are coming on? 12 volts is flowing to every one. What is the next step for me to check?

Thanks

Ken

 

[seabob4]

Re: Power to gauges, but they do not operate

Your gauges are fed by the engine harness, the accessories are fed by the hull/deck harness. The only thing in common, and could cause both to quit, is the ground...that's where I would start...

 

[Ken Barber]

Re: Power to gauges, but they do not operate

seabob

I am very new at electrical troubleshooting. How do you find the ground?

Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Power to gauges, but they do not operate

Go to the very top of this forum and look at the thread titled "Generic Boat Wiring Diagram". Study it carefully. You will see that every gauge requires +12 volts and ground to operate. Gauges also require a "send" signal which is what the gauge is sensing. Since all gauges are inoperative, that says either +12 volts OR ground is missing. You found +12-volts on the gauges, ground is the "-" sign or ground symbol next to the terminal. Each +12 volts and ground connects to the first gauge in the string and is then jumpered from that gauge to the next, then the next and so on. Since all gauges are dead, and you are certain they all have 12 volts on them, then ground must be missing from the first gauge in the string.