Bayliner Ignition Switch Replacement and Access

[nazmen1]

My issue is with the ignition switch of my 1998 Bayliner 1850 SS Capri. The switch operates intermittently in the start position. It is the original ignition switch, I need to change it.

On many boats the ignition switch is accessible by removing the dashboard face plate and easily installing a new switch from the back of the face plate. The face plate on my Bayliner is a solid molded piece.

On my Bayliner the only access I can see is through the back of the starboard bow seat. The seat flips up and through the hole behind it you can access the back of the instrument panel, the access hole is around 18 inches by 18 inches. The gauges while not the easiest to get to are reachable. The ignition switch however is about 4 feet in and not reachable by a normal sized adult.

My question is this the only access or is there a special dealer tool or combination of removing parts of the dash and/or other pieces from the front to allow the access or finding a horse jockey with some technical skills to get through the access hole and remove and replace 3 screws holding the wires in place along with the switch.

In the attached photos you can see the ignition switch and starboard bow seat

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GA_Boater]

Is the bottom of the dash closed? Stick your phone under it and take a picture.

 

[nazmen1]

You thought was a good one. Here is a photo from the underside. The bottom is a piece of 1/2 inch plywood covered with blue carpet.

My replacement ignition switch is on order.

I removed a couple of the screws holding the surrounding pieces of molding and while I didn't get the plywood out I will try to do that when switch arrives.

Worst case I will have to cut and remove a piece of the plywood large enough (probably 5 inches by 4 inches) to access the switch. I can then re-secure the plywood with some small brackets.

 

[GA_Boater]

I think you can figure out how to remove the carpeted cover without cutting it. Practice laying your back and working over your head. :smile:

 

[Scott Danforth]

there are screws holding the carpeted panel in place. find the screw heads and remove the screws

 

[Bondo]

My issue is with the ignition switch of my 1998 Bayliner 1850 SS Capri. The switch operates intermittently in the start position. It is the original ignition switch, I need to change it.

Ayuh,...... Was it diagnosed, 'n proven to be the problem, or is this just a guess that it's the problem,..??

How was it diagnosed,..??