manual pump out switch problem

[biglewmo]

My boat is a skeeter zx 202 1999 model. I bought the boat used a couple of years ago. The problem is My pump out switches will not come on unless I plug a power source into the cigerette light power plug socket. The pump outs will come on when I plug something in and when I unplug the power source the pump outs also quit working. I think these manual pump outs must be for pumping out the live wells because if I am out in a heavy rain the boat pumps out water automatically? I would appreciate any help anyone could share. Thank you

 

[pvanv]

Re: manual pump out switch problem

Verify power source to the switches. Might be as simple as a burnt fuse.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: manual pump out switch problem

It is not a fuse issue. If the fuse is blown the device wouldn't work regardless where power came from. You do have a wiring problem however and it is very likely the power feed going to the switches AND the power plug. In other words, power is not being fed to the switches. Question for you though! You've had this boat for two years and you haven't figured out what the pump out switches do? How do the livewells get filled? How have you been emptying them?

 

[biglewmo]

Re: manual pump out switch problem

I dont have a problem filling my live wells up or emptying them. I have live well pumps that fill them up and have livewell control switches that allows you to empty, recirculate,or keep the water in with a timer to recirculate the water. Like I said I have fished for two years with this boat and not used the manual pump outs, I didnt even know what they were for until I plugged in a small air pump and the pump outs kicked on. A fishing buddy said they were probally used for pumping out livewells after a tournament to fill the weigh in bags. I have been letting the water out of the live well by realeasing the livewell empty switch which releases the water in the back beside the boat plug. I dont know if the previous owner had messed with the wiring or switch and caused the problem but I would like to find and solution so I could use the pump outs if needed.

 

[pvanv]

Re: manual pump out switch problem

I suggested that if the 12v outlet and the switches are on the same circuit, and the circuit is not being fed (as in a blown fuse), then supplying power to the 12v outlet would activate the entire circuit.

So yes, it is a source issue, possibly either a broken/corroded/misconnected wire or a bum fuse/holder.

 

[biglewmo]

Re: manual pump out switch problem

the pump out switches and the power plug are wired off the same harness. I tried switching some of the wires and blew the fuse twice so I quit and wired it back to the way it was. the switches will work if I plug the pump into the power plug. How would you suggest I find how to get the switches to work without having to plug in to the power plug.

 

[pvanv]

Re: manual pump out switch problem

Short of being on site and looking through your wiring, it's pretty difficult to do any more diagnosis here. Do you have a local person who is versed in boat DC systems? If not, maybe a competent marine electrician can help you.

Altering the wiring at random, with resultant blown fuses isn't really the best approach to this. It would be much better to proceed in a straightforward and systematic fashion.

 

[biglewmo]

Re: manual pump out switch problem

thanks for the information. I will haft to get someone to look at it.