Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

[killenmike]

Newby here, and I am tracking down wiring issues with my 2004 Bass buggy. Can not get the front marker lights to work on the boat. Everything else seems to be working, the switch for the Nav lights is lit up on the dash, there are 4 wires coming out the back of the switch, how do I tell if I have power downstream of the switch? Just because the switch is lit up, does not mean I have power past the switch, right? The switch being lit up simply means that the light on the switch is working? Should I have 12 volts at the back of the switch? How does the fuse block come into play, is it fused before or after the switch. Sorry to ask so many dumb questions, just trying to figure out where to start. BTW all 3 rocker switches on the dash are lit up, and the tach and fuel gauge are back lit ( fuel gauge does not work, that's next). The stereo works, ignition is fine and the horn works. Where do I start? Thanks again for your help

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

Place the black lead of a VOM on a common wire, usually black, and check for voltage at all terminals of the switch. If voltage is present there, then you have a wiring, sockets, or bulbs problem. And it is unlikely that two sockets or bulbs are bad. You know you have voltage to the switch because the switch lights are illuminated. The switch is defective if voltage is not present all all terminals.

 

[passingwindII]

Re: Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

step 1-check fuse.if blown replace fuse.if not blown goto step 2
step 2-unscrew bulb cover. inspect filaments in bulb. if intact goto step three
step 3-clean connection on bulb and install.this is most likely the culprit.but if not step 4
step 4-volt meter check all connections.but i'd bet its step 3

 

[lncoop]

Re: Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

This is a silly question, but I'm kind of a silly guy. I assume you have the switch in the right position for the nav lights (I gather that's what you mean by front marker lights) to work?

 

[killenmike]

Re: Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

Place the black lead of a VOM on a common wire, usually black, and check for voltage at all terminals of the switch. If voltage is present there, then you have a wiring, sockets, or bulbs problem. And it is unlikely that two sockets or bulbs are bad. You know you have voltage to the switch because the switch lights are illuminated. The switch is defective if voltage is not present all all terminals.

Got it..I will get VOM and pull the panel back off as soon as I get home to see if I have voltage at all the terminals on the switch. Will let you all know what I find..thanks

 

[killenmike]

Re: Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

checked fuses, 1 10 amp was blow, but I "borrowed' a 10 amp from another spot on the panel and it did not make any difference to the NAV light problem.
Bulbs are good...at least filaments are intact.
I will check termianls on switch with volt meter as soon as I get home today

 

[killenmike]

Re: Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

yes, switch was in "on" position. but not a silly question....Will try suggestions from other posts and report back. thanks

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: Running light issues on Tracker 18 Bass Buggy

It couldn't have been a fuse problem because you had lights at the switch. And you should measure the reistance of the bulbs because a visual check will sometimes fool you.