Hummingbird won't turn on

[riverrat56]

I just recently purchased a Hummingbird 586c, went to install it today and it won't turn on, everything checks out when I look over it as far as wiring goes, I checked voltage at the plug in the base of the unit and have 12.7v. To me this means there is a problem with the unit?

Anything else I should check for before calling Hummingbird or returning it to Cabelas?

[Northlander]

Return it and have them try it at the store.

[riverrat56]

If I hadn't bought it 2 hours away I would have but I don't have time to get down there for a few more weeks.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Call customer service, they were great to me.

[gofishingtom]

check to make sure u have the power cable in the right spot on the unit..i have seen this happen twice this year with birds and both times the customer brought it in saying it wouldnt power up and i switch the power cable to the unit to the right plug in..could be that easy..

[dudewheresmyboat]

is it fused properly?

[riverrat56]

check to make sure u have the power cable in the right spot on the unit..i have seen this happen twice this year with birds and both times the customer brought it in saying it wouldnt power up and i switch the power cable to the unit to the right plug in..could be that easy..

[fishwater]

I would test your circuit under a small load (ie. put a light bulb or fan in the circuit.)

Measuring voltage is a poor way to test a circuit. I've seen circuits read the correct voltage at the terminals, yet not be able to provide any current to power anything. If you can get a decent amount of current to light up a bulb, you are looking at an electronics problem with your Hbird. If you can't provide the current, the circuit is bad.

[riverrat56]

Agreed on checking voltage being a poor method, but it was the easy one at the time.....

I'll find a bulb and try that.

[Ed Carlson]

Double check your polarity, check to see if the end of the power cord is powered...and than find another installed Hummer and pop the head on it and see if it powers up then. If it does then..it may be a bad power cord.

Be advised...Hummingbird has a policy of all manufacturer defects must be returned to there warranty center, and not the retail store...but since it is a very recent purchase the retailer may work with you on it.

[riverrat56]

Alright, a few beers and a little head scratching and were up and running. Found a short in a crimp that must have been causing me to drop too much amperage. Everything is looking good now and I also found out my old depthfinder (Eagle 320) is still working flawlessly as well.....

Thanks for the help guys, fishwater, you pretty much nailed it!

[Ed Carlson]

Good deal...ya both those units will not fire up if the voltage is less than 10 V. Common deal, corroded fuse links or crimps.

I recommend new crimps and coat them with Liquid Electrical brush on tape...seals them up like heat shrink but even tighter, and protects them from moisture causing corrosion.

[riverrat56]

I had 12.7 volts at the connector, but the problem was a combination of some slight corosion in the crimps/fuse holder. I was able to run the factory power cable straight to the battery so I have no crimps to worry about (other than at the new fuse holder).

Thanks again!

[Eric Wettschreck]

On a side note, you're gonna love that Bird.