Windless switch problem - need help

JB MARSHALL

Active Member
Aug 1, 2015
410
Mystic CT
Boat Info
2009-48 Sundancer
Engines
Cummins QSC 8.3
Over the weekend went to drop the anchor as normal, activated the main switch at the helm and then I use the rocker switch next to it to put down the anchor. I engaged the rocker switch for a few seconds lowering the anchor, paused for a second or two and then pushed the switch again and nothing happened. Had to lower the anchor from the bow with the foot switches which baffles me that they would work and not the switch at the helm.

So tonight I checked the voltage at the switch and it has a full 13 volts. Then disconnected the wires pulled the switch and checked continuity and that checked out. Went down in the engine room and checked breakers that I could see including the fuses in the closed 12V panel. So now I have exhausted all I know to check. I would really appreciate some guidance on this one.

Thank you,
JB
 
You checked the voltage to the switch. The next thing to check would be that voltage is "leaving" the switch when it is pressed. Probe the end terminals while pushing the switch. If no continuity, the switch is likely bad.
 
Yes checked voltage to the switch and continuity when activated both up and down.
 
There should be two wires leaving the switch and going up to the bow. These two wires will have one polarity in the up position, and the opposite polarity in the down position. If either of these wires is open, it could cause your symptoms. I would check the connections at the windlass controller / relay pack in the anchor locker. My guess would be a loose or corroded connection on one or both of those wires.

Another thing to check would be for a ground at one of the center terminals of the switch. Typically one of the center terminals would have positive and the other would have negative.
 
Had the same issue a while back. Turned out it was on the other end, on the windlass side of things. Check there next. I didn't repair it myself the tech did so i can't help more than that. It was an easy repair i believe.
 
You nailed it Bob! it turned out to be a bad ground in the anchor locker, just needed to clean up the terminals from all the crud build up. Dam that was frustrating but an easy fix...
I feel better now.

We are leaving next Thursday for a nice 5 night cruise and I hate when things are not operating correctly. I just replace both the showerbox pump and float as one or the other was acting up and not working properly. So, since they were original from when we purchased the boat I decided it would be best to go all new and have no worries that is of course until the next problem... Lol.

Thank you all for your input.
JB
 
JB where are you heading to?
 

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