Search light 2014 R29
- Thread starter imiller
- Start date
If the presenting issue is a searchlight unresponsive to an otherwise-lit control panel, then you may find success as I did by climbing on top and spraying some WD40 in the electrical connector plug. Problem solved!
If your control panel does not light up when you turn on the breaker, I've got nothing. :roll:
If your control panel does not light up when you turn on the breaker, I've got nothing. :roll:
Red Raven
Coupeville, Wa
- Joined
- May 14, 2015
- Messages
- 1,851
- Location
- Whidbey Island, Wa
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-27 Classic
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2734C414
- Vessel Name
- Red Raven
- MMSI Number
- 338190767
This past summer our searchlight failed. I had never had a need to use it before but had tested it many times in the past. We had a late start on our trip to Alaska this year and arrived at our anchorage in the late dusk. No problem, just turn on the search light...nothing! Backlight on the panel was working. Fortunately we were able to make it into the anchorage following close behind our buddy boat. We did the rest of the trip without it. I tried troubleshooting a couple times with no luck. My understanding is it is not very effective due to the glare anyway. We just avoided any more boating at night on the trip.
This winter I disassembled the light. After much troubleshooting with a multimeter, I found that the main 3 pin circuit board connector (molex?) where the wire harness from the controller plugs into the light had a slightly bent pin. This bent pin had pierced (melted?) the plastic of the mating connector housing on the harness. I searched the Internet for a replacement connector housing but was unable to find the correct replacement. Ultimately I just bent the pin back straight and worked the plastic housing material back to something close to new. This worked...for now.
If anyone knows the correct part number for this connector it would be much appreciated. The Jabsco website did not identify it in the exploded diagram and I don’t want to buy a whole new harness and go through the trouble to replace it.
Imiller, perhaps you have a similar problem. That connector has a very small contact point. If your backlight on the panel is working after checking the twistlock connector at the mast I would go into the light and check this board mounted connector.
Curt
This winter I disassembled the light. After much troubleshooting with a multimeter, I found that the main 3 pin circuit board connector (molex?) where the wire harness from the controller plugs into the light had a slightly bent pin. This bent pin had pierced (melted?) the plastic of the mating connector housing on the harness. I searched the Internet for a replacement connector housing but was unable to find the correct replacement. Ultimately I just bent the pin back straight and worked the plastic housing material back to something close to new. This worked...for now.
If anyone knows the correct part number for this connector it would be much appreciated. The Jabsco website did not identify it in the exploded diagram and I don’t want to buy a whole new harness and go through the trouble to replace it.
Imiller, perhaps you have a similar problem. That connector has a very small contact point. If your backlight on the panel is working after checking the twistlock connector at the mast I would go into the light and check this board mounted connector.
Curt
Captmike
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2010
- Messages
- 88
- Location
- Zittels Marina
- Fluid Motion Model
- R-29 Classic
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLT2901C213
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Clipper Craft 26, Ranger Tug R-27
- Vessel Name
- Shiraz Trader
- MMSI Number
- 338074127
I have had the same experience overall. Decided to remove the searchlight and use a hand held if necessary. Found to much glare from the searchlight to be effective and frankly I don't cruise at night.