1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

[Andreanek]

We had a rainstorm when we were out of town and the boat had filled with water while docked at the lake. Since then the tilt and trim has not worked. Connections have been inspected for corrosion. Could you please give me some ideas on where to start tracking down the problem. We have replaced the realys with no luck and I am trying to not have to buy a whole new box if I don't have to. Any ideas would be helpful. I am writing this for my husband while he is at work and I will try to explain things the best I can. Thanks, Andrea

 

[mckee1787]

Re: 1984 Joihnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Re: 1984 Joihnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Go back to the relay box and disconnect the trim/tilt motor and apply 12v directly to the motor. If this works and you say the relays are good then the switch is bad. You can check the switch by using an ohm meter for connectivity.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1984 Joihnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Re: 1984 Joihnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

You've gotten some good advice from mckee. Unlikely the year may may any difference in troubleshooting, but you should check your model again to insure just what year the engine is-they did not make a 175 in 1984.

 

[Andreanek]

Re: 1984 Joihnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Re: 1984 Joihnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

You're right, it's a 1982.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Looks like that trim relay box on that year has a fuse in it. Should be a red rubber fuse holder in the wiring in the box. Check the fuse and check the fuse holder. Sometimes the fuse holders get rust, crud in them, preventing a good fuse from properly seating.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Fuse was a AGA 30.

 

[Andreanek]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Narrowed down the problem but can't figure out how to fix it. Hopefully one of you out there can help. It turns out that if you plug in one of the relays (doesn't matter which one) and put a jumper wire in the other relay it will work, but if you plug in both relays some how it breaks the circuit and you get nothing (well just a click from the box). Both relays are brand new. Thanks for any advice you can give.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

There are 5 connection points on each relay, which ones are you jumping?

 

[Andreanek]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

86 & 30. Thanks

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

if you have a 2w trim motor then i would guess that you've lost ground on 87a.

 

[Andreanek]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

What's the best way to check to see if it ground? Thank you.

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

do you have a 2w trim motor? If you have a 3w trim motor then connecting ground to post 87a can create smoke and fire. Once you confirm this then just use a ohm-meter or a continuity tester.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

The three screws grouped together on the terminal bar are connected to the battery ground by the center one marked G which runs to the battery. The one on the left of that connects to the relay plugs at 87A and 85., providing the ground to activate the relays.

 

[Andreanek]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

Using a meter 87a to ground on terminal (left screw on group of three) zero reading. 87a to power, the meter read 12v. Now what? I am probably overlooking soemthing simple.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

What you want is a closed circuit between 87A and the negative post on the battery; in other words, a good ground.

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1982 Johnson 175 HP Tilt/Trim Issue

unplug both relays and check the female quick disconnects inside the connector.

post # 30 should be an open circuit on both relays
Post #30 to Post #30 should have about 1/2 ohm resitance
post #87a and #85 should be solid ground on both relays
post #87 should be +12V from a high current source on both relays
post #86 is your control. Only one at a time should go to +12 as you depress either up or down.
Under no circumstance should # 86 be positive on both relays at same time.

If you got that, then you are wired.