Compartment Lights Not Working

This topic has 10 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 8 months ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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May 24, 2010 at 11:52 pm #437802

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It is either ground or switches. We say check the ground first, then the switches. Short the ground on the switches as they are negative activated (ground) and they often get a loose connection.BCB Admin.

October 13, 2014 at 11:58 pm #365236

Cassbass
Participant

On my 2008 Puma, one by one all of the compartment lights have quit working other than two. I ran a lead from the battery and they are all functional. I can also jump the mercury switch (or whatever it is) and all but one work. It makes me think the switches are bad. I am jumping the switch by unplugging it and grounding the unplugged wire to closest bolt holding the lids on. This makes me think my ground is good.Anybody have any ideas?

October 14, 2014 at 1:18 am #365239

JEH in La
Participant

Cass I would start with a visual inspection of all wiring connections. This especially includes the connections on the hinges. Not much chance of all those switches being bad but there could be a ground connection that is not making good contact or has come loose. The power is connected to each light strip and the ground is connected to each switch. When the lid is lifted, the switch makes continuity and passes the ground through the hinge to the other side of the light strip and your lights come on in that compartment. Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

October 14, 2014 at 1:22 am #365242

Cassbass
Participant

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it and will take a look.Cass

October 14, 2014 at 1:26 am #365245

JEH in La
Participant

Let us know what you find. Good luck.Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

October 14, 2014 at 8:57 pm #365248

Cassbass
Participant

All of the connections to the lights look fine. Any other suggestions? Im not sure if this is related, but when I use my nav/anchor lights, none of my gauges on the left side of the steering wheel (RPM & Trim) work or light up. That has been a problem since Ive owned the boat. Not sure when the compartment lights stopped working.Thanks in advance,CassLast edited by Cassbass on October 15th, 2014, 1:00 am, edited 1 time in total.

October 15, 2014 at 12:25 am #365251

PhilAddison
Participant

compartment lights and gauge lights are on different circuits unless someone has tried to aftermarket something. Your gauges work with key on. I would almost bet on every compartment light not working you have a bad ground. Possible bad mercury switches, but not likely.

October 15, 2014 at 1:02 am #365253

Cassbass
Participant

Thanks Phil. The only thing Ive done is add Lowrance units to the boat. Used one of the ACC switches to control my structure scan box. Every compartment is out except the rod box.

October 15, 2014 at 2:43 am #365257

JEH in La
Participant

Since you said you have additional power problems on your dash, I now think you should take a look at the terminal strip located on the transom. You will have to move the trolling batteries for good access. Then remove the power wire from the starting battery. Now start pulling on each wire looking for loose wires or wires that have pulled loose or corroded. While you are there I would pull the wires and clean the terminals and wire lugs with a small wire brush and then re-install. Pay attention to the power jumper on the strip and make sure this is good connection for sure. This may solve all of your problems. If you have a voltmeter you should check for +12vdc at the light strips. Then you can use the ohms setting to check the switches for proper operation. To do this you will have to disconnect the wires to the switch though. I am trying to include a hand drawn schematic for you of how my compartment lights are wired. Yours should be the same. I seem to be having a problem with the photo for some reason. I’ll keep trying to get that done for you.Let us know if you find the problem. Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

October 15, 2014 at 2:59 am #365259

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Finally got it to work. If you cant see it good enough then go to my profile and you can click onto the picture and it is much larger. Dont laugh at my “CAD drawing”. It works. Everyone should believe in something. I believe Ill just go fishing!

October 15, 2014 at 3:20 am #365262

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

http://JEH-in-La.u.yuku.com/photos/view … D3n42t5mSM
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