knot meter & running lights

[karen23karen]

Hi, <br /><br />When I run my knot meter & running lights together - the knot meter stops working! It only happens with this combination. I was told that maybe the problem was my battery - I checked it with a volt meter & it was running very low.<br />Thinking that my old battery was the problem - I purchased a new Optima Blue Top D34M. The problem is still occurring!<br /><br />I'm wondering if there is a short or would this happen if wires were exposed...actually those are pure guesses on my part! <br /><br />Thanks for the help in advance! <br /><br />Karen

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: knot meter & running lights

You'll have to follow the wires from the hourmeter back to see how they are wired in, is this a factory installed meter or an add on?

 

[karen23karen]

Re: knot meter & running lights

It was factory installed. I didn't have this problem last year - just started when I got the boat back in the water.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: knot meter & running lights

Sounds like either a bad ground or the either of the battery cables is not clean and tight. If you use wing nuts -- lose them. Replace with a star washer (internal or external tooth stainless) and a stainless nut that you can actually tighten. Shorts blow fuses or trip breakers. Bad connections, especially grounds, cause weird things to occur.