electrical problem?

[rboat]

This just started and I need some help. When I hook up my battery, everything at the helm powers up gauges, lights, etc. even though the key is in the off position and the power switch at the helm is off. I pulled the power switch out and everything is still powered. I have a new power switch to try but I do not think it is the problem. Could the ignition switch be the problem? Sorry, I am not good with the electrical stuff, but I have a volt meter and can check things if I know what to check. My boat is a mid eighties bass boat with an evinrude outboard if that helps. Thanks.

[Michigander]

Do you have your wiring diagram?

[Way2slow]

Not very likely you will find a wiring diagram for an 80's model boat.  Shoot, sometimes it's hard to come up with one for a new boat.

Gauges usually run off the key switch.  I would suggest you find you a multimeter/VOM and learn how to use it, sounds like your going to need it. 

[E-rude dude]

Somebody direct wired the dash and who knows what else. Or you have a mess of corroded wires crossing paths. The above suggestion is a good one. It could be simple or it could take a lot of time to find it.

[Ski213]

I don’t envy you. I had wiring issues late last year and it was a real treat to deal with. Had a lot of help on here and spent a great deal of time physically working on it. Try to be systematic in the process of elimination. I sometimes struggle with that these days. 
 

You said this just started so what would typically come on if you turned the key on but left the main switch OFF?

[rboat]

Normally nothing would power up with the key on, until the power switch at the helm was turned on.

Now everything powers up once the battery is connected. Unfortunately, i do not have a wiring diagram. I recently installed new gauges in the boat, but I did not change any wires. I took the old ones off and put the new ones on in same manner. Maybe something came loose? I assume no power should get to the helm if the ignition switch is off? Maybe my ignition switch is shorted and lets power through all the time? Thank you for any and all suggestions.

[Ski213]

So this issue started immediately after you replaced the gauges?  You’re going to have to start figuring out where the power is coming from. I’d start with everything in the off position then go to work with the meter at the gauges. If you can figure out which wire feeds the console from the ignition switch, remove it from the switch (might be purple).  If everything is still on I would think there is a constant hot in contact with the wire from the ignition switch somewhere. While you’re at that figure out what wire is the 12v supply to the ignition. Remove it and check continuity between that terminal and the terminal the wire to the console was on. Make sure you don’t have voltage between the two before you check continuity. With the switch in the off position those two terminals should read open. Turn the switch on and the should read closed. 

[Bankc]

I do a lot of electronics work as a hobby, and the number one rule is, if it worked fine before you did some modifications, and then stopped working right after, recheck your work at the modifications.  Chances are high you made a simple mistake somewhere.  Even if you don't think it could be the source of the issue, it's the best place to start.  

[rboat]

Found it, after testing, trying, and a few choice words. The tach had an extra hot wire on it that worked fine on the old gauge but was causing problems with the new gauges, Also my main power switch had shorted out. The new switch did not come with a diagram and had different pins and connectors so it was a bit of trial and error to get the right connections.

Thank you all for your help.     Got to love owning an old boat or you will go crazy. 

[Michigander]

Chasing spark is a constant headache. Glad you got it sorted out!!