2000 Sport Nautique SmartPod issue

Hello, I have a 2000 SN DD that I purchased last summer with <300hrs on it. I noticed last summer that the starboard side smart pod keypad wouldn't light up at night and was generally shoddy in terms of buttons feeling like they were "fresh" or sturdy enough to engage their function. Meaning, to push my bilge in, I really have to mash down the button to get it on, same with the fuel tank vent. Well, yesterday we had our first '11 boat day up here in Big Sky country and the entire keypad on the right side was out, with the exception of Nav lights. I can hear the relay (I guess that's what it is) clicking under the dash when I try to get the vent or bilge to come on, but no corresponding power. Could these keypads just take a dump on us after years of use and need to be replaced? I have searched and searched with dozens of word combos but I'm not really getting anything to hit here. Same with PN. Searching gets frustrating when you can't come up with a word combo to bring up what you're looking for.

Don't know if this matters, but we went back to analog Faria gauges last year and this was an issue before and after that install. Also, I did pressure wash my carpet but I was as careful as could be not to get water in the dash or behind it. Surely there aren't wires on the floor of my boat behind the steering column!?

Not given,
If in fact you are hearing a relay energizing when you touch the keypad, then there's problems elsewhere. This may take some investigation with the volt/ohm meter. Start at the device that doesn't work and work backwards with the meter.

Where in Montana are you? I graduated from Montana state and then spent a year carpentering at Chet Huntley's "Big Sky". Wow, that seems like a long time ago!!

Spencer,
After graduating from MSU and going to work at Big Sky, I lived about half way between Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky just in the area where the canyon opens up under Garnet Mountain. Man, you are bringing back the memories!!!

Like I said, it may not be the keypad. The "relays clicking are telling me something but, with anything that's "modern", the keypads can go. Bring back the good old toggle switch!!    

Spencer,
Thanks big time for the offer. One of these days I want to make it back out to the area. Keep in mind I was out there in the early 70's and lots has changed. I remember using the Google earth one day and zoomed into the area and was shocked at the changes. When I was carpentering on Chet's project, all we had was the original temporary road up to the mountain base. It was carved out of the hill side and snow and ice. One day when warmer weather came (April ) it gave out and we were all stuck on the mountain (now the "mountain" village") Since the commercial complex wasn't even close to being finished, there were no businesses open so, we didn't even have a bar to hang out in!! Then there was the day the highway department had to close down the whole canyon. A semi driver driving a load or oranges from California went over the edge into the river late winter!! I was getting oranges coming down to my house well into summer!!!

Chet was a cool guy and I did get to know him quite well due to my roommate being a relative. It's sad he never got to see the grand opening.

Hey Montana, got a PM from you but you don't have your email listed so I can't reply...

Sunny,

I've been told they can go. You should try opening up the dash pad and drying it off in the sun for a day or with a hair dryer. Give it some time to dry out and then try the dash buttons again. IF still nothing, maybe think about a Nautique dealer or specialist or by pass that and just replace the keypad.