Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

I recently purchased a 2000 Z252 and I'm having an issue with the radio. The accessory wire has power and the ground seems good, but the yellow / orange constant 12v wire has nothing. I've checked the fuses which all appear to be good on the two small panels I found. I've traced the wire down the bundle as far as seems reasonable, but I can't see where it goes without disassembling it, and I'd rather not go that far if I don't have to. Can anybody lend some advice?

Also, if it's related (and I don't think it is), the horn currently doesn't work either.

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

I've also looked through the Mariah Wiring Schematics from the contributors only section and haven't seen anything designated as Radio or Stereo. Just the speaker wires.

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

Is your's a cuddy? I'm bringing mine to the house tonite and I'll look at how mine is wired. I would think there would be constant hot fuse panel somewhere for memory on different electronics but don't know for sure yet

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

Nah, mine's a bow rider. I would think that they're surely pretty similar though. I had originally proved for continuity between the orange radio wire and the fuse panel and thought it didn't have continuity there, but I found out about an hour ago the tone on my meter isn't working. Since I needed all the length of my meter leads I couldn't see the display. I'm betting it has to go to one of the fuse panels I found back behind the gauges. If it's just an individual issue with the radio wire that doesn't concern me, I can add a wire I the fuse block. I just don't want to band aid this issue and find another later on.

Thanks in advance for any insight, I think the next time I get in the boat to nose around I'll throw some pictures up of what I'm working with.

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

I wish we could put pictures of our boats in the INFO section. It'd be handy !!
I'm thinking about doing a 10 amp circuit breaker to a fuse panel, directly from a battery, that by passes the Batt Selector so I can save my radio stations. I will mount th CB beside the Batt Selector si I can manually turn the circuit off if need be.

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

On my boat all the B+ hot wires are individually fused near the batteries with somewhat sealed in line fuse holders. I have had to disassemble them multiple times to clean them up. Even had to replace a few.

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

Not a bad thought Brian. Just food for thought, by the time you buy the breaker and wire it may be almost as cheap to look into a new head unit with a battery. They're pretty cheap.

Steve, thank you for the tip! I'll do some digging around back there when the rain subsides and see if I can find some. Individual 16ga or so wires I assume? Just run straight to the battery?

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

Yes, 16 awg wires. On my boat they go back to a buss bar that is located above the batteries.

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

Steve, does the Selecter control the individual fuses?

Re: Z252 radio 12v constant power?
 

No, believe they are hardwired to battery number 1. Not connected to the selector switch a TR all.