Transom and Deck Lights Stopped Working

ECR

ECR

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 9, 2021
Messages
45
Fluid Motion Model
R-25 Classic
Hull Identification Number
USFMLR2509G
Vessel Name
Scout
MMSI Number
338401869
Hello

I have a 2017 Ranger Tugs R25 SC.

I’m troubleshooting an issue where the deck/transom lights have stopped working completely. They were functioning normally a month but are now completely inoperative.

Here’s what I’ve verified so far:
  • Navigation lights and all other lighting circuits operate normally.
  • Neither the helm deck lights switch nor the transom door switch will turn the lights on.
  • I replaced the transom door rocker switch with a new Contura-style switch, but the problem existed before replacement and the new switch made no difference.
  • Both of the helm and transom rocker switch will illuminate, but the deck/transom lights remain completely off.
  • The fuse above the helm rocker switch shows no indication of being tripped
  • I have inspected the visible fuse panels but have not been able to identify a dedicated fuse for the deck/outboard light circuit.
Does anyone have an idea if there is a dedicated fuse and where it may be? The other possibility may be the helm rocker switch is bad and needs replacing, thoughts?

Appreciate any help!
 
I had a similar issue. The circuit is labeled "four panel" on my boat and is in the space behind the mirror in the head. Test the fuse, sometimes they look OK but they are not.
 
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Im experiencing a similar issue on my R25, in fact I just posted a thread about it. Seems a little different but same switch bank giving me issues.
 
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There was a time about 3 years ago that the courtesy lights flickered on the transom and one burned out. When that happened all them wouldn’t work until I replaced the one light that went out. I think it’s because they’re daisy chained together. It could be that I have one bad light that is taking them all down. I’ll inspect this afternoon and see if I notice in discoloring/corrosion on any of the lights.
 
also check the cockpit switch is good
 
ECR said:
Does anyone have an idea if there is a dedicated fuse and where it may be? The other possibility may be the helm rocker switch is bad and needs replacing, thoughts?

Appreciate any help!
Click to expand...

When the courtesy lights go dark, one or more of them are burned out. Usually it's the transom, the one's that get wet that fail. Water gets in.

I had one light stop working, but the rest did... then two lights stopped working, the rest did... (both were on the transom). This worked for several months, where my transom courtesy lights wouldn't come on, but inside the cockpit, they worked, until they didn't. Then the fuse blew. It took awhile for the transom light(s) to short out, and caused the fuse to blow.

I replaced both lights on the transom (and replaced the now blown fuse) and everything works.

 
Last edited:
Submariner said:
When the courtesy lights go dark, one or more of them are burned out. Usually it's the transom, the one's that get wet that fail. Water gets in.

I had one light stop working, but the rest did... then two lights stopped working, the rest did... (both were on the transom). This worked for several months, where my transom courtesy lights wouldn't come on, but inside the cockpit, they worked, until they didn't. Then the fuse blew. It took awhile for the transom light(s) to short out, and caused the fuse to blow.

I replaced both lights on the transom and everything works.

Click to expand...
So likely not the switch bank but the lights themselves if I’m understanding you correctly? Probably won’t be able to solve before our trip then, but I’ll see what I can find up in Port Townsend for parts 🙂
 
Submariner said:
When the courtesy lights go dark, one or more of them are burned out. Usually it's the transom, the one's that get wet that fail. Water gets in.

I had one light stop working, but the rest did... then two lights stopped working, the rest did... (both were on the transom). This worked for several months, where my transom courtesy lights wouldn't come on, but inside the cockpit, they worked, until they didn't. Then the fuse blew. It took awhile for the transom light(s) to short out, and caused the fuse to blow.

I replaced both lights on the transom (and replaced the now blown fuse) and everything works.

Click to expand...
Thanks, this makes sense. Appreciate it!
 
DennisL said:
So likely not the switch bank but the lights themselves if I’m understanding you correctly? Probably won’t be able to solve before our trip then, but I’ll see what I can find up in Port Townsend for parts 🙂
Click to expand...

The courtesy lights are made by Hella Marine.
 
Submariner said:
The courtesy lights are made by Hella Marine.
Click to expand...
From what I saw when I replaced my courtesy lights, they were Hella Marine style and screw layout, but not actually Hella Marine. I believe they are a lower quality variant. On my friend's boat the factory ones burnt up and caused a small electrical burn/scoring.

The housings looked slightly different when I eventually replaced them all to be Hella Marine
 
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