Certain Console switches not working

[iceintheveins]

My master switch is working, my console sonar is working, and the boat starts and runs. The back nav light socket works, but the bow one does not. The bow trim switch works.

 

I checked the master switch connections at the console, and I have power to it. However, no power to the nav light switch connectors, yet the switch lights up and works like the master switch.

 

No other switch (livewell pumps and bilge pump) have power or light up when turned on.

 

I checked connections to the main fuse in the back, and it has power. While plugged into the fuse I get no reading.

 

What is going on?

 

 

[Woody B]

My boat (tracker) has the screw in fuse holders for the stuff you've mentioned not working.  They'll shake loose but look OK.  I can push in and twist on them and stuff will start back working.  

[Bankc]

If the light on the switch works, but the switch doesn't turn anything on, chances are good your problem lies after the switch.  Check the connections on the switch and on the nav lights.  Check the grounds and check for any inline fuses.  It might also be a good idea to check the switch itself with a DMM to make sure it's passing power.  But since the light works, it most likely is fine (assuming the cable running to the light didn't work it's way free).  Also, double check the power at any junction between switch and the lights with a DMM.  

[iceintheveins]

There is no power to the wires that connect to the socket for the bow light/running light. Checking all the connections at the light switch did nothing. The stern light is the only one that works. My bilge pump, and both livewell pump switches do not even light up, let alone turn on. I checked all connections to those switches. Nothing worked. 

They worked in Novemeber, last time I used my boat. It sat all winter and when I was checking all systems for spring (we had a late spring in Colorado) l, the bilge pump switch and, livewell pump switches don't light up. Checked all connections. Nothing fixed it. It just quit working after sitting all winter. No power to the bow light when I checked the wires running to the socket. Stern light works.

19 hours ago, Woody B said:

My boat (tracker) has the screw in fuse holders for the stuff you've mentioned not working.  They'll shake loose but look OK.  I can push in and twist on them and stuff will start back working.  

Are these the square fuses located behind the dash panel at the switches? Or the main fuse in the transom near the crank battery that powers the master switch?

[iceintheveins]

Well the problem has been figured out. I had a faulty battery meter, when in actuality the battery was VERY low. I charged it and everything, pumps and lights, work.

[Bankc]

11 hours ago, iceintheveins said:

Well the problem has been figured out. I had a faulty battery meter, when in actuality the battery was VERY low. I charged it and everything, pumps and lights, work.

That's electronics for you!  You can run into the weirdest problems with the simplest solutions.  I'm glad you got it figured out.  

[airshot]

Yes glad you found the issues!!  I was about to suggest critters chewing on your wires over winter storage!!  Being a boat around water, electrical connections can do wierd things!!!

[Way2slow]

My crystal ball is not working but a voltmeter or multimeter and knowing just the basics of how to use it will let you identify what and where your problems is.