Dash Consoles flickering

[phantomsd]

Hi All, I have a quick question and want to see if anyone has this come up. The other day, my dash console on the right had side, all lights flicker. The small led lights on each control button just flicker really fast. The right hand side ( with anchor lights, etc) are fine. I cant start the port side engine but the start starbird side engine starts fine and that side of the console lights are fine.

This happened overnight. I have not touched or modified any electronics other than adding a new dvd player below deck to replace a failed one. That was just plug/play.

I was wondering if this is a common problem that occurs over time. I thought maybe the batteries but I am hook to shore power. Other than this, I assume its a ribbon cable under the dash. Any help in directions or previous post on this topic in which you can steer me to would be greatly appreciated. I travel a lot recently and cant get to spend too much time fixing and troubleshooting so would likely have to call a mechanic out which I want to avoid if possible. Thank you!!

2005 SeaRay 320 Twin Merc with Vdrives kohler Genset

 

[dwna1a]

First, the dash lights don't run off your shore power, only off your batteries. That said, check the ground at the switch, sounds as if it is corroded or loose.

After reading your question again, check the batteries. If one engine won't start, it sounds as if the battery might be dead

 

[phantomsd]

Thank you. The batteries are due for a change and was planning to do so. Its odd that one engine starts right up on the side not flickering. I wasnt aware that the dash ran off the batteries even when hooked to shore. I have 4 batteries and if I recall, they are daisy chained. Can one set be out and the other set of batteries be good? I'll replace either way and post the results. Thank you very much

 

[dwna1a]

On mine... There is one battery for each engine, then one for the house. Now on yours maybe they have added another for the house. When you're underway you would be using your dash lighting and Nav lights (battery). While at the dock, shore power. Even if you are plugged in, your house battery would be the one to run the Nav/dash lights. Shore power/ Genset will only charge the batteries while the charger is on. Start by just checking connections on each batt, they may just need cleaning. I still use baking soda..it works

 

[Ike]

All good advice. Could be the batteries, could be a loose or bad ground connection (corrosion). Boats, even the same model can often be set up different depending on what engines and electronics you have installed. And while I am thinking about that, back to the dvd player you installed. Does it run on AC (shore power) or DC (batteries)? If it runs on DC, what circuit did you connect it to? Or if it is AC is it running off an inverter? If it is DC or off and inverter check all the DC connections, especially the ground. Make sure none of the positive connections are shorted to ground. This could be why the lights flicker and the battery is bad?