Nav Lights working some of the time!!!

[MariahShabah3.0]

1996 Mariah Shabah. I recently purchased this boat and have been extremely pleased with its performance. However, The navigation lights only work from time to time. When I jiggle the wiring in the back of the switch, the lights sometimes turn on and sometimes do not. There is no flicker when I do this though so I'm guessing the wiring is OK. Can it be a faulty switch?
Thanks in advance.

MariahShaba3.0

 

[jtexas]

Re: Nav Lights working some of the time!!!

don't know what a mariah shebah looks like, but it sure sounds cool..... could be a faulty switch. or not. jiggle test isn't always conclusive.

In my experience, 97.8% of all electrical problems on boats can be cured by cleaning and tightening connections. pull the connectors off the switch, make 'em shine (I use a dremel with a stainless steel wire brush), make sure they go back on tight.

Get yourself a 12V test light or better yet, a digital autoranging multimeter - not an expensive one - will come in real handy around the house - set it for continuity and test the switch.

Inspect your fuse panel - corrosion gets in there and causes all kinds of electrical fun & games.

 

[MariahShabah3.0]

Re: Nav Lights working some of the time!!!

Many thanks JTexas. I Didn't even mess with anything prior to posting to get some ideas. As soon as the rain clears, I'll get out there and clean the connections.

MS3.0