Power Panel lights in 342

Stodge

Has anybody replaced the bulbs in the power panel?  I'm guessing it involves removing the door assembly and then the panel itself.  I noticed that only 1 column of labels light up when I turn on the panel lights switch.  It would be nice to have them all light up.  Even better if I could put in LEDs.

raybo3

I did this and to be honest its not worth the work to get the panel out and open. Have to take everything apart. IMO

TonyWalker

I have resorted to using a flashlight for a number of years now.

LaRea

See this discussion:
http://rinkerboats.vanillaforums.com/discussion/1828/342-switch-panel 

It's either a 2-hour job or a 2-day job, depending on how your particular boat was assembled.

To me, fixing those panel lights made a big difference.  I didn't really take notice as the bulbs burned out one-by-one over the years.  When I replaced them all at once, I noticed it big-time.  

Stodge

Sounds like LED will be the way to go.  Don't want to repeat this job from the sound of it.

Black_Diamond

I can't find my message from that is relevant on this, but:
remove all the top screws from the 'upper' shelf..the whole shelf will come off and get you the access you need I think..or at least help.  Either way it is a lot of tedious work.

Stodge

Ah, I was thinking I needed to pull the panel itself.  I'll take a look there.

LaRea

On mine, there was no way to do it without removing the panel.  The AC side is enclosed in a sheet-metal safety enclosure.  You have to remove the enclosure to reach the bulbs.

Stodge

That flashlight is starting to sound pretty good.  

raybo3

Trust me........ Its a cluster fu@k to take apart. Flash light works great......