Bilge pump mystery

[jefft23]

I posted this on the Beneteau owners forum so excuse me if this is a double post.


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?

 

[Skipper]

Corroded wires or connections. Either power or ground. Voltage gets to the pump but not enough current.
Use the multimeter to check resistance. It may require an extension wire. Or if you have a good long wire, run it from the back of the breaker panel to the pump and see if it runs. Then jump the ground if it doesn't. Might even be both wires bad.
This assumes your statement that the float switch is working. Some are notorious for failing.

 

[Gunni]

This DC marine system has a dedicated ground. You have confirmed Positive, now confirm Negative back to battery ground.

 

[jefft23]

Thanks for everyone's input. I'll be back on the boat on Friday and will report back.