Windshield Grounding 10 Meter Express

[jhalb]

My bow mast light stopped working and I think i have traced it down to a bad windshield ground. My meter shows 12.6 volts at the light but when I hook it back up nothing. my test light wont even light up. I ended up running a jumper from the light to a good ground and it works. I tightened and ruffed up the windshield ground at the ground buss but no change. Does anyone know where the ground wire connects to the windshield? Also why do I get a 12.6 volt reading at the light using the windshield as a ground but no light. Will a bad or dirty connection still show voltage on my meter?

[mikeandanne]

Cant answer where the ground is but yes you can get readings on your meter.....if the ground side only had one or two strands of wire left you would get readings but that would not carry a load hence the light works when you provide the alternate good ground only....gonna have to hunt unless someone knows...check your bulb fixture, I had something the same with salon lights and changed out all the light fixtures and problem solved...Mike

[RWS]

Years ago I ran a 10 gauge wire from the windshield frame to the main ground.

Solved a myriad of issues.

Highly recommended.

RWS

[P-Dogg]

On my tricabin, the windshield is grounded to one of the (hidden) mounting bolts. You might try looking at your wiring diagram, then following the wire from the bus to the windshield.

As for the voltmeter, it is quite possible to measure voltage but have no (detectable by a non-lab-grade meter) current flow to operate the light. Our friend Georg Ohm discovered the relationship E = I x R. For a given E (your 12.6V), I and R are inversely proportion. Your available I is too small to power the light, because the circuit's R is too large. When you find said ground connection, you will likely find that it is corroded. Once you clean the surfaces (use a brass brush or scotchbrite pad), a coat of a corrosion inhibitor like http://www.supplyhouse.com/Ideal-30-026 ... 7AodL0wAoA would be in order. Available at the home box stores in the electrical department.

Best of luck chasing this gremlin. Please report back when you find the culprit.

[prowlersfish]

That's why 9 times out of 10 I prefer a test light .

[jhalb]

I did a temporary fix. I took the lead from my port windshield wiper motor and used as a ground to my windshield. Then I unplugged from the wiper switch and hooked it up to the ground buss in my dash board. This will work until I can remove my deck furniture and run a heavier ground. The lead is 14 gauge and sense I don't use my wipers I think it will be OK. The original windshield ground goes down into the engine compartment and from there I don't know.

[gdcardoza]

I had the same issue with my 10 Meter... Lost the mast light and the wipers!

The ground wire and stem are probably corroded... You get to the nut side of the stem in the cabin in the access panel on the ceiling of the cabin at the bottom of the steps. The Top side is probably what's causing your issue.. If you go up top and open the centre vent on the windshield, and remove the weather strip cover, or most likely silicone, you'll see the top of the bolt. Pull it out, clean them up and you should be back in business

[jhalb]

Thanks, I'll look next weekend. Thanks for everybody's help.

[jhalb]

I had the same issue with my 10 Meter... Lost the mast light and the wipers!

The ground wire and stem are probably corroded... You get to the nut side of the stem in the cabin in the access panel on the ceiling of the cabin at the bottom of the steps. The Top side is probably what's causing your issue.. If you go up top and open the centre vent on the windshield, and remove the weather strip cover, or most likely silicone, you'll see the top of the bolt. Pull it out, clean them up and you should be back in business

Found the ground. Just where you said it would be. Now I just need to hook up the port wiper and I'm good to go.