12vdc Cabin Lighting Issues

[shibbershabber]

SO, I have a Newport 30mkII


The overhead lights in my cabin wont come on, making me think that the bulb has burned out... BUT if I tap on the light a little, it comes on!


Any guesses what could cause this?

[David M]

You have a loose connection. Check the crimps and how well the bulb seats in the socket. It might just be a little corrosion.

[capnorv]

corrosion on the cotacts would be #1, a little clean up or abrasive will fix it once you determine if it's the bulb or the socket. A fatigued spring#2, you can probably give it a little more stretch. Your filament in the bulb may be bad, and when you tap it, it makes contact. If all this fails, remove light from overhead and check connections. Clear as mud?

[shibbershabber]

thanks!

[capnorv]

Your welcome, used to have a Newport Mk II 27,good boats.

[Bergovoy]

probable corrosion from the saltwater environment.. i know they have a protectant for other purposes, but not sure if it is used in teh marine environment or industry...

but it is kinda like the spray on stuff they use on battery terminals. (on cars)

here is another product i just seached for

VCI Corrosion Protection Store V-870CB Electrospray Removable Temporary Coatings

[Minggat]

Originally Posted by capnorv

corrosion on the cotacts would be #1, a little clean up or abrasive will fix it once you determine if it's the bulb or the socket.

For the abrasive, try the eraser on the end of a lead pencil. Handy for getting into the socket as well as just being a good contact cleaner.

[Bergovoy]

you can also rub the bulb contacts on your sneaker/tennis/deck shoe.... you can actually use your shoe bottoms for a lot of things, my best use is to clear a ball point pen... just scribble on the shoe bottom then try writing on paper...

gl