Power to Engine Instrument Panel Problem

[BreakAway]

1992 First 310:
When I flip the toggle switch to bring battery power to the cockpit panel to start my engine, sometime I get no current and can't start the engine. At other times it works fine. I can't rely on it. Have replaced the toggle switch, but same results. I realize it may not be related directly to the switch, but don't understand 12v enough to know what to do. Any suggestions?

 

[larry w]

When you say toggle switch

do you mean the battery switch, or the key ignition? Most likely you mean key ignition. The key switch may need to be replaced. If it's a Perkins panel, email me separately at svmoondance@hotmail.com; if it's a battery switch, you may just have a loose connection somewhere. I strongly reccommend you get a book on 12V and educate yourself cause you're going to need it. You don't want to have to pay someone to find/fix simple wiring problems.

 

[Mike - Papillon]

Does it have a start key?

Does your 310 have a start key or just a button you push? Mine only had the button. Either way you should trace the 12v line back to the switch on the electrical panel and inspect for a loose wire or corrosion at any place the wire connects to another wire or terminal. That's just a starting point. You could have an intermittant start solenoid. They can get corroded and fail to engage. Grab somone you trust that understands electricity and use a digital multimeter and start troubleshooting.

 

[Chris]

Try this

I had a similar problem with a 2000 MY 321. I ran a solid wire from the starter button to the engine solenoid and the problem went away. A small amount of corrosion prevented me from starting the engine, usually while I was on the lake. It was not a fun thing to push the button and get nothing.