[C320-list] Bow running light wiring problem

[Joseph A Tamucci]

My bow running light no longer functions. THE STERN RUNNING LIGHT WORKS
FINE.  After troubleshooting, the result is that there is some resistance
(20 ohms) in the positive wire at the bulb fitting (11.3 volts is read).
I have disconnected the positive wire lead and cut the lead exposing the
wire itself. I have  cleaned and stripped back the wire. Even after doing
this,  when the bulb is connected across the wires the voltage drops to near
zero and the bulb does not light. I have temporarily run an external wire
directly from the electrical panel switch to the bow, and using the existing
ground wire,  got the bulb to light so that confirms the faulty positive
wire.  Looking at the wiring schematic in my 1999 C320 manual (hull #619)
and looking at the running light switch, there is a single wire coming off
the switch which goes into the wiring harness and somewhere within the
harness (under the port seat?) there is a splice that splits the wire into
two wire runs running to the bow and stern.  The schematic does not identify
where the splice is located.  Somewhere between this splice and the end of
the wire at the  bow bulb fitting the wire has developed a bad connection.

 

Has anyone had this problem, and found where the splice is physically
located in the boat?  I know that the wire runs inside the bow pulpit and
into the boat somewhere by the anchor locker and through the portside
overhead channel where the port cabin light is.  I intend on removing the
portside molding and start tracing from there.  Any information on this
subject would be much appreciated!

 

Joe Tamucci

Andante (hull #619)