Bilge pump mystery

[jefft23]

I'm having a problem with my bilge pump that I can't seem to cure. The light on the electrical panel is always on, but the pump is not working. Whether I flip the switch or activate the float, the light stays on and the pump doesn't work. I used a multimeter and confirmed that I'm getting power to the pump when either the switch is flipped or the float is activated so I thought I must have a bad pump. I removed the pump to check for any clogs or obstructions and didn't find any.

I purchased a new pump, same specs as the old one and I still have the same problem. Light stays on, confirmed electricity is getting to the pump but pump doesn't work. Any thoughts?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Your problem is obviously electrical, not a plumbing problem (so how 'bout deleting the duplicate post there), and I think Maine Sail is the person to solve it. He's more likely to see it in Ask All Sailors than here...so I suggest you also post your question there and delete it from here too.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

This has nothing to do with Beneteau but in answer to your question, it sounds like a high resistance connection problem which will manifest itself only under load.

When was the last time you cleaned all connections?

 

[Jim 5757]

I'll bet you have a bad ground wire. The circuit is being completed through the lamp. Try jumping the neg lead of the pump direct to batt (-). Pump should then run.
BTW... is your float switch on the + or the - side?