courtesy light delays before turning on

[Georgie]

Ok, so this is a minor issue and probably has a simple answer, but i don't know enough about electrical problems to troubleshoot it effectively.  My port aft courtesy light waits between 5 seconds and two minutes to turn on after I flip the switch.  I've tested voltage and i get just under 12V.  Absolutely NO idea why that one circuit would have such a delay b/c I've never encountered such an issue before.     All the rest of the courtesy lights turn on with the flip of the switch.  Am I just seeing the symptom of a bad section of wire in this one leg of the circuit?

[fitz73222]

Got to be resistance and makes the connection when the circuit heats up. Try doing an Ohms test on the socket, switch and wiring. Red phone to Seabob!

[seabob4]

Ryan, think about the flow of electricity in it's simplest terms...it either gets there (and the light works) or it doesn't (light doesn't work).  First thing I would look at is the light itself, particalarly the hot and ground contacts.  Courtesy light bases and innards are notorious for corroding badly, as they are all basically cheaply made.  In fact, when I get an older boat and am checking it electrically to see what works, what doesn't, I am mildly amazed when the courtesy lights work...

[Georgie]

think about the flow of electricity in it's simplest terms...it either gets there (and the light works) or it doesn't (light doesn't work).

 Exactly why the delay has me completely befuddled.  What could possibly change about the circuit in the interim such that the light turns on by itself a minute or so later is the mystery.  

My one and ONLY guess is exactly what Farley mentioned

Got to be resistance and makes the connection when the circuit heats up

, but then I'm left thinking, if the circuit is open, then why would heat build up?...and doesn't heat actually WEAKEN the ability of the current to travel the full circuit? (I'm thinking of the analogous situation where an undersized extension cord builds up heat and once it gets too hot the motor or device that's drawing the current won't work anymore)

Ultimately I guess a standard resistance test would be the way to find a section of wire that might be bad, but I'll swap out the bulb first since it's the easiest step and won't cost me but a couple bucks.

[seabob4]

While Farley is correct in that resistance causes heat, that same heat reduces current flow...less voltage...

[MarshMarlowe196]

Bob is right, those older bulb style courtesy lights are poorly made.  I had the same issue you’re describing on my Key West, and it was only a year old.  The port light would take up to a minute to illuminate after hitting the switch.  Tried a new bulb, it didn’t fix the delay.  I took the light assembly out, and it practically disintegrated in my hand. Maybe the heat from a corroded connection causing higher resistance eventually swells the bulb socket enough to make contact.  I replaced both lights with a pair of LED courtesy lights using the same wiring, and they illuminate at the speed of light again. 

[FJStretch]

Marsh..
What type of LED courtesy lights did you get to replace the originals? I'm in the market and would like ideas.
Thx,
FJ

[MarshMarlowe196]

Marsh..
What type of LED courtesy lights did you get to replace the originals? I'm in the market and would like ideas.
Thx,
FJ

This is what I have now-
http://www.thmarine.com/products/Lights ... teel-Bezel

They're available in red, white, and blue ('Murica) light, I went with blue, but its a very light blue color when the lights are on. The circuit board is allegedly completely sealed, so no more corroded lights.

[FJStretch]

Those look great. Thanks.

[Bergertime]

Marsh,

After I had issues getting my stock courtesy lights working (made of pure crap) I replaced all mine with HELLA LEDs.  They look great, come in many colors and if you get the right version it comes with a spacer ring for a flush mount (no cutting). Here is the link to the product, shop around as they can be had for around $20 a piece.  Let me know if you have any ?s.  

PS - I personally like the red as it's easier on the eyes and does not hose up your vision at night.

B

http://www.hellamarine.com/en/products/ ... lamps.html

[gran398]

The Hella product is the Mac-Daddy

[Capt. Bob]

I'm not familiar with the location of your courtesy lighting but....
If you're going to the trouble of replacing the lights, you may want to consider placing LEDs under the gunnels on both sides. Very popular with the re-builders here and they illuminate the entire cockpit very nicely.

I replaced my factory ones in my 91 (located against the gunnel on each side). I used LED flexible strip lighting.   The best part IMHO is that you don't stare at the naked lamp whether it's incandescent or LED. That's a big plus in my book. Color is a personal choice of course.

Just another option you may want to consider.

Good luck.

[Georgie]

Thanks guys.  Turned out to be a bad ground wire/connection for the last bulb in the courtesy light circuit.  Apparently it was only handling about 3-4V through the connection.  Removed and replaced the one segment of ground wire (in case there was a deteriorated spot in the middle that I couldn't see, reconnected to the rest of the circuit, and VOILA!  

Will probably pick up a set of these http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/200996081567?lpid=82to replace my incandescents, but Worst didn't carry any substitutes when I was there.   Likely gonna be cheaper online anyway (despite Port Authority discount).

Enjoyed the crisp 45 degree weather first thing this morning...don't often get reminded of the New England climate I was raised in now that I'm down here in Fort Lauderdale.  Always makes me chuckle when people down here pull out monster parkas, walmart gloves, and fashion hats once the temps dip below 50.