1987 VIP Victory — no power to helm switch panel

Jstrandt

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Aug 6, 2023
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Just bought a 87 VIP Victory that’s been sitting. Engine turns fine and the out drive is in great shape. When I turn the key none of the switches at the steering wheel work. New battery. The manual says check fuses which I did except for the ignition fuse which I can’t find. Anyone have an idea of where under the dash it’s located. Sorry for the amateur question. I’m a car mechanic not a boat mechanic and this is my first boat.
 

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Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Start with the basics. Clean all the connections

Use a volt meter to find where the voltage stops.

Being a car mechanic that should have been your first thought
 

Jstrandt

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Aug 6, 2023
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Just bought a 87 VIP Victory that’s been sitting. Engine turns fine and the out drive is in great shape. When I turn the key none of the switches at the steering wheel work. New battery. The manual says check fuses which I did except for the ignition fuse which I can’t find. Anyone have an idea of where under the dash it’s located. Sorry for the amateur question. I’m a car mechanic not a boat mechanic and this is my first boat.
Update, I figured out someone replaced the standard console layout with a different model VIP where it has ETA push button breakers so I’m going to replace those and see what happens.
 

Scott Danforth

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I would do some trouble shooting before replacing things
 

Jstrandt

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Aug 6, 2023
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Start with the basics. Clean all the connections

Use a volt meter to find where the voltage stops.

Being a car mechanic that should have been your first thought

It WAS my first thought but if I can’t find the fuse to check power then it would be difficult, wouldn’t it. I solved the issue and updated the thread earlier today. Guess you missed it in your haste to be passive-aggressive.
 

04fxdwgi25

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Mar 25, 2022
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Jstarndt ..... Your manual page is referring to is the power trim and pretty meaningless in this post. That is totally separate from helm power circuit. Helm power is fed from a fuse or circuit breaker at the engine and / or starter. It's an OMC, so I am not certain where.

A meter or even a test light is your best friend when troubleshooting this sort of problem. Just a basic knowledge of how to use and understand a test light's indications is sufficient. Start by connecting the light's wire to bat neg and begin touching the pointy end on the wire connections, Start at the battery and work your way to the helm.

Just a friendly suggestion: You have been a member on here for 2 days and already "passively / aggressively" poo poo'd one of the longtimers on here that actively tries to help and, at times, points out the painfully obvious.. Not a good look if you want input to problems in the future
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Is there power in the red wire at the key switch ... Yes or no
If no, work your way back to the battery and find where you have power

If yes, work your way along the purple wire until you don't have power
 
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