non-working gauges

canoboy1983

canoboy1983

Cadet
Joined
Jun 27, 2009
Messages
24
I have a 89 wellcraft with a 85hp force and the only gauge on the dash that works is the speedo. Where should I start to fix the others? temp, horn, bilge, lights, battery? thanks in advance.
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,762
Re: non-working gauges

There is a diagram (sticky title "Generic Boat Wiring") at the very top of this forum. But since none of the gauges work, +12 volts or ground has been lost to the gauges. Get out the voltmeter. +12 volts to the gauges comes from the "A" (accessory) terminal on the ignition switch. Ground is -- well -- ground wherever you find it. The reason the speedo works is because it is not electric.
 
stylesabu

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
849
Re: non-working gauges

silvertip knows his stuff. as a recent new boat owner{86 sylvan} I have found Iboats most helpful. I found my fuses under engine cover, this harness is where you will find your fuses. these guys will get you the help you need.
 
C

captainbirdseye

Recruit
Joined
Mar 12, 2010
Messages
4
Re: non-working gauges

I had a similar problem, on my cuddy with none of the gauges working, i used a multi meter to try and find the problem but it took me forever sticking my head under the dash, i ended up getting a 12V bulb and soldering a wire to the bottom and side contact of the bulb. As i was working with my head under the dash with not much light, i just connected the negative side to the common ground bar where all the black cables meet so i didnt need to hold it and started to touch all the red cables with the the other wire of my bulb so i could find where i had power quickly when the bulb lit up and give me some extra light to trace the wire.

Sometime technology dosen't win.
 
S

sbklf

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 26, 2006
Messages
190
Re: non-working gauges

Sometimes they use a Molex or that style of a multiple pin connector to allow for easy removal of the entire switch or gauge panel. If you have that you might check all of those connections for oxidation.
 
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