1985 2850 - lower helm cranks but won(39)t start - upper helm starts just fine-gctid817286

[tdickenson]

Any ideas why my lower helm all of a sudden cranks but won't start but my upper helm starts just fine on my 1985 2850 Command Bridge? I was working on wiring for my GPS behind the lower helm, so maybe I knocked something lose but nothing obvious. It may be that my drive lift isn't working - would that cause problems with starting?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[aluxury1]

Ignition "ON" ans starter activation are 2 different circuits. Start ( NO PUN INTENDED ) at the key switch for a look.

[builderdude]

Yep, you might have knocked the ignition wire off the ignition switch or blown an ignition fuse at that helm while working on your GPS install.

[Ruffryder]

If no ignition wire or power at the lower helm ignition switch...she will not crank at all.

Is there a lower helm kill switch?

[tdickenson]

Both helms crank, and I don't think I have a kill switch. When I turn the key, the drive lift light turns on (and I can't remember if that's what always happens). So I hear the motor cranking - it just sounds like there's no gas because it never turns over. But the starter noise cranking from the upper helm sounds just the same but it fires up right away. I've got an electrician scheduled for some other work next week - hopefully he can take a look. Just wanted to troubleshoot as much myself as possible.

[tdickenson]

Just realized I never posted the resolution to my problem. I had an electrician working on other items on the boat and he was able to identify a wiring problem with the lower ignition switch (not sure if it was a broken connection, fuse, or exactly what). When you turned the key, the engine never even had the "click" at the engine engaging the circuit, so of course it didn't crank. And the problem was localized to the lower helm (which is why the upper helm started just fine). Once if was fixed, I never had the opportunity to ask the electrician more specifically what the problem/fix was. Thanks for the responses to my original message.