Running/steaming light fuse

[Everett]

Have an 8.0 with a Volvo diesel. Shorted out the running/steaming lights and can't find the fuse. All of the fuse panel fuses tested good. Can't find an in line fuse either. Switches are on the instrument panel. Any ideas?
Was a member on the old Sailnet list years ago and lost track.
Everett

 

[BobM]

What do you mean shorted out? Was there an electrical event? or are they just out? It certainly isn't uncommon for the wiring to the mast to go south with time...in fact it is a given.

 

[Everett]

What do you mean shorted out? Was there an electrical event? or are they just out? It certainly isn't uncommon for the wiring to the mast to go south with time...in fact it is a given.

Bob,
I was putting on new connectors (mast wires to cabin top) and caused
a few sparks. That was the end of juice and the beginning of frustration.

 

[garylinger]

How did you determine you aren't getting any power now? If you can disconnect the new connections, do that and then use a multimeter to check for continuity through the mast light (ohms setting) and then (with the switch on) check for voltage at that point (across the 2 wires coming from the switch). Check for voltage at the switch. Do you have power to all other electrical items?

 

[Everett]

How did you determine you aren't getting any power now? If you can disconnect the new connections, do that and then use a multimeter to check for continuity through the mast light (ohms setting) and then (with the switch on) check for voltage at that point (across the 2 wires coming from the switch). Check for voltage at the switch. Do you have power to all other electrical items?

The instrument panel has no power: gauge lights, switches.

Everything on the 12V fuse block works fine: cabin lights, water, etc.

 

[BobM]

I think Gary and I are thinking the same thing...that you blew the bulbs out. The continuity test will tell you if that is true or not.

 

[garylinger]

The instrument panel has no power: gauge lights, switches.

Everything on the 12V fuse block works fine: cabin lights, water, etc.

I'm confused as to what the 2 panels are that you are referring to. I have 2 electrical 'panels' - the engine 'panel' with idiot lights, start switch/key switch, etc. and the main electrical panel with all on-board switches for lights, water, bilge pump, etc. Your mast lights should run thru the main electrical panel getting power from your battery bank thru the main battery switch (if you have the "OFF, 1, BOTH, 2" switch.) I believe that the flip switches on my panel are also circuit breakers rather than fuses. You need to use a multimeter and start at one end of the circuit and work your way to the other until you find where the problem is.

 

[Everett]

There is no power in the wires. The bulbs are fine but cannot possibly light without power. The on/off for the running/steaming lights are on the ignition panel rather than the main fuse panel. There in no voltage at the switch and the instrument lights are also not working. Am looking for a fuse (of some sort) between the instrument panel and battery. Thinking this is probably more a Volvo problem than S2.

 

[BobM]

Perhaps you should blew a fusible link rather then a fuse. Is there an ammeter or voltmeter? Perhaps something related to it went. It is in the circuit and may have had some sort of protection built into it.

 

[garylinger]

Have you looked for a fuse on the engine? The Yanmar and the Beta both have them. I'm not sure if they affect the control panel but they will affect power to the engine. Again, start checking with a multimeter and determine where you have power and where you don't. In between will be your problem and make sure you check every circuit. My electrical experience in the past has always been that it is the simplest, most obvious solution even though I didn't realize it at the time and took the complicated route.

 

[Everett]

Thanks all for your input. I'm told by a Volvo guy that there is a fuse "cluster" in the
wire leading to the ignition panel. Guessing that will be the problem. Will likely have to get a second mortgage to buy new from Volvo though. Will let you know the outcome.