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Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 5th, 2019, 10:47 am
by Cooler
Can anyone tell me if there is an easy access to the underside of the helm in a 95 330 Mariner? I need to replace my GPS connection cable, but do not see any easy access plate. There is a big empty space directly under the helm, for feet while sitting or minimal gear, but connecting stuff upside down would be challenging. Thx in advance. 8-) er

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 5th, 2019, 7:25 pm
by Viper
Is there an ice maker or fridge beside the helm (port side) you can remove? Do you have the bench seat at the front of the bridge apron? If so, have you tried gaining access through there? I know you can get to the back of the ice maker if applicable and AC unit on those that are mounted in there.

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 6th, 2019, 12:12 am
by Cooler
No ice or fridge. There is a bench seat that ends at the helm area, but I have not noticed any access panel behind the bolster. Could the gauge panel come off? The steering wheel and throttles would need to be removed. Thoughts? 8-) er

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 6th, 2019, 11:50 am
by Cooler
https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/ ... tion=click

Here is a link, I think, to a pic of the helm.

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 6th, 2019, 12:24 pm
by waybomb
Same setup as my older 3697.
Pull the helm chair off, take out all the screws holding the footwell in, remove the footwell, get a nice heavy blanket, lay it down over the sharp ledge at the footwell so you don't scratch up your back, lay down facing up , have a light source on, and hope you brought everything underneath you need.
While down there, clean the space; it'll need it.

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 6th, 2019, 1:30 pm
by Cooler
Yep, I was afraid that was going to be the case. Are there buss bars close to the top of the footwell space? Or am I going to need arms that are 4ft long to reach the connections? Just preparing myself for the frustration. Thanks for your response. My GPS flashes off intermittently, and the connection plug has some corrosion at about half the pin receptacles. 8-) er

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 6th, 2019, 2:32 pm
by km1125
Cooler wrote:Source of the post https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/ ... tion=click

Here is a link, I think, to a pic of the helm.


Wow. If that's it, it's exactly like my 3607. Yes, just remove all those screws around the footwell (9, I think) and pull the footwell out. You can slide in there and look up at all the wiring. If you've never been in there before, plan for a bunch of extra time looking at whatever was done before, because some of it might look pretty "interesting". ;)

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 6th, 2019, 4:15 pm
by waybomb
It really is not a bad task. Everything is reachable. And yes, plan on finding all sorts of bad mechanics' work. Bring extras cable ties as you spelunk into the cave.

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 6th, 2019, 6:55 pm
by Viper
Cooler wrote:Source of the post https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/ ... tion=click

Here is a link, I think, to a pic of the helm.

I see what you have now. Ya the guys are correct, you'll get access through the foot well. Yes, be prepared for the worst. Certainly check all the electrical connections while you're there and correct deficiencies. Also ensure wiring is secured and that the stress isn't on any connection including display connection ports. I assume you have Hydraulic steering, it would be a good idea to check the fittings on the helm for leaks.

Re: Access to electrical under helm

Posted: November 7th, 2019, 8:14 am
by bud37
Heh Cooler, Just looked at your pic there, it looks like you could crawl in and hibernate.....lots o room.... :-D ...just bring extra tools when you think you have enough...... :beergood: