electrical power problem

[lee westermann]

Hello, I have a 2003 Grady-White 208.I have tested batteries, have power to and from battery selector and to main cable but not to ignition. There are two fuses in the battery compartment, one 7.5 amp and one 10 amp which are ok. Are the batteries fused separately? or is there a blown fuse keeping power from the ignition that I don't know about? If there is I can't find it. Help. Thanks, Lee

 

[seabob4]

Re: electrical power problem

Assuming you have a Yam, you should see 12V on the yellow wire beneath the helm. There is a black fuse holder in that wire, as well as in the red wire. Check them both...

 

[lee westermann]

Re: electrical power problem

Thanks for your quick reply, still don't see fuses. I pulled out the ignition and looked up under the dash but can find no fuses. What gauge wires should I be looking for and am I looking in the right place? Thanks, Lee, the electrical wizard.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: electrical power problem

Depending on whether you have an outboard or I/O power, the engine harness (the ignition circuit and instruments) is protected with a fuse or breaker in the engine bay or under the engine cover. Another clue is if the trim doesn't work that fuse or breaker is the problem.

 

[lee westermann]

Re: electrical power problem

Thanks Silvertip, I found that fuse it says main/trim tabs. It was fine but I changed it with a spare anyway. I checked all the other fuses in that fuse box. With ignition on there is power to that fuse but trim doesn't respond or anything else. At this rate I will learn a lot about Yam's electrical system but I sure wish my boat would start. Lee

 

[dingbat]

Re: electrical power problem

You have a 40 amp circuit breaker on the line feeding the helm distribution box. The breaker is mounted on the transom, right behind the battery.

Check to makes sure the safety switch isn't actuated

 

[lee westermann]

Re: electrical power problem

Thanks for responding, I can find no distribution box on the transom, I have power to and from the reset . There are two small fuses on the transom ie. 7.5 and 10 amp, the 7.5 was blown so I replaced it.
I think you are on the right track with a fuse going to the ignition but I can't find it. If it was a snake it probably would have bitten me by now. Lee

 

[dingbat]

Re: electrical power problem

The main power distribution panel is at the helm.

The two small fuses you found in the back are for the bilge pump and float switch. Do you have power to the gauges?

You should have a fuse on the motor that feeds the ignition switch, etc. Pull the cowl and take a look around. Don?t know where it is on a Yammi. I run a Rude. On the Rude, the main power fuse is on the port side of the motor, right by the starter relay.

 

[seabob4]

Re: electrical power problem

You guys have to keep in mind, the engine electricals and the boats electricals are independent of each other save for a common ground. On a Yamaha powered boat, there will be 2 fuses under the helm, one in the yellow wire, one in the red. On the powerhead, there will be additional fuses, they should be in a fuse block with a cover identifying which fuse is which.

The 40A main, the fuse holders in the bilge have nothing to do with the motor. See the 2 black fuse holders up by the binnacle in this pic? That's what you'll find under your helm...

 

[lee westermann]

Re: electrical power problem

Thanks guys for all your suggestions. I removed the panel under the helm,cut lots of zip ties and examined the wires. I still found no inline fuses. I saw some wiring behind the batteries and took out #2 to take a better look and found nothing in the way of fuses. While the battery was out I selected #1 for the heck of it and darned if the engine didn't fire and wipers, horn etc worked. I have no idea what happened. If #2 was shorted and acted like a fuse then why didn,t #1 or "both" work on the selector switch? Don't think I'll quit my job and become a marine electriction. #2 battery still lights up my tester. I'll take it to get it checked but will replace it anyway.
Thanks again, might just take up sailing. Lee