Advanced Marine Electrics and Electronics Troubleshooting A Manual for Boatowners and Marine Technicians

marine troubleshooting 11

NEW METHOD

OLD METHOD

SYMPTOM

Using a conventional multimeter, perform multiple steps using a "split" shore cord adapter to take voltage and current

measurements in the hot, neutral, and ground conductors. This method doesn’t have the advantages of data logging.

Battery Chargers and Inverters (5)

Use the Yokogawa or similar clamp-on leak tester to isolate any ground fault leakage on the AC

side of these devices (Chapter 10).

Suspected AC

leakage from battery

charger or inverter

output.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Over the years, I’ve taught troubleshooting in
dozens of classrooms and seminars. While the
equipment necessary to solve more complicated
problems has become more sophisticated, the
basic processes haven’t changed. Problem solv-
ing is not always easy, and to be done properly
and efficiently, several steps must be taken in
logical order:

1 Verify the problem.Does the complaint

represent a genuine problem? Or is the

solution really awareness or education?

2 Gather information.Get the com-

plaint directly, not thirdhand. Deter-

mine the exact symptoms and the condi-

tions under which the problem occurs.

Get a timeline—is this a new problem, or

has it been going on for awhile? Get as

much history about the boat as possible.

NEW METHOD

OLD METHOD

SYMPTOM

Confirm proper power to

electronic equipment. Use

a SureTest tool for AC

equipment (Chapter 4)

and a DVOM for DC

equipment.

Check the integrity of the

ground and all of its

connections. Use a TDR

(Chapter 3) or a diagnostic

meter (Chapter 2).

If the gear relies on an

antenna, use a TDR to test

coaxial connections and

cable run. Also, make sure

the run is routed correctly

as described in Chapter 16.

Use a multimeter and/or a trouble light to track through circuits from one termination point to another.

Some termination points may be inaccessible.

Audible or visual

“noise” (the latter seen

on readouts or monitors

as hash marks or

inexplicable lines on

the screen).

Electronics (1)