Navigation light

[Capt. Jim]

Hello, all. The starboard nav light on our Sportfisherman isn't working. When I take the bulb out and check the wiring for voltage, the meter reads 12.3 vDC. The bulb is new and checks out OK for continuity. When I put the bulb back in, it doesn't burn and now I'm not reading any voltage on that circuit. Any ideas? Capt. Jim HOT ROD BLUE

[franklyprice]

Jim, Have you tried scraping that layer of corrosion off the bulb and contacts? I seem to have that problem alot.It doesn't look like corrosion sometimes, just a film but can be non-coductive.Just a thought. Frank Price

[Capt. Jim]

Thank you, Frank. Yes, I did that, and, with the switch off, I have continuity through the bulb when it's in place. However, this could mean that there's a short between hot and ground somewhere but, if that's the case, I don't think I'd be getting 12 vDC to the bulb fixture and the wires should heat up with the switch on. That's why I'm confused Capt. Jim

[franklyprice]

Well capt.Jim, That is a stumper, isn't it?I'm wondering how you checked for continuity through the bulb? I assume with a meter but I mean, on the fixture or at the switch or at the bulb itself? To rule out wires touching you could get under the dash and, with the bulb out, take the wires off the bus for that light, and check again for continuity. It's pretty easy to access the whole run of wire the the side lights, so if it's pinched it would be visible. Of course all this is probably just an exercise because it's a 90% probability that the problem is at the fixture itself or the bulb. I don't have any experience with the port and starboard lights on mine,since they've been working and I'm letting sleeping dogs lie, have you had the fixture out to see how the wires connect to it? A couple more thoughts for you. Frank Price

[captgene]

Maybe...these connections usually get butt spliced somewhere. Broken or corroded strands may be responsible. You will get 12V , but when you turn it on it won't be able to pull enough amps to light the bulb. I'd start looking for this at the fixture and work backwards. E.W. Dugan

[Rick]

Jim, Just a thought. Maybe you could verify continuity back on the Terminal Blocks in the main cabin wiring behind the Circuit Breakers. I leave my prints on board but if you could find the right TB connections, you wouldn't have to reach under the socket.