2017 242X Solar panels not working

[jcyamaharider]

Went to start the boat this weekend after it sitting in my driveway all week in the direct sun ( I didn't put it in my canopy because I knew we were going out this weekend ) and it was slow starting! Is there any way to unplug the panels to test and see and then move down the line? I did check to see if there was a fuse and there was, it had power from both sides so I knew it was good also. My red light on my DSVR isn't red like I have read on other posts.

@Mainah ??? You seem to know the electrical system on these boats quite well.

 

[Mainah]

I don't have an X and am not recalling what others have said about where the solar panel wiring path. If I had an X I would not recommend the DVSR mod but instead make sure that the panels were connected to the hot side of the start switch and the little black DVSR wire is connected to ground post of one of the batteries. I would also ensure that there is a ground wire connecting both batteries.

 

[jcyamaharider]

Yep I have confirmed the grounds are tied and that the little black wire is connected and I have not cut my red DVSR loop. I have not made sure that the hot side is connected to the start switch. I guess I know what I am doing tonight after I get done building Wedges.

Is there a way that I can test the panel itself without being hooked to a battery? What should the voltage read? 13?

 

[Mainah]

The volatage ouput will depend on the solar panel controller. The better ones don't allow volatge under 13v and current is what will decline with less sun.

 

[Julian]

I have not made sure that the hot side is connected to the start switch.

I'll be curious to see what you find....I was told at one point that the panels are wired into the far side of the battery switches, so the switches have to be ON for the solar panels to charge the boat. Another member here said that his were on the battery side of the switches....

 

[Mainah]

@Julian comment made me realize I should have said battery side for how they should be wired.

 

[jcyamaharider]

I'll be curious to see what you find....I was told at one point that the panels are wired into the far side of the battery switches, so the switches have to be ON for the solar panels to charge the boat. Another member here said that his were on the battery side of the switches....

Does the dealer do any of this? So maybe when they setup the boat they have to wire it and each dealer is different?

Also I notice my lights flash when my battery switches are on but nothing is running. Do you have this @Julian ?

 

[Julian]

Does the dealer do any of this? So maybe when they setup the boat they have to wire it and each dealer is different?

Also I notice my lights flash when my battery switches are on but nothing is running. Do you have this @Julian ?

Pretty sure the dealers do not wire the panels in during set up.

I've not noticed my lights flashing...which lights do you refer to?

 

[jcyamaharider]

Pretty sure the dealers do not wire the panels in during set up.

I've not noticed my lights flashing...which lights do you refer to?

Tower leds and interior lights.

 

[Mainah]

Tower light flashes every few minutes when batteries are left on after turning ignition off. Bilge pump also cycles every few minutes in this condition as well.

 

[jcyamaharider]

Tower light flashes every few minutes when batteries are left on after turning ignition off. Bilge pump also cycles every few minutes in this condition as well.

So they are supposed to?? That is strange. Very easy way to run down the battery if left on the water for a long period of time.

 

[Mainah]

Well ever since connext came out in 2015 this has been the case. Someone must have thought it was a good idea.

 

[jcyamaharider]

Well ever since connext came out in 2015 this has been the case. Someone must have thought it was a good idea.

Someone good idea is always someone elses bad idea.....LOL

 

[jcyamaharider]

Ok fellows, I think I am getting down to brass tax and I think they have my wires backwards. I took some pics and I also show meter readings.

Will I be safe to invert the two wires?

Normal hook up you can see it has a negative meter reading.



I then covered up the panels to make sure I was on the correct wires



I then took both of the wires off of the battery totally and inversed my meter. So positive lead to ground wire.... etc.






This should be the correct way!!!!

Hit me back quick to confirm I am not crazy. I am electrically dumb.

Thanks,
Jerry

 

[Julian]

Ok fellows, I think I am getting down to brass tax and I think they have my wires backwards. I took some pics and I also show meter readings.

Will I be safe to invert the two wires?

Normal hook up you can see it has a negative meter reading.

View attachment 63292

I then covered up the panels to make sure I was on the correct wires

View attachment 63293

I then took both of the wires off of the battery totally and inversed my meter. So positive lead to ground wire.... etc.


View attachment 63294

View attachment 63295

This should be the correct way!!!!

Hit me back quick to confirm I am not crazy. I am electrically dumb.

Thanks,
Jerry

So the solar panel wires were on backwards.?

 

[jcyamaharider]

So the solar panel wires were on backwards.?

I think so

 

[Julian]

I think so

Going to have to check mine..... Having reversed current can't be doing any good to the boat! Might explain my battery drain issue.....

 

[Mainah]

I have no idea what the path is for G1 and SP in your boat. As long as it is only going to the solar panels I would say you are fine swapping them. If they are connected to anythoing else I would be hesitant. I am not sure what the connections look like at the panels but I would check there to see if they can be reversed there first.

 

[jcyamaharider]

I hooked just the g1 to the positive battery terminal and the sp to the negative side of the battery an hour ago and the battery read 12.22. Just checked it 12.27. I think it is charging now!!!

 

[RiverRat]

Is there no solar charging controller? The panels are wired directly to the battery?