Stern light voltage

[mpb536]

I'm a complete newborn on this so bear with me. I recently purchased a 2008 Yamaha AR230 and just realized the stern light isn't working. I tested with my volt meter and I get 12v if I put the black probe on the battery ground post and the red probe on the hot lead in the stern light socket. However if I put the black probe on the other lead in the socket I get zero volts. My question is, is this normal? My light won't work when plugged in and I even tried a new light and it didn't work. What could be the issue? All other electrical components on the boat are working properly including bow lights.

 

[sam am I]

Yes, it's a normal reading for an open ground at/or to the socket. No, it won't work until you find the open. Chase/follow the ground path from the socket backwards until you find the open. No more "newborn" excuses now.......

 

[mpb536]

Damn auto correct. That was supposed to be newbie. Thanks for the help.

 

[sam am I]

Now that's funny!!! Quite welcome........

 

[MH Hawker]

i would try a test light across the boat side contacts