dead gages, no power to fuel system... need help!

[Johnny B]

Last October the boat was running perfect and everything was working great but I broke the steering cable.  This weekend I replaced the steering cable ( which was a pain ) but I got it done and it now works great.  I went ahead and changed out the ballast pumps, got it all working again, changed the oil, filter and fuel filter, hooked up the fake a lake and went to fire it up...  NO GO!  the dash is dead, no power to the fuel system and no loud alarm noise...  I checked over and over under the dash for loose connections, checked the fuses, checked power to the main power terminal and all was good.  I disconnected the batteries, and reconnected but still nothing.  when I hooked a code reader to the motor, there was nothing.  It seems like the DCM is out but I have already replaced it once and I don't know what would have made it go out since it ran to flawlessly last year.  While being stored the battery switch was off and it sat in dry storage all winter.  Does anybody have any suggestions? 

[breakawaydaze]

I know this sounds sorta dumb, but is the safety switch lanyard key in it's slot?  I spent an hour freaking out and realized while I was working on the boat I pulled it loose.  Slid it back on and everything is back to great.  (other than feeling like a happy idiot)

[Johnny B]

Im checking now and there is power going to the main terminal post but no power coming out..  I can't find power anywhere..  All the accessories ( blower, horn, lights..) work but nothing to the gages or fuel supply.  I have located the two yellow wires with fuses and they are both good. any other suggestions?  maybe a ground somewhere to check??

[breakawaydaze]

Not to harp but it sounds like kill switch issues...when you routed cable u might have messed up wires..did u check wiring behind kill switch?

[Johnny B]

I checked to make sure it was connected and I checked to make sure the wires were connected in the back..  When the lanyard is disconnected does it kill the dash and the alarm sound?  It seems like it should be something simple but I have checked the wire connections over and over and can't find anything wrong.  Last time out it ran great, so I thought I may have knocked something loose while running the steering cable but I can't seem to find it..  All the fuses I found have been good and all the connections seem good.  when I use a test light and touch the terminal under the dash, there is power at the power input wire but only power at one of the terminal connections.  I am at a loss right now and don't even know what else to look for or even anyone who might know.  any suggestions are appreciated at this point.. thanks

[ATXChris]

The dash ( and alarm i think ) on my Epic 21 is completely dead when the lanyard switch is tripped.  If it isn't the wiring around that switch you may want to take a peek at the wiring diagrams under the maintenance section ( http://www.epicmarine.com/figures/PANELSWITCHASSEMBLY.pdf ).  I was able to troubleshoot my dash cluster grounding problems using those schematics using a fluke multimeter.  At first glace the wiring looks complicated but if you take your time and follow the power from the key switch I'm sure you'll find the issue quickly.

[breakawaydaze]

Also, while you were rummaging around under the dash with the steering cable, you might have pulled off one of the wires off of the backside of the keyswitch, this would cause the problems you are describing,  get back under there (if you have not already) and check those wires.

[Capt Rick]

Turn key to start does it crank?
All accesories work ?
Check for all wires on key switch :
check the white plugs under dash connected>

Capt Rick

[Johnny B]

there are 4 wires connected to the switch, red, red with black stripe, red with white stripe and a yellow one.  It does crank but has no ignition, no alarm sound, and no gages.  I triple checked the harness connections, unplugged them and plugged them in again.  All the accessories work (blower, horn, lights act.) I checked to make sure it was in neutral, checked the lanyard. still nothing.  should I try a new ignition switch even if it cranks the motor? seems like it is working fine..  On the terminal panel with all the orange wires, should I get power to all connections with a test light?  I checked the ground and the power wire and they are both good.

[Johnny B]

I just bypassed the lanyard by connecting the wires together and still nothing.. 

[Capt Rick]

Connect the red wire on the key switch should have power to the purple wire> The gauges should start>
I have seen wires corroded at the engine harness too>
The ignition fuse can be bad too>

[Johnny B]

I connected the purple wire to the hot on the switch and still nothing.  The dash lights and all accessories work but the gauges don't. I am tracking the wires with a test light and only get power on the red wires.  is there any other color that should be hot? Should any of the purple wires be hot when the key is on?  Also where is the ignition fuse you mentioned?  I have checked several fuses but they have all been good so far.  sorry to ask so many questions but I am stumped and so close to having the boat perfect...  I know it is something simple if I can just find it.  thanks for all your help!

[wakejunky]

any chance you left the depth finder disconnected at the "CAN" line. or maybe removed the terminator resistor. look at the "digital instruments installation guide" in the maintenace section. make sure all the packard 6 pin connectors are connected. also do you still have the factory speedo tube connected to the MMDC ? did it spring a leak inside and fry the MMDC? sounds like you issue is in that area if everything else works.

[Johnny B]

you may be on to something wakejunky..  I did disconnect the depth finder.  I have a new module but it doesn't seem to plug in (6 pin) or fit in the hole by the bilge so I left it out thinking it wouldn't matter.  I will mess with it this evening. thanks for the advice, hopefully this is the problem.  It looks like the right part at first but doesn't seem to plug in..  it's the right number of pins but doesn't lock in like it should..  I am so use to not having a depth finder that I figured it wasn't worth the trouble but I will mess with it when I get home today. Thanks again!

[cyclone]

Check the neutral safety switch on the shifter. Try wiggling the shifter when attempting to crank the engine.
There is an inline fuse (maybe two) very near the MDC box, follow the plugs back from the box and you will find them bundled in the harness. There should also be an inline 30 amp fuse coming off the Perko switch feeding the dash. Good luck! I have the same boat if you want me to ring any wires out or test voltages, let me know.