1988 HR Alumalite Dinette Light Not Working

[wjell]

We are new to this RV since May of this year. This fixture used to work and then kinda blinked out one day when we turned it on. Here is what we know via continuity tests:

1) Switch OK
2) Wire from Switch to Fixture OK
3) Fuses OK

What we seem to be lacking is power from the coach wiring. Both wires head up from the switch. I have no idea where it comes from or how to get to the next junction point. There are lights above the table. Would my next step be to start taking those out too? Wish I had Xray vision.

[Randy1252]

Double check those fuses. I had the same problem with my light and it was a fuse I couldn't see well enough.

[wjell]

Originally Posted by Randy1252

Double check those fuses. I had the same problem with my light and it was a fuse I couldn't see well enough.

Thanks Randy. I pulled all the fuses (that I know of) and replaced them with new ones. Cont checked them (they all checked OK) and will keep them as spares. No luck.

Were you also having problems with the bathroom fan as well? I remember that from a post and thought it might be you. Fan is working OK, only this light is non-functional.

I think my next step will be to pull one of those over window lights and look at the wiring there.

Thanks,
Bill

[nightriderrv]

Have you check any wires with a meter to see voltage

[wjell]

Originally Posted by nightriderrv

Have you check any wires with a meter to see voltage

Thanks for your reply.


Yes, and I don't see any downstream voltage. Continuity checks out OK across switch upstream to the fixture.

My problem is that I don't (yet) know how these things are wired. I am going to pull the working under the overhead cabinet light and see if the "dead" wire goes through there.

Thanks,

Bill

[BFlinn181]

Turn on all the lights. Pull a fuse and see which ones go out. Replace fuse. Pull another fuse and watch for lights going out. This way you can make a more accurate guess as to which circuit the non working light is on. Then take down nearby light and look for a wire going on to the non working light. If this doesn't solve bad connection, perhaps you can 'fish' a wire from working light to non working light.

Also, have you determined if the ground wire is good? Many 12 v issues are bad grounds. Put a jumper wire to a known good ground and test 'hot' wire to that, not to the ground wire in light fixture.

[87Rockwood]

Did you check the light bulb? And its socket?

[ahicks]

My bet? There's a wall switch right next to the door.

-Al

[wjell]

BFlinn181 NAILED It!!!

It was a bad ground connection - nothing to do with downstream 12V+ wiring.

When I pulled the nearby working under overhead light and used that ground, this fixture worked. The ground wire for the non working fixture had melted in the connector.

I am not used to working in the 12V world where an uninsulated wire is used for the other 1/2 of the circuit, but I guess that is the was it works in RVs.

I will post pictures tomorrow but BFlinn181 is the Winner - Winner - Chicken Dinner!!!

Thanks,
Bill