Kevin,
On my 1988 Searay Sundancer, I have a problem with my navigation lights.

The problem is it has a three-way switch so when I push the switch up the red, green and white lights come on; in the middle they shut off. When I push switch down all three lights light up again, but only the white light should come on.

Do you think it is the switch or could it be something else?

Thanks,

Bill

Bill,

In 1988, there were two methods used to wire navigation light switches. One method used a single pole, dual throw switch (three tabs on the back) and the other a dual pole, dual throw switch (six tabs on the back)

Correct wiring for Single Pole/Dual Throw – Viewing from the back of the switch

• Top terminal – gray/blue – stern/all round white light
• Center terminal – switch power
• Bottom terminal – gray/green – red/green bow lights
• The top and bottom terminal are connected with a diode.

Correct wiring for Dual Pole/Dual Throw – Viewing from the back of the switch

• Top left – no wire
• Top right – gray/blue – stern/all round white light
• Center left – switch power
• Center right – switch power
• Bottom left – gray/green – red/green bow lights
• Bottom right – gray/blue jumper wire to top right terminal

If your switch is wired correctly, the problem is either in your boat wiring, the switch, or the diode.

1. Remove the gray/blue wire from the switch and test for light operation. If all lights still come on in the anchor position, there is a short in your wiring between the gray/blue and the gray/green wire. Replace the gray/blue on the switch.
2. Remove the gray/green wire from the switch and test for light operation. If all lights still come on in the anchor position, there is a short in your wiring between the gray/blue and the gray/green wire. Replace the gray/green on the switch.
3. If your switch has the diode, remove it. If only the stern light comes on when you put the switch anchor position and the red/green lights only come on the navigation position, the diode is bad.

If everything above is working properly, replace the switch.

Let me know what you discover,

Kevin