Gauges Dead

[BernardFred]

I am a brand new member of this forum, so please forgive duplications or other mistakes.

My 2014 S20 was delivered to me three weeks ago, and for the first few outings everything worked fine. However, when I came to the lake this week, I found that the three helm gauges — tilt, RPM, and fuel — are dead. Engine runs fine, but no gauges.

I’m not yet totally familiar with all aspects of operation. Is it as simple as neglecting to turn a switch or push a button?

I’ve done a cursory check of wiring under the panel and at the battery. All looks good and tight.

Would be grateful for any suggestions.

 

[DVW]

All three gages share a common power and ground. However other dash functions share a common ground so if they are not out it probably is power to the three gages. The power comes from the harness to the key switch. The gages power up when you turn the key. For most Benningtons you can see the back side of the key switch but you can not get to it easily. Yours might be different. There is a hidden fuse down there but that is probably not the source of your problem. Start by crawling in with a test light or a electrical meter.

 

[Vikingstaff]

Welcome Captain!

Many/Most helms have a master power switch as well as a potential switch at the battery depending on the set up. Have you looked and tried that? Could be an easy thing to overlook on a new boat. Helm master switch. Very well might not be labeled.

 

[BernardFred]

Thanks for replies. Not seeing a master switch at the helm. Under-dash wiring looks good, and the 10-amp fuse there appears intact. The BRP (Evinrude) throttle/shift control is a bit wonky — seems to rotate freely although functional — I’m suspicious of that.

 

[Jack M]

I had some get disconnected under the helm . I ended up securing with a zip tie .

 

[BernardFred]

Gauges are still dead — I’ve gone about as far as I can go with very limited knowledge and skills. Will have to bring in expert help.
In the meantime, I plan to use the boat. I can certainly live without the engine tilt gauge and the tachometer, but the fuel gauge is another thing. I will know how much gas I put in, and how many hours of cruising I do, but I don’t know my rate of consumption.
Engine is an Evinrude E-tec 50, and almost all my gentle cruising will be at around 2500 rpm. Can anyone suggest a credible estimate of fuel burn in either US gallons or litres per hour?
Most grateful for any help.