Gauge cluster no power

[Fwshaw5]

Hello Everyone,

I bought an 86 StarCraft 16 footer runabout that runs like a top. Only issue is that none of the instrument gauge clusters work. Specifically needing the fuel gauge to work and I replaced the fuel sending unit so that isn’t the issue. My question is, where should I start to diagnose issue? I can’t imagine that all of the instrument gauges are no good so it will probably be an electrical issue I’m sure.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.

use a volt meter and chase the purple wire back until where you find power. usually there is a fuse or circuit breaker that feeds the gauges

 

[Bondo]

Hello Everyone,

I bought an 86 StarCraft 16 footer runabout that runs like a top. Only issue is that none of the instrument gauge clusters work. Specifically needing the fuel gauge to work and I replaced the fuel sending unit so that isn’t the issue. My question is, where should I start to diagnose issue? I can’t imagine that all of the instrument gauges are no good so it will probably be an electrical issue I’m sure.

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... They're powered from the key switch,....

 

[Fwshaw5]

welcome aboard.

use a volt meter and chase the purple wire back until where you find power. usually there is a fuse or circuit breaker that feeds the gauges

I have power coming into and out of the fuse box.

 

[Fwshaw5]

Thanks

 

[Fwshaw5]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,..... They're powered from the key switch,....

I didn’t think of this, so if the key switch isn’t sending a signal to…what I’m not sure. Does anybody know where to find a wiring diagram for an old StarCraft boat?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I didn’t think of this, so if the key switch isn’t sending a signal to…what I’m not sure. Does anybody know where to find a wiring diagram for an old StarCraft boat?

doesnt exist.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have power coming into and out of the fuse box.

so the purple wire to the back of all the gauges has power? if so, they your gauges may be suspect.

the wiring goes battery to key switch. key switch to fuse panel. fuse panel to gauges.

 

[Silvertip]

Because a gauge has +12 to each one does not mean the gauge the gauge should work. If those gauges do not have a corresponding ground connection they won't work either. Very often it is a ground connection issue rather than lack of 12 volts. Here is a generic diagram that should help.