NAV light

[witt20]

Ok, so when I turn my navigation light in during the day, it does not come on at all. When I turn it on at dusk or dark it doesnt come right on, but does within a couple of minutes. I havent traced wiring or anything but wonder if there is a photo cell of some kind. Is this normal??

 

[ajgraz]

Re: NAV light

What does it do in total darkness?

Interesting stuff. Brand/year of boat? Is this original equipment?

If it was truly designed that way, sounds dumb to me. What if it's daytime but foggy?

 

[roscoe]

Re: NAV light

no it is not normal

 

[shrew]

Re: NAV light

The light doesn't have a light sensor. I would bet it comes on the same regadless of the time of day, and it just difficult to see. corroded contacts could cause an intermittant problem with the light. the lens might be smoked and the bulb might be old and weak and hard to see. The nice part is, you don't need it during the day.

You can start with a volt meter at the switch and then at the light itself and see if you're reading a voltage drop somewhere.

 

[witt20]

Re: NAV light

It's a wellcraft 170 bowrider, 2.5l engine.

It did the same thing the other night. I tried turning the light on and nothing during the day. I was flushing my motor out and turned the light on when it was dark and it came on within 20 seconds...it doesnt come in in fog, limited light, etc..

I didnt think it was normal. it could be a ground issue and just the timing of things works out to coming on when dark because I do play with it more when i'm working in the boat and it's dark.

Still possibly that the prior owner may have modified it, but if I find a photocell, i'm taking it out because this is pretty annoying...it also prevents my instrument panel lights from coming on.

 

[SteveMcD]

Re: NAV light

It gets cooler at night and the contracting metal remakes contact? Gremlins work in mysterious ways. Bad negative connections are their favorite trick. It sounds like your nav lights and panel lights share a ground connection or are on the same fuse/breaker. Nothing normal for sure. It wouldn't surprise me if you DID find a photocell. I am still getting surprises from PO's and even Reinell themselves.