Side Lights
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- The Dog House
- Active User
- Posts: 807
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:51 am
- Location: Bordentown, NJ
Side Lights
The side lights on my F26 have 12V when measured with a multimeter but the light bulbs do not light. The previous owner mounted a combination bowlight that works so I'm legal for night running. I'm just wondering why/how the sockets would have 12V but the light bulbs stay dark. The bulbs work in other installations, so I know the bulbs are good. Any ideas?
1993 Sea Ray 200 Overnighter OB with 1993 Mercury 150 hp Outboard
1979 Starcraft 14' Rowboat with 2011 Mercury 9.9 hp Outboard
Former boat: 1971 Trojan F26
1979 Starcraft 14' Rowboat with 2011 Mercury 9.9 hp Outboard
Former boat: 1971 Trojan F26
Re: Side Lights
are you checking 12V + and the ground across the fixture ? is it a bayonet or socket bulb ?
If a socket style, do you have the correct bulb, some have two contacts on the bottom, some have a single contact, the locking pins will fit but the bulb wont light with the wrong pin / socket combination
just some ideas you may already know
If a socket style, do you have the correct bulb, some have two contacts on the bottom, some have a single contact, the locking pins will fit but the bulb wont light with the wrong pin / socket combination
just some ideas you may already know
1984 Silverton 37C
Silver Lining
Scott
Silver Lining
Scott
- The Dog House
- Active User
- Posts: 807
- Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2012 6:51 am
- Location: Bordentown, NJ
Re: Side Lights
The bulbs are festoon bulbs with the electrical contact at each end. I'm measuring the voltage between the two electrical contacts that the ends of the bulb sit in.
1993 Sea Ray 200 Overnighter OB with 1993 Mercury 150 hp Outboard
1979 Starcraft 14' Rowboat with 2011 Mercury 9.9 hp Outboard
Former boat: 1971 Trojan F26
1979 Starcraft 14' Rowboat with 2011 Mercury 9.9 hp Outboard
Former boat: 1971 Trojan F26
- P-Dogg
- Active User
- Posts: 963
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:15 pm
- Location: Near Baltimorgue, Murderland, where they prove every day that gun control doesn't work.
Re: Side Lights
Voltage is different from current, and the light needs both. You can measure 12v and have insufficient current to power the bulb. Most likely you have a corroded contact somewhere (not necessarily at the bulb) which is preventing adequate current from passing. Try loosening and re-tightening any screwed-together contacts that feed the light (both positive and ground). If that doesn't work, turn your attention to crimped connectors. Good luck.
As I went to hit "preview", it occurred to me that the bulb contacts may be riveted. Check them for corrosion that may be preventing good electrical contact.
As I went to hit "preview", it occurred to me that the bulb contacts may be riveted. Check them for corrosion that may be preventing good electrical contact.
I needed a less expensive hobby, so I bought a boat!
- lawyerdave71
- Moderate User
- Posts: 423
- Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 8:24 pm
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
Re: Side Lights
Also try light sanding of contacts and bulbs which I have to do from time to time.
Captain Dave -
1978 F30 Flybridge Express
1978 F30 Flybridge Express