Illuminated Switch troubles...

[jasoutside]

OK, so I am having trouble with these illuminated switches...

I've actually made the correct connections with my accessories (bilge pump, nav lights) but the illuminated tip of the switch has me stumped.

The lowest one in that photo ^^^ is for my bilge, on/off. It's always lit.

The other two switches are on/off/on. The middle one I have been attempting to get working and like I said, nav lighting is aok. But, switch itself doesn't light at all. I have tried all sorts of stuff but I'll not bore you with the details.

So, simple question...

How do I correctly wire this switch for NAV lights?

(the "red/red/red" is what is stamped on the bottom there, nothing on the top)

Thanks in advance fellas!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

If you are looking to get the switch to light, try a positive wire to terminal C. Most lighted switches require a 12v+ lead to the switch itself.

PS...it is missing a terminal in the center, on the bottom. Here is the proper way to wire a NAV lights switch:

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

If you are looking to get the switch to light, try a positive wire to terminal C. Most lighted switches require a 12v+ lead to the switch itself.

Yah, I had a + lead coming from the fuse block to "C" and the rest wired up like you have in the diagram there. Except, I did try with (and without) a grounded wire from the empty terminal to the ground on the fusee block.

Head scratcher.

PS...it is missing a terminal in the center, on the bottom.

Huh, I wouldn't think the missing terminal is the issue. That was actually the setup used from the factory on the switch panel I pulled this off of.

Either that, or the switch light has to be dead. Which, if that were the case, than both of my on/off/on switch lights would be dead then. That seems unlikely too.

Hmmmmm....



Thanks for chipping in fireman!

 

[Don S]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

Huh, I wouldn't think the missing terminal is the issue. That was actually the setup used from the factory on the switch panel I pulled this off of.

It could affect how the switch works, with the switch in the off position, using your ohm meter, see if you show continuity between terminals A and B. Then check between D and E.
If they show they are connected, then you can not use it as shown in firemans diagram without installing a diode.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

It could affect how the switch works, with the switch in the off position, using your ohm meter, see if you show continuity between terminals A and B. Then check between D and E.
If they show they are connected, then you can not use it as shown in firemans diagram without installing a diode.

Ok I can give that a shot.

________________________

Random thought but I don't think would make a difference...

These originally came with the push button reset deals but I am now using a fuse block. Here is what I pulled those switches off of...

Diodes, eh?

Dunno, just thinking out loud here.

Edit: Oh man, those clear tubes back there are housing diodes aren't they?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

Actually, unlike non-lighted ones, lighted switches require a negative battery feed to complete the lighting circuit.

 

[zopperman]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

Actually, unlike non-lighted ones, lighted switches require a negative battery feed to complete the lighting circuit.

Didn't Jas say he tried grounding the switch?

I have a 3 pole switch in my truck that take 12+ in (acc & light) 12- (light) and 12+ out (acc)

 

[NYBo]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

Didn't Jas say he tried grounding the switch?

Yes, but the key is figuring out the correct terminal for the ground. I didn't make that clear.

I have a 3 pole switch in my truck that take 12+ in (acc & light) 12- (light) and 12+ out (acc)

Precisely!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

Well, this morning I tried just about all the combos I could think of (logical and illogical, grounding included) and couldn't get it figured. I can get the nav/anchor light working just fine but the switch light, not so much. Clearly outside of my skill level, or, a bad switch all together I suppose. Either way, I'm done playing with these switches so I'll just be going with something plane jane. Which really, I should have done at the outset.

All good, thanks for your assistance guys. Cheers!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Illuminated Switch troubles...

A standard lighted switch requires a 12v- ground to a separate terminal, but the 6 pole switch he posted is missing the 12v+ terminal for the cross over feed.