Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

[Bobexton]

I have fully charged batteries, main circuit breaker is not open. Auxillary circuit breakers are not open. I have no power to the ignition switch. All help appreciated.

 

[Grandad]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

Hi Bobexton. Welcome to iBoats. Having no indication of power at a distance from the batteries can be troublesome if you're not somewhat electrically savvy. Firstly, you must have a verified test point as a voltage reference. Getting no voltage between positive and negative points in the dashboard does not indicate which of the two conductors is "open". Once you have verified that all breakers and fuses are intact, as you have apparently done, I would ensure that all of the battery terminals are clean. Take them apart and clean the mating surfaces. If you still have no power, run a temporary wire from the negative battery post to a convenient point near the dash and check for voltage between the positive supply to the ignition switch and the temporary wire. If you have proper voltage, the problem is a poor negative connection in the wiring. If you still don't have voltage, continue to use the temporary wire as a known negative reference point as you check for voltage at each of the positive terminals that you encounter. I don't know your electrical system, but there aren't many points between the battery and your ignition switch that need to be tested. - Grandad

 

[Don S]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

What engine? Be specific.

Power to the ignition switch comes from the engine, and engines of different types and manufacturers have fuses and circuit breakers on them that could be the problem. Without knowing what engine makes it impossible to give specific information on what and where to look.

 

[Bobexton]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

I ran a ground wire from the battery to the dash. I have voltage at all the circuit breakers on the dash (bilge pump, lights, etc.). I do not have voltage at any terminal on the ignition. My engine is a 200 HP Mercury outboard.

 

[Don S]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

Did you check the fuse on the motor? Is it EFI or Carbed?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

Understand that there are two electrical systems on a boat. The pair of #8 or #10 wires running from the battery to the helm are NOT the issue. That circuit feeds all of the accessories EXCEPT the ignition and the instruments. That circuit comes from the engine as Don said. Answer the question about what engine (I/O, inboard, or outboard), year, manufacturer and HP and we can help. Without that info everything is just a guess. But the problem is in the engine harness -- not the boat harness.

 

[Bobexton]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

The boat is a 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250 with a 1997 200 Mercury XL outboard.

 

[Don S]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

Is it efi or carbed, Mercury makes more than one kind of 200 outboard. Actually, to find specific information on the fuse on the engine, we would need the Mercury serial number of the motor.

Your problem is with the motor and the motor wiring, has nothing to do with what kind of boat you have. This is all about the Mercury motor and it's wiring.

EDIT: Some additional information.
Looks like the carbed and EFI may have the same fuse setup. Locate the starter solenoid and follow the wires to the fuse ( e in the picture below). If it's ok, then you have a broken wire, or corroded/loose terminal somewhere in the harness from the motor to the switch.

 

[Bobexton]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It was the fuse on the engine. It's really refreshing to find someone with your knowledge, who is willing to share their knowledge. Thanks again

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

Good stuff to know. Note to self; inspect my outboard for ignition fuses and stock extra in my onboard tool and supply kit!!

Picking up on these things could be a life saver someday!

Thanks Fellas!!

 

[Grandad]

Re: Electrical Problem 1996 Chaparral Sunesta 250

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It was the fuse on the engine. It's really refreshing to find someone with your knowledge, who is willing to share their knowledge. Thanks again

Yer not done yet. You need to find out exactly why the fuse blew. If the terminals at the fuse or the fuse contact itself has a poor connection the fuse will blow again even if you don't overload the fuse with current. If you know or suspect that you shorted something while working near any exposed terminals fed by the fuse, perhaps that was the cause. If not, the replacement fuse may very well blow again, maybe at a critical time such as offshore in a windstorm. If the cause is a damaged wire or poor contact, each time a new fuse blows it creates the likelihood of greater damage. A fuse isn't often faulty or poorly manufactured and most experienced electrical workers agree that breakers are more often prone to failure than fuses. - Grandad