Gauges on 2008 ZT 230

[Stingray]

Im new to the forum so please tell me if I'm not following protocol. Im in the process of purchasing a 2008 ZT230 with 60 hours. I have a few concerns. Just took boat out after much rain and the dash gauges were going up and down and moving all around while driving the boat. The gas gauge was the only one that seemed to be working. The info area had a question mark next to the word hours. After a bit it seems the tachometer seemed to start working. Got back to slip and it seemed the hour meter was also working, showing 60 hours. Any idea to what the issue could be? Thank you.

 

[sonicss31]

Check all the ground wires.

 

[Stingray]

Appreciate your response. When checking the ground wires would I be searching under dash or at battery or engine area? Is there one common ground for the gauges as they were all moving around? Will do some digging around this afternoon.

 

[sonicss31]

Depends on how it was rigged but most times the grounds to gauges are all linked together in sort of a chain from gauge to gauge as are the power for the lights in them.

 

[Stingray]

Fixed it. Thank you very much for you help! Had several loose wires under dash and at battery and alternator connection. All seems good now. I am ordering new battery wires, a battery switch and adding a second battery as some of these wires need replacement. Boat is missing center piece on steering wheel. Is there a source out there to get replacement parts for checkmate?

 

[sonicss31]

Always remember to use "marine" wire for any rigging. If you go "cheap" you will regret it. Do a search on this subject before you start and you will agree.