Boat Nav Light Switch Stuck on- Help!

[WallyGator12000]

Hey guys,

I've got a 2002 Ranger 617vs, and tonight the nav light switch broke on me. The switch controls the nav lights and the anchor lights, and normally you push it forward for nav, middle for off, and bottom will turn the anchors on. The issue is that the lights stay on no matter what position the switch is in. There is also a little red light on the switch itself that will not turn off, no matter what position the switch is in.

I checked the fuse, and its good (though its the easiest way I have found to get the nav lights to turn off). I'm thinking the switch itself must be bad, because it is obviously getting power. Any other ideas to try before I go buy a new switch?

Thanks!

[SkunkedAgain]

Remove the old switch and inspect it for wear and corrosion. At that point, it's probably worth replacing the switch though. You may want to inspect all of them and just do a complete replacement so that you don't have to do a different one every year. Just a thought, but certainly more time consuming.

[hookjunior]

Do you have a second light switch somewhere else in the boat? In my boat there is a second control panel in the bow and if the switch up there is left on the light in the switch at the console also comes on.

[WallyGator12000]

Well thanks for the help, I'm not too proud to admit when I make a bonehead move...the front nav button was on, and therefore the console was also on. Easy fix! I appreciate it!

[hookjunior]

Don't feel bad it seems to happen to me every year. My kids will be playing in the boat and turn it on, I will notice the light on at the console and I never remember the bow panel until I have the console panel removed and I'm checking it with the test light.