Stern light SLOW to come on

[26aftcab454]

Stern light is slow to come on- it is flush mounted on the top of the transom and runs on it's own switch- when I first flip the switch it takes 2-3 min to light up.- sometimes tapping on it works- before I start digging into anyone have suggestions? I go out after dark and do not want to get caught with no light!- any ideas are appreciated!
-Joe

 

[180shabah]

Re: Stern light SLOW to come on

You have a wiring problem, or a bulb issue.

Replace the bulb first, then start tracing wires till you find the open.

 

[seabob4]

Re: Stern light SLOW to come on

The tapping is a dead giveaway...you have poor contact between the sockets in the stern light base and the pins in the stern light itself. Is this an original installation from WC?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Stern light SLOW to come on

Once the light comes on, does it stay on without flickering? If so, I'd guess it's a problem internal to the switch. I suggest you take the wires from the back of the switch and connect them directly to each other; if the light comes on right away then you've isolated the problem.

If the stern light switch is the same as others in your panel you can try swapping it out with another switch to see if anything changes.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Stern light SLOW to come on

Thanks for the ideas- I just wanted someone else to confirm some of my ideas- -THANK YOU !!!- I'm sure some here have had this happen before and hope to gain from your experiance!

180- yeah -thats what I gonna do.

seabod4- yes- I'm gonna open up & clean /sand the socket- since 1984 for all I know!

Debreskin- it stays on-for now

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Stern light SLOW to come on

just replace the socket..... skip the clean and sand.... I need to replace the same light on my welly

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Stern light SLOW to come on

thanks Kevin