Turned battery selector to '1' and nav lights/anchor light lit up; switch on panel was 'off'. Switched to battery '2' and same result. Chart plotter Garmin 740s) switch 'on' but chart plotter would not power up. Backlighting on dash switches is dim and I notice that nav light dims when I press other switch on dash. I'm suspecting a short in wiring, but have no idea where to start. Any suggestions how to troubleshoot?
Electrical issue, nav lights on at start with switch off 2013 Freedom 225
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Hookup1
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Don't use a charger on batteries when stored; would have to put a meter on them to answer question about voltage.
SkunkBoat
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Hmmm.
Does your panel have a dimmer switch?
Is your panel wired to backlight the switches when you turn on Nav/Anchor?
Do both Nav lights and/or All around white light up? or just the switch is lit?
I first suspect a ground is off of something.
Try disconnecting the power plug to the Garmin. Does that change the dash light problem?
Did you do anything recently? or this is out of the blue?
Does your panel have a dimmer switch?
Is your panel wired to backlight the switches when you turn on Nav/Anchor?
Do both Nav lights and/or All around white light up? or just the switch is lit?
I first suspect a ground is off of something.
Try disconnecting the power plug to the Garmin. Does that change the dash light problem?
Did you do anything recently? or this is out of the blue?
No dimmer on panel, but switches (nav/anchor, livewell, accesory) are backlit when 'on'. This is a new issue and hasn't happened before. Nav/anchor light (all around) were 'on' despite switch being 'off'. Will try to remove panel and Garmin and check connections. At initial check, fuses appear normal on breakers, will check fuse to Garmin too. Confirmed that power is live to electronics/accessory (Garmin); can't get Garmin to power up.
Hookup1
GreatGrady Captain
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SkunkBoat
GreatGrady Captain
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"Backlight" is not the same as Lit when ON. Are your switches normally backlit?
Does Key ON backlight the switches on the panel?
Backlit switches have a blue daisy chain of wires. Some boats power that from KEY power, others from the NAV/Anchor(you only need panel backlit when its dark out), and some power it all the time (when battery is ON)
Your switch panel has breaker for each switch?
Garmin is fed from a switch on the panel?
The panel has a +12v (normally orange) and a ground (black) that feeds the panel from the terminal block/fuse block.
The orange and black daisy chain to each breaker/switch.
The Nav/Anchor switch has a lot of jumpers on it to make it work as Anchor or Nav and Anchor
I would look at that. maybe one is touching the wrong switch terminal.
That could be drawing down the voltage to the point that the Garmin doesn't turn on.
Also check the black wires. Strange things can happen when one ground is off but others are on.
Check the Battery ground connection and terminal connection.
Does Key ON backlight the switches on the panel?
Backlit switches have a blue daisy chain of wires. Some boats power that from KEY power, others from the NAV/Anchor(you only need panel backlit when its dark out), and some power it all the time (when battery is ON)
Your switch panel has breaker for each switch?
Garmin is fed from a switch on the panel?
The panel has a +12v (normally orange) and a ground (black) that feeds the panel from the terminal block/fuse block.
The orange and black daisy chain to each breaker/switch.
The Nav/Anchor switch has a lot of jumpers on it to make it work as Anchor or Nav and Anchor
I would look at that. maybe one is touching the wrong switch terminal.
That could be drawing down the voltage to the point that the Garmin doesn't turn on.
Also check the black wires. Strange things can happen when one ground is off but others are on.
Check the Battery ground connection and terminal connection.
To all who’ve helped me today, a huge thank you for sharing your experience and expertise. Confirmed that batteries are all 12.5 at rest, 14 while running. Backtracked wiring and checked fuse to Garmin (good).
Activated Garmin circuit and powered the 740s. Voila! Garmin restored and working.
As for lessons learned, there are many jumpers from nav/anchor switch, including Garmin access. That’s why I had the issue with lights dimming.
Seems fine now, but I may consider running a dedicated power from fuse block to Garmin.
Activated Garmin circuit and powered the 740s. Voila! Garmin restored and working.
As for lessons learned, there are many jumpers from nav/anchor switch, including Garmin access. That’s why I had the issue with lights dimming.
Seems fine now, but I may consider running a dedicated power from fuse block to Garmin.