Ballast Pumps not Working

[patoloco]

I have a '99 with the ballast assist pumps. The pumps stopped working suddenly this weekend. Pulled the wires at the switch (toggle style) and found no power(using a 12v tester) going into the switch.

The switch is not attached to any of the independant breaker buttons on the dash and appears to be wired to come on with the ignition switch.

I looked for a blown in-line fuse but couldnt seem to find one. Does anyone know where a fuse for this power wire would be located...or where the problem might be?

[Dr.John]

RE: Ballast Pumps not Working

Just a guess, but you prolly have tripped the circuit breaker to the pumps. Should be located under the dash.

The reason the cb's tripped could be that the pump(s) shaft/bearing seized. Try opening the pump housing (1/4 twist turn) and rotating the vane to free it up. Energize the pump and see if it rotates. These are notorious for seizing up especially when they are not used frequently.

[patoloco]

RE: Ballast Pumps not Working

I pulled the dash off and didn't see anything that looked like a breaker or fuse behind the dash...aside of course from the breaker buttons on the front of the dash. It seems the pumps are wired to the ignition and will only turn on when the iginition breaker is pushed in and the key is turned one click forward....when they are working that is...

I'll check out the pumps, I hope they didn't seize up...it certainly wouldn't have been from lack of use...probably the opposite..haha.

Thanks!

[patoloco]

Found the in-line fuse(hidden behind a mass of wires) and replaced it. Opened up the front pump, no blockage, turned freely. Hit the switch and both pumps kicked on and sound fine.

I think the fuse itself may have just failed..got a coupel of extras now. I did discover, while checking out the rear pump, how easily the floor board comes out for access.

[Dr.John]

Glad you figured it out, hope I didn't cause you too much needless work :o . I thought they had the circuit breaker in 99... my bad!
If they are like mine, the pumps can be had at WalMart for $20.

[patoloco]

My dealer confirmed the in-line fuse for me, so I knew it had to be there somewhere.

I didn't realize the pump even came apart...or for that matter, that my rear floor board popped out that easy...never had a reason to open either...but its good to know for any future "on-water" emergency repairs. So I learned a couple of things...bonus!