Ignition Switch for 1975 53 Hatteras M/Y

[CapetaniosG]

Looks like one of my ignition switches decided it had enough and quit after 43 years of work. I turn the key, press the start button and nothing doing. Dead. Has any of you replaced this switch and if so with what? The switch has a truck load of wires connected to it, I suspect to activate various systems on the boat. I may add the existing switch is a 2 position (off and on) key switch. I would appreciate your input.

 

[Boatsb]

Its a standard on off switch. Cole herse makes good ones.

If theres too many wires on the back it may be why it failed. Use a terminal block to lighten the wire load.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Maybe its a fuse and not the switch. Did you test it with a multimeter to confirm it was bad?

 

[SEVEN]

West marine Cole Hersee or go on line. Agree with Sky PO must have added something.

 

[CapetaniosG]

West marine Cole Hersee or go on line. Agree with Sky PO must have added something.

All wires appear to be original with number tags on each.

 

[SEVEN]

All wires appear to be original with number tags on each.

When you turn the key on does the alarm sound?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

First, Get out the wiring diagram and a tester and trace it out. You need to know what's wrong before you just start replacing stuff. If you really think its the switch, then swap it with the other one to make sure.

 

[davidwigler]

Shifter in neutral?

 

[Red Hatt]

The same thing happened to me and it was a .50'fuse in the port engine room. You have to unscrew the top panel or it could be the bootom can't remember exactly . It's the stainless panel where the manaul gauges are in the port engine room. The panel is,on a hinge. After you unscrew the plate flip up or down the hinge and the fues's are in there mine were marked. Easy fix and never had anymore problems.