running light issue

[duckmaster1]

I am having problems getting my running lights , both front and back are not working, I do not know if it is the switch, but everything else on the panel works.
The switch is a 3 prong, and has a diode pluged in, I can not remember how it was located on the prongs, but I guess the 3 prong is because you have both front and rear lights hooked up to the switch. I just can't get them to work. It is on a 2004 G3 aluminum boat.
any suggestions.
Thanks

 

[Skiwi]

Re: running light issue

More info please:

Were they running previously and have stopped, or is this a new install you can't get running?

The earth is usually a common point for both sets of lights and/or the switch so check your grounding.

Grab a multimeter and check you have volts to battery side of the switch, then check the other side of the switch while operating the switch it should have none when off and about 12 when on.

If it is an existing install, check all connections for corrosion and tightness.

Post results here so we can figure out the next step.

 

[Don S]

Re: running light issue

Have you checked the fuse?
With a meter or a test light, make sure you have power to the switch.

A picture of your switch showing the prongs and diode is going to be necessary. There are to many styles of switches and contacts to guess at.

 

[duckmaster1]

Re: running light issue

Ok,
I will try the meter, when I tried it yesterday , I have 3 wires that go to the switch, I found the hot wire, but I have attached the diode that was on it, why should there be a diode, and I forgot how the were attached when I took off my switch. I think my middle prong is the hot wire prong, replaced the light bulb in the rear light pole.
Hope this helps some on what I have for my boat. I have replaced the 5 amp fuses.
Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: running light issue

Here ya go! Break out the voltmeter otherwise you just chase your tail (if you had one).

 

[duckmaster1]

Re: running light issue

OK,
I checked out some things with my meter reader, in the process, I broke the diode, but during the process, with everything hooke up and power on, the front light is getting electricity, and the rear is not.
So, would'nt the front work regardless, or should I change the bulbs in it also?

Where do I get a diode like the one in the picture in previous post for my switch?

Thanks

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: running light issue

sounds like your about there.

If your getting 12 volts up front your switch, and wires are ***ok. switch to ohms and test your bulb. If it is ok clean up the socket.

Go to stern and check for the same thing. you might need to switch to anchor light.

If you cant find the diode at a boat place or radio shack buy a new switch that does not need one.


note** once in a great while the switch can pass 12 volts but not carry any load.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: running light issue

If you haven't checked the bulb, it should have been the first thing to check. The diode can be obtained at any Radio Shack store. It is a simple diode that can handle 12 volts or more reverse voltage. Should be less than a buck. You will need to add spade terminals to the leads but don't get the diode too hot or you will need to go back to get another.

Understand also that the On-Off-On switch serves two functions. Off obviously turns off both the bow and stern lights. NAV turns on both lights. Anchor turns on only the stern light which is where the diode enters the picture. It prevents voltage going to the bow light.

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: running light issue

Understand also that the On-Off-On switch serves two functions. Off obviously turns off both the bow and stern lights. NAV turns on both lights. Anchor turns on only the stern light which is where the diode enters the picture. It prevents voltage going to the bow light.

This is the reason for the diode, your anchor light serves 2 purposes, both for anchoring and for running. The diode (correct me if I'm wrong) blocks current from going to your front red/green when the switch is powering the 360deg all around white light for anchoring.

 

[fish_on_the_deck]

Re: running light issue

The diode (correct me if I'm wrong) blocks current from going to your front red/green when the switch is powering the 360deg all around white light for anchoring.

You're right... diodes are the check valves of the elecrical world. current can pass only one direction. So it does matter which direction they are facing. The line on the diode is the side that the current should flow OUT of.

Make sure you get one that can handle the forward bias current your looking at... 5A or so? AND a high enough reverse bias breakdown voltage... 16V or so I'd say.

 

[duckmaster1]

Re: running light issue

OK,
Thanks for all the info you guys have given me, it was a bad diode and switch.
Now the question is, do I get a 2 prong switch, and wire the front red/green light with the rear tall light, so when I switch them on, they both come on when I am runing my boat in the dark, or keep them seperate on a 3 way on/off/on switch. I have to check my regs, but I think I have to have them both on when running in the dark unless someone corrects me. I am a duck hunter, but still we go fishing on the lakes and I want to stay legal.
But I really appreciate everyone's help, I am a fool when it comes to electrical, but you guys taught me a lot on here, THANK YOU!
any help on the switch thing, some guys at work said to just wire both together or do not run the diode, I really do not know where to find the electric prongs that would allow me to hook up both to a diode.
Thanks

 

[duckmaster1]

Re: running light issue

does anyone know where I can get a setup like the diode that is shown, I am lost on where to look for these things electrical, I really do not know where to get anything.
Any help would be great.

Thank You

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: running light issue

Just stop by a boating supply store and tell them you need a light switch to control running and anchor light.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: running light issue

You need an ON-OFF-ON switch. You cannot control the bow and stern lights properly with a simple on-off (two prong) switch. Remember -- under way BOTH lights need to be on. At anchor -- only the stern light must be on. If you are beached or at the dock you don't need any lights. But on the water you must comply with the requirements. That requires a switch setup as I show in my diagram. Any Radio Shack store has the diode and the switch you need. Add the spade or ring terminals to the diode. You can get those at Radio Shack as well. Buying anything at a boat dealer will cost you an arm and a leg. Switch = $2.50, diode = $1.00, terminals = $.99

 

[jhebert]

Re: running light issue

I recommend against using any sort of steering diode arrangement in wiring the navigation lamps. There will be a voltage drop across the diode. The reduced voltage fed to the navigation lamp will reduce its light output. Instead, use a two pole switch.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: running light issue

I give up

 

[Silvertip]

Re: running light issue

The diode is used as a block -- not a conducting device so it has nothing to do with light intensity. Besides, check the back side of most Nav/Anc switches and you will find a diode. On a three position, center off switch with three contacts that's the ONLY way you will get it to work properly. Read what the note says in the diagram.

 

[duckmaster1]

Re: running light issue

The only thing I can say is, YOU GUYS ROCK!, radio shack did not have anything I needed, so they directed me towards an electrical supply place and they had everything I needed, I got an extra diode, and the piggyback terminals, I got extra of them, they had the crimp type, so I went with those and got extras.
with the diagram that Silvertip gave me, I got eveything working just like said, up pos. both on, down pos just the rear light working, at first I had the diode going the wrong direction, so I had to look at the diagram again, and switched them, and Bingo, everything works.
You guys are great, saved a guy like me a ton of money, I was ready to go and have someone do it for me, but I am glad you guys walked me through this.
Thanks Again to everyone on this, I can honestly say that I could not have done it without you guys!

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Silvertip]

Re: running light issue

Glad you have it fixed. We do get lucky once in awhile.

 

[jhebert]

Re: running light issue

The diode is used as a block -- not a conducting device so it has nothing to do with light intensity. Besides, check the back side of most Nav/Anc switches and you will find a diode. On a three position, center off switch with three contacts that's the ONLY way you will get it to work properly. Read what the note says in the diagram.

This is completely nonsense. In the circuit shown, the lamp called "Anchor light" will receive current via the diode when the switch is in the position called "Navigate." There will be a voltage drop across the diode and the lamp will receive lower voltage, thus burning at reduced intensity. This is fundamental electricity. I am afraid there is no argument about this. You either understand electricity or you don't.