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Hello,

I have a 1996 Horizon 200 with the Volvo Penta 5.0Fi. It has always run like a champ with only the occasional breaker tripping, thus killing the console power including the inanition switch.

Well that happened again over the weekend, only this time, it doesn't appear to be the breaker. The 3 breakers by the ECU are not tripped, battery is hot, tilt/trim work, radio works, lights, blower, etc. But the instruments in the console and the ignition are dead, i.e. no power. I have made sure that the throttle is in neutral and the kill switch is engaged.

It all worked one turn of the key, then the next, nothing. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance
Bryno

Checked the fuses?

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Only fused I can find are under the dash and they are bilge, blower, etc. No ignition fuses. They seem to only run off the breakers? I have the engine manual, but I don't see any other fuses anywhere.

I'm pretty sure there is a fuse for IGN in the fuse block under the helm. Fuseblock should look like one in a car, and use the "blade" type fuses.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Yes the fuse block under the dash has a slot for IGN. You are right. But there is t a wire connected to it nor a fuse installed.

Maybe bad ignition switch? I will check for power.

From the ignition, there are three wires: purples going to power dash guages. Yellow/red going to starter solenoid? And red/purple, power from...ECU?

Sure there isn't a fuse laying on the deck somewhere? Try putting the appropriate amp fuse in the ignition slot. There should be a fuse in there anyways.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I'd think that a hot battery would indicate a massive current draw. Whatever you do, find the fault before restoring power to the ignition circuit.

Isn't there a press to reset breaker on the dash, below the ignition switch ? ( if so, probably black circular thing with a white button on it). 2 wires on the back. Easy to check if it's working OK. Also, the kill cord switches sometimes play up; either the clip doesn't push the button down enough ( try pushing it it manually) or the contacts get dirty ( try rotating the button). Again, it's a simple 2 wire switch, easy to check if it's OK once you have access to the back of it.

I took that to mean that he has power to battery. But if he meant that literally (as in the battery is hot) to the touch, yeah, ya wanna get that checked before going any further.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Silly me; words mean things to me, and the term "hot" indicates increased temperature as compared to something that isn't. If indeed the OP was meaning "has voltage coming from it" then of course, disregard. I'd have never thought of that with my Electronics Engineer mind...

Haa, my shade tree mechanic mind took it as "it got power". Either way, sumtin ain't rite...

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Thanks guys. Got it figured out. While the small breaker switch next to the ignition was t tripped, it also wasn't passing power; no continuity. Replaced and all better.

Glad ya got it fixed. But....still scratching my head over the "no fuse in the IGN slot" thing. Mine has one. I assume they all should.

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

You would think if the slot is there, it would be used, but there was no wire attached to the fuse block going to the ignition. Might go ahead and hook it up like it should be. Maybe previous owner made the change for some reason.

Thanks again for helping me through the fix