Helo again switchs

[Charlie61]

Hi
Well nothing works ligths, pumps,runing ligths. I have a 1983 astroglass 17.5 boat and the wiring is totaled. I have 4 switchs can only read. Ican only read one switch on right side but the lights do not can someone please tell me the other if you can
One's again thanks for all the great help
Charlie

 

[vogelfish]

Re: Helo again switchs

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say don't try to fix this yourself - get some on-site help. Electrical issues and not difficult if you understand the basic concepts and think it through... but if you believe "the wiring is totaled" you probably should have someone with experience look at it for you.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Helo again switchs

The switch on the right is for the NAV/ANC (Navigation/Anchor) lights. In the up (NAV) position both the bow light and stern lights should be on. In the center both are off and in the down position only the ANC (anchor) light at the stern is on. That light is only on when the boat is anchored (not moving). The switch second from the right is an ACC (accessory) light and may control the panel light in the center. It may also be just a separate switch that owners can use as they wish. Sometimes they are wired, sometimes not. The second switch from the LEFT is for the livewell aerator pump. Can't read the label for the switch on the far left. If you are not electrically savy, you need to look at this diagram for a simple circuit and follow the arrows. That's the way current flows for any device.

Here is a diagram for the NAV lights using a six terminal switch.

And here is one using a three terminal switch

 

[Charlie61]

Re: Helo again switchs

to Vogelfish
thank, but I supplied power for a missile base 1969 on the DMV in Korea with less an a handful of tools for over a year. I just need to know what the switches are for the wiring has been changed and is not hooked up right by the color code.

 

[Charlie61]

Re: Helo again switchs

thanks you help alot like to know what that 4th switch was used for none of the switch are hooked up right thank again

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Helo again switchs

Determining what that last switch is for is really quite simple. You know what the other three are for so there must be one more accessory in the boat. Follow the wire from that switch to see where it goes. If it's disconnected that makes the search a little harder but I would be looking for a bilge pump, some interior lights, etc. Electricity doesn't care what color the wires are so follow the wires.

 

[M9.9]

Re: Helo again switchs

Sometimes it's better to just start over. Trace from the equipment, re-wire, fuse, solder and test. I can't count the time spent trying to locate a wiring problem only to spend hours tracing before just rewiring the whole line, or replacing a OEM harness. Good luck.

 

[Charlie61]

Re: Helo again switchs

I think you nail it, guess I'll getting old
thank's

 

[Charlie61]

Re: Helo again switchs

yes i think I'll do just that I'm also doing to replace switch and think I'll add an amp,meter . It's so great to get help like this am saveing so much money in labor and parts, I only get a small VA pension. I've been working in this boat four month I got it from boat angle for $235.00 when I'm done it's going to run like new

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Helo again switchs

You definitely do not want to add an AMP meter (called an ammeter). Amps and volts are two different measures. You want to add a VOLTMETER and the two are wired in very different ways. A voltmeter tells you what the electrical system voltage is. An ammeter tells you what the current draw in the system is. It tells you nothing about the health of the battery. If you are going to replace switches and wiring draw yourself a diagram and follow it carefully or you will likely end up with the same mess you have now. That process starts with determining what items you have on the boat that you need to control. Then draw the harness and add the switches. If you don't have a fuse or circuit breaker panel you should add one. There is a generic boat wiring diagram in the stickies at the top of this forum (not the top of this page). It shows gauges but you simiply ignore what you will not use.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Helo again switchs

yes i think I'll do just that I'm also doing to replace switch and think I'll add an amp,meter . It's so great to get help like this am saveing so much money in labor and parts, I only get a small VA pension. I've been working in this boat four month I got it from boat angle for $235.00 when I'm done it's going to run like new

Ayuh,... Like Silvertip says, Ya want a Voltmeter, Not an Amp gauge....

 

[M9.9]

Re: Helo again switchs

Geez, that's a nice looking boat, especially for the price!