3 Stage Navigation Switch Question/with solution

[LoweSTX175]

I was wondering if anyone knew the trick to wiring a three stage standard navigation switch.  I was having issues getting both the navigation (red/green) and white light to turn on at the same time with the switch all the way up.  So the genius in me decided to take all the wires off the switch and didn't take a picture to be able to put it the wires back on the right way.  The boat is a 2013 Lowe and I have literally tried to look up how to wire this type of switch on the internet.  Each method didn't work.  The prongs are set up with four going down the left side and three down the right side looking at the terminals.  The switch diagrams I have found online are all opposite.  I tried wiring in the opposite direction and can't get anything to light up.  There are six wires... one I have identified as the "hot wire" by attaching it to the other switches... two others with jumper wires (would assume it is the nav light in the front and white light in the back each) and one other wire that I assume is to the gauges on the console.  I'm going to try and take the switch to bass pro tomorrow to see if someone there can help me.  Sucks right now because I can't be out on the water at dark right now.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.  I can take a picture or draw a diagram if needed. 

[fishinwrench]

There are two ways out of your predicament.  

1. Identify the switch manufacturer and request a circuit diagram.

2. Obtain a ohm meter and figure them out yourself.   

Typically you are going to have one post dedicated to Battery power, Another dedicated to the switch light (assuming it has one),  a jumper from switch light to Nav. Light position.  A seperate post for Anchor light. And 2 posts for Nav. Lights.  

When the switch is down it powers up the post(s) on the opposite side.

[LoweSTX175]

There are two ways out of your predicament.  

1. Identify the switch manufacturer and request a circuit diagram.

2. Obtain a ohm meter and figure them out yourself.   

Typically you are going to have one post dedicated to Battery power, Another dedicated to the switch light (assuming it has one),  a jumper from switch light to Nav. Light position.  A seperate post for Anchor light. And 2 posts for Nav. Lights.  

When the switch is down it powers up the post(s) on the opposite side.

I assume the power wire would go at the top post of the four post side?  In my case the left facing side?  I tried to look at who manufactured the switch and all I saw was the ole "made in china".  I think Lowe boats had it wired wrong to start with.  I sure wasn't able to get both lights to work.  I do know the way it was wired from the manufacturer the second post from the top of the four post side didn't have anything hooked to it.

[fishinwrench]

That is correct.  There will be one corner post with nothing hooked to it......UNLESS it is a livewell switch, in which case that empty post will be dedicated to a timer.   (Same type of switch is used).

I doubt that Lowe wired it wrong.  Most problems with boat lights are in the sockets or posts.

[LoweSTX175]

Will it be wired in the same fashion as the livewell switch minus the timer post?  I'd also like to figure this out so I can post a diagram that will be easily found in case there is someone else that made the same boneheaded move.  I also had an issue with the wiring to the livewell switch when I first purchased the boat new.  That problem got resolve by pulling each connector off and forcing a better connection to the wire.

[zarraspook]

Will it be wired in the same fashion as the livewell switch minus the timer post?  I'd also like to figure this out so I can post a diagram that will be easily found in case there is someone else that made the same boneheaded move.  I also had an issue with the wiring to the livewell switch when I first purchased the boat new.  That problem got resolve by pulling each connector off and forcing a better connection to the wire.

If this don't work -- you have a bad switch....

 

[Shorelineangler]

wow, better tech support than given by some the manufacturers out there.. This forum rocks!

[LoweSTX175]

What I have found out this morning on the switch so far.  The switch is good.  I took off the livewell switch and wired it into the switch that is giving me problems.  The livewell works fine with the NAV/ANC switch.  I did try the diagram that Zarra suggested.  It didn't work.  Although the posts are opposite on the switch I have.  The four post side is opposite.  Still not working.  If the wiring diagram is correct I must have some wires not getting connection somewhere I guess.  Either way I would have figured one of the lights or at least my console would have lit up.  Instead of fishing today I'm going to be messing with a switch all day. 

[zarraspook]

What I have found out this morning on the switch so far.  The switch is good.  I took off the livewell switch and wired it into the switch that is giving me problems.  The livewell works fine with the NAV/ANC switch.  I did try the diagram that Zarra suggested.  It didn't work.  Although the posts are opposite on the switch I have.  The four post side is opposite.  Still not working.  If the wiring diagram is correct I must have some wires not getting connection somewhere I guess.  Either way I would have figured one of the lights or at least my console would have lit up.  Instead of fishing today I'm going to be messing with a switch all day. 

My gauges/console lights only come on when the key is in the run position.....

 

Can you post a picture of the back of your switch ??????  I have never seen one with the terminals that you have...

[LoweSTX175]

Just spent some time quietly under the consoles of several of the smaller nitro boats on bass pro's showroom. The switches on those are the same style.  When i get back to the boat I'm going to wire it the same way.  I'll post some pictures and even draw up and post if I get it correct.