www.iFourWinns.com

I've read most of the posts regarding the VDO gauge issues. My horizon 230 5.7 GSI is on the "Fritz"
again. My gauges are all blank, When I de-winterized it I ran it on the muffs for 15-20 mins and everything was fine. I disconnected the battery, and cleaned the bilge area for this season. When i reconnected the Battery I forgot to connect the black wire ground from the cluster gauge to neg terminal. I mistakenly touch the positive terminal, thats when the sparks flew.
Hence no gauges. The previous owner had problems with gauges, and the boat dealer fixed it,he also added an isolation block to the fix. Whatever that is. I'm told there should be an in line fuse on this circuit . Cant find any, all the fuses on the fuse block are good.

Anybody got ideas?
Fixer.5

There's a couple of in-line fuses behind the gauge cluster itself.

Graham R

I've been all over the wiring,especially under the helm. The only in line fuse is for the radio,and it's good. I have also looked at the electrical schematics and there is nothing indicating an in line fuse for the gauges.

Regards
Fixer.5

http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=12621

The fuse(s) are indicated in this thread; they are in the wiring behind the cluster.

Graham I

Thanks again for the quick reply.

You mentioned "behind the cluster" my FW has a fibre glass panel which is part of the construction of the boat. My FW has a small square hole cut out ,just big enough to install wiring plug to the cluster.
It looks like it was cut when someone added an "isolation block to the unit". I guess my next move is to
enlarge the hole to get a better look see. Do you know if the vdo cluster can be removed from the front?

Cheers Fixer.5

IAs your 230 Horizon has got a 5.7GSi, the boat must be something like a 1998 to 2000, maybe 2001. The dash on those is similar in design to the 1999 Sundowner I had. The dash assembly was a vinyl covered armature, with a space that the instrument cluster/ plastic wood trim fitted in (the means of securing it to the dash varied, some had clips, some screws, you might have to remove the compass to get at the clips............but yes, if it's like I imagine it to be, the cluster comes out of the front

Graham I

thanks again. I removed the compass,and noticed the plastic wing nuts holding the cluster to the dash.
My problem is that the plastic wrap around that's tapered on the right side,has to come off,but there are no screws visible,and i think its clipped on somehow. The plastic does not have much give and i fear
it will shatter.

Fixer.5

There are probably lugs moulded onto the trim piece that push into spring clips attached to the armature. If you can start at one end, maybe at the instrument end as it's free, it should be possible to work your way along gently levering each one off in turn, maybe using something like a plastic 12" ruler as a lever. Good luck !

Just to jump back to your original question:
My 2000 horizon (same as 1999) DID have an inline fuse going to the VDO cluster. It was blown once and all gages were dead. New 5 amp fuse fixed it. The fuse in mine was behind the panel, and was a "spade" type fuse, not a "cylindrical" type fuse.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

graham I

Good idea will give it a try.

Fixer.5

rpngr

Thanks for that info,I'll keep looking.

Fixer.5

My inline fuse looked like one of these, but some holders have covers over the fuse.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

Rpengr


Thanks for that info. I found the in line fuse holders today, after you described what they looked like.
All my experience with inline fuse holders are the round one's that are spring loaded,with a twist action.
After all said and done the fuses were ok.There were two holders one had the purple wire and the other
One had red with blue stripe.
Now I have to trace each gauge to see if they are getting voltage.
Thanks for the info
Fixer.5?

Graham R

I got your message,but screwed it up trying to send it to you.
Try this: Fixer.5@juno.com
Fixer.5

Graham R
To follow up on your downloads.
I have power to pins 22 23.
On pin 4 there is no black grnd wire there, only a braided wire for the speedo. I checked it and it's a good ground.

I have some pics I took under the dash that I would like to show you, it's connection that I think was installed after market.
If it's ok with you I'll e mail to you, let me know.
Fixer.5