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Generator light on helm not working

Discussion in 'Generators' started by CSkipR, Feb 17, 2013.

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  1. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    The generator light on the flybridge helm that shows you the generator is running has never worked. Not sure if wires were cut or something else. If I wanted to rewire it how would I wire it (between gen & helm). Is there a shortcut?
    Any input is appreciated.
  2. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    I guess you prolly already tested the socket for any voltage and you know the bulb is OK.
    IT could be 120 V or 12 VDC, depending.

    Do you have any electrical drawings of the boat?
    That is the most helpful thing to have.

    I would start at the source and begin tracing from there.
    Sometimes you will find a scheme in the electrical enclosure of the genny too.
    It prolly only shows the genny itself and field wiring but the field wiring will prolly show the remote pilot light.
    Field wiring will not be for your specific boat but it will give you a place to start.
    If you have voltage in the genny at the pilot light terminals, then, start tracing til you loose the voltage.

    If you can find both ends of the circuit, on the bridge and at the lower helm ( ? ) or at the genny, you could use a continuity tester and confirm the conductors are in tact.

    Good luck
  3. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    Good idea I do have a wiring diagram of the boat not sure if it includes gen but will check and maybe of gen. I'm guessing the gen light on the bridge is a very small led or something similar. Have not checked voltage because wires were cut underneath for some reason. Probably 12 or 24v. Gen light on helm is a little smaller than a dime. Thanks, Skip
  4. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    Were the wires connected at some point and the light still did not work? If not that alone might be the problem. Either way start the gen and see if you get voltage at the wires.
  5. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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  6. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    It most likely works and was cut by the previous owner, because the light is very bright at night......re-connect the wires and I bet it works.....
  7. Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    A light doesn't tell you much, i d rather run a couple of wires and out a digital voltmeter

    Or just wire the meter to a nearby outlet (as long as you don't have an automatic inverter)
  8. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    THAT is a FACT.

    I never thought of just snipping the wires........
  9. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    Gen Light on Helm

    Okay I crawled under helm and the wire that is disconnected does not appear to go to the gen light. There are many wires, etc in this area and hard to get to the back of the panel with the light. How do you change the bulb or get the light cover off? Is it a whole light assembly.

    I have voltage, oil and water gauges for the gen in the salon but on longer trips would like to know if gen cuts off for some reason. Keep ideas coming.
  10. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Try the Cole Hersee or west marine site to see if you can find a light like yours.

    Sometimes there are pdf's that give you more info on the piece that may help you dis-assemble the light.

    Maybe your light terminals corroded off or something if it is not obvious to you where the wires attach.

    If you find the wire terminations, you can test the bulb with your handy continuity tester too.
  11. Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Skipper

    For a quick fix until you solve your problem. You probably have a 110v outlet on the bridge. Buy an inexpensive plug-in volt meter that also has a little green light on it, and plug it in?
  12. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    Great idea.
  13. Goose

    Goose New Member

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    I had the same problem with my light. You did not specify the type of generator, but on my Onan there is a small fuse in the 12v wiring box on top of the unit. I swaped out the fuse and now the light works perfectly. Good luck.
  14. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    Goose,
    Its a Westerbeke, but could still be the same problem. So your saying on top of the actual generator there might be a fuse that the green light on the flybridge helm gets its power.
    Thanks, Skip
  15. Goose

    Goose New Member

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    Skip
    That is exactly what I'm saying. There is a metal box on top of the generator with a bunch of wire connections and one small fuse that goes to that light. Take a look in your generator's manual. Hopefully it's that easy for you.
  16. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    Will take a look and check under the metal box cover. Hope your right that would be great.
  17. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Look on the inside of the lid too, that is often where the manufacturer puts the schematic.
  18. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

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    Goose,
    Just pulled off the cover and checked the fuse that was there although it was good.
    Thanks for the suggestion will keep trying.
    Skip