Engine room lights just went out???

[Captned]

I was just cleaning my AC strainer, had the 12 vdc engine room lights on, got off the boat, cleaned the strainer, got back in and the lights were out. Messed around with the switch, etc..Checked all my 12vdc breakers in the panels, everything on. All the other 12 vdc lights inside the vessel are operable. Does anyone know if there is a fuse for the lights? 1978 46 sportfish.

Thanks guys, any ideas?

Captned
7846 CON

 

[Sparky1]

I hate to ask a stupid question, but did you check the bulbs?

 

[REBrueckner]

I have had "lazy circuit breakers" shut off power...they appear to be "on" in the electrical panel.

I discovered it only by flipping the appropriate breaker open then reclosing it whereupon power is restored ...If it happens a few times, I replace the breaker...

If I remember I exercise all breakers once or twice a year...to avoid the problem. It's like rotating conventional fuses in their holders once a year to scrap off oxidation and maintain good contact.....which reminds me, I have yet to do breakers for 2008!!!

 

[rmaher]

I just had the same problem and found it was a bad wall switch (I took the wires off that switch and touched them together and 'saw the light!')

Good luck - Rob

 

[Captned]

Ha! Funny you should ask about the bulbs. When I first went in the engine compartment one of the four bulbs WAS out. But it was away from where I was working so I didn't worry about. I dont think the odds of the other three going out just as I was out of the engine room is too great. Will trouble shoot switch next.

Cheers!

Captned

 

[Sparky1]

Yeah, it's unlikely they'd all go at the same time unless you had some sort of power surge. Unlikely on 12V as I would think a weak breaker would be unlikely on 12V as well. Can't hurt to plug a new bulb in and/or just check for voltage at the sockets.

 

[newinlet]

The engine room lights failed on my 78 37c this season. Mine are 12v. The fuse was good. The switch failed on mine. If you remove the cover you will find a plain old light switch inside.

 

[Top Shelf]

Yep, mine was the light SW as well. Thx.