Dead Volt Meters

[CapetaniosG]

Here is the problem. When I turn the ignition key on, on my HATTERAS 53, the volt meters at both the main and fly bridge stations shows zero volts and stay at zero even when the engine starts. That tells me it is not a defective gauge. So, what can it be? A) defective alternator, B) defective voltage regulator or C) something else ? Can you electrical experts shed some light and help me solve the problem? All help will be appreciated.

 

[Scarlett]

You need to check the out put from the alternator at the alternator with a volt meter. Measure first before you start the engine with the battery charger off, this will give you a system voltage then start engine and measure again, it should be higher if alternator is charging and should slowly go up as batteries charge. If not then you have voltage regulator to check. John

 

[SEVEN]

You need to check the out put from the alternator at the alternator with a volt meter. Measure first before you start the engine with the battery charger off, this will give you a system voltage then start engine and measure again, it should be higher if alternator is charging and should slowly go up as batteries charge. If not then you have voltage regulator to check. John

Good call John.

 

[Reefgeorge]

The system voltage cannot be zero and start the engines so there is a fault somewhere. Granted both sets of volt meters dying at zero at the same time is not very likely but it could still happen if say the entire system had a voltage spike. In addition to the good advice above, measure the voltage at th batteries as well. Also get a meter on the disconnected lead behind one of the gauges. At that point you will have the problem narrowed down.

Also keep in mind that it can not only be an improper or non existant positive voltage but the failure of a ground for say the panel meters.

George

 

[Boatsb]

Look for a break in a ground. All the meters have in common is the need for the ground.

 

[Scarlett]

Good call on the ground. A lot of times a whole group of meters use a dasy chained ground where one grounds to another etc and then to a boat ground somewhere so any break prior to your volt meters would shut done both of them.

 

[Pete]

One relatively easy way to determine the problem, get a multimeter and access to the rear terminals on the back of one of the volt meters. Turn the ignition switch on for that meter, connect the negative side of the voltmeter to a ground, even an easy to access copper tube in the area, and then place the positive meter lead on each terminal on the voltmeter and note the reading you get.

Both terminals read zero, you have a problem with the connection back to the ignition switch. Both terminals read 24 or 32 volts, depending on your electric system, you have a ground problem. One terminal read 24/32 volts and the other zero means you have a defective meter.

Good luck

Pete

 

[CapetaniosG]

That's why I love this Forum. It has good and helpful people. I thank each of you for the advice you gave me . Trouble shooting starts tomorrow and will let you know what I find. Thanks a million.