Helm illumination

walkermar

Has anyone ever had their helm lights for dials and EVC not work? I have checked the fuses but all ok

TonyG13

In general for Rinker, helm lights (i.e., switches, etc.) only illuminate when the anchor/nav light switch is in the "on" position.

That is one of my projects - to separate dash/helm illumination from the anc/nav switch and put it on an unused accessory switch so I can have them lit while sitting at the dock without having to have the anchor light on.  

aero3113

It’s possible that your dimmer module is bad. I think I read that if the dimmer goes bad the lights will not work as well (I could be wrong). It’s easy to replace, it’s behind the dash.

LaRea

As @aero3113 said, the dimmer module is the most likely culprit.  It's probably loose or disconnected.  Mine fell off, and I had to retrieve it from the depths beneath the helm station.

EDIT: Behind the row of rocker switches, the wiring is all zip-tied in a bundle.  The dimmer module should be zip-tied to that bundle.  If you only see a white 4-pin connector, it means the dimmer module fell off.

walkermar

Thanks all, this forum is unbelievable . I replaced the solenoid for the windlass recently on the helm so will check if this is the culprit. Cheers guys 

davidbrooks

I may have to look into this also.  I always thought the dimmer switch was just there for looks.  Kind of like trying to press the elevator button a bunch of times to make it speed up.  My switch lights work but the dimmer doesn't do anything.

YYZRC

@davidbrooks are your switch bodies new or original? I assume that the dimmer would only work on older switches with incandescent indicator lights. 

LaRea

@davidbrooks, here's what should happen:
Press and hold up, switch lights get brighter.
Press and hold down, switch lights get dimmer.

TonyG13

And on mine the dimmer only works - for the entire panel - when the nav/anchor switch is "on"

LaRea

Right ... the only time you "need" panel lights is when you are underway at night (nav lights on).  If you want them on at anchor, that's a mod. 

davidbrooks

@YYZRC they are replacement bodies from a few years ago.  I am pretty sure they are incandescent though. @LaRea ohhhh so that is how a switch works....  Sorry i had to.  I sat here for about 5 min trying to think up an appropriate smarta@@ remark that wouldn't be flagged.  I don't do a whole lot of night boating but my switches are pretty dim.  It is the two MFD's on the dash that can cause a problem with night vision if not in the right mode. 45 days till Spring fellas.