Nav light not working?

[Tims 1]

New to the forum and boats.
My nav light and anchor light aren't working. Recently purchased the boat and trailer. The boat is a '93 crownline 196 BR. THe switch is a 3 way. The panel light works in both Nav and anchor positions but light don't. I've checked the nav socket and it has 14 v reading. Replaced bulb and still nothing...
Could be the switch? Or ground? Suggestions?

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Nav light not working?

OK, is the nav light removable? If so I would clean all contacts, rubbing alcoholand a Q-Tip can be used. Also, verify the bulb and that it is a 12v dc bulb. Verify that if it is a 12v dc bulb it is the correct one, since you were able to test the 14 vdc to the socket I will assume that you have a multi-meter. Move the meter to the ohms checker and test the connections at the base of the light bulb. There should be enough metal there to place each end of the separate probes on. If you have a reading of less than 1 ohm, it is good, if it is all over the place and more than 20 ohms, it is dirty, and if it is like it is not even connected then it is open and it is a bad bulb or the wrong bulb not making a proper connection.
I would think it is not a ground issue since you were able to test the 14vdc. Unless it relates to the plug and either the (+) positive or the (-) negative disconnects with pressure applied.

 

[jhebert]

Re: Nav light not working?

New to the forum and boats.
My nav light and anchor light aren't working.

You are in luck. Electricity works the same way on boats as it does elsewhere. The navigation lamp circuit is extremely simple. There is a source of electrical power, the battery, a way to control the power, the switch, and a load that absorbs the power, the lamp. These three circuit elements are connected by copper wire, and there is probably a fuse somewhere in the positive portion of the circuit. Just check the three circuit elements: battery, switch, and lamp, and all the connecting wiring. To find the problem should be simple.

Boat electrical wiring, if done properly, follows its own color coding for the conductor insulation. For some guidance on color codes, see

Classic Whaler: Boston Whaler: Reference: Wire Color Code

In the case of the navigation lamp circuit, the power should be supplied on a RED conductor to the switch from the battery positive. From the switch a GRAY conductor should run to the lamp. From the lamp a BLACK conductor or a BLACK with GRAY stripe conductor should return to the battery negative.

However, boats are notorious for being badly wired and mangled by their owners, so there is really no guarantee that a wire color can be used as a certain identification. On a 20-year-old boat, you might find anything in the electrical wiring.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Nav light not working?

Since both the bow and stern lights don't work, you might concentrate on a +12 volt "supply" issue. +12 volts feeds the switch. If it is not present then neither light will work. But I think you said the light inside the switch works so that says there is power to the switch. Verify (test) the lines on the switch that feed the lights. In the NAV position both lights should have power. In the ANC position only the stern light would have power. And just so you know, you cannot measure 14 volts from a 12 volt battery with the engine off. Static voltage on a 12 volt battery is 12.6 volts (2.1 volts per cell of which the battery has six).

 

['78 Crusader]

Re: Nav light not working?

Since both the bow and stern lights don't work, you might concentrate on a +12 volt "supply" issue. +12 volts feeds the switch. If it is not present then neither light will work. But I think you said the light inside the switch works so that says there is power to the switch. Verify (test) the lines on the switch that feed the lights. In the NAV position both lights should have power. In the ANC position only the stern light would have power. And just so you know, you cannot measure 14 volts from a 12 volt battery with the engine off. Static voltage on a 12 volt battery is 12.6 volts (2.1 volts per cell of which the battery has six).

My advice too!!!!