Tilt motor runs wild ...

Hi Folks,

The tilt motor on my 1996 120 Force sometimes continues ruinning after I have raised it a bit. The motor just keeps going up by itself. And when it reaches it's limit, it keeps running. I have to quickly hit the battery kill switch to keep it from going up endlessly - and prusumably destroying itself.

When it is going on like this, jiggling the trim switch on the throttle does not stop it from continuing. Also, just killing the batteries and waiting a while does not fix it ...

So, when this happens, I switch off the batteries - then I unplug the 2 wires in the engine compartment that go to the trim motor. I jiggle the trim switch again for luck. Turn on the batteries - and then reconnect the 2 wires for the trim motor. (all in that order). After that, it starts working again.

This trim motor was replaced about 2 years ago. Could anyone venture a guess as to what the problem may be?

Thanks very much,

Jack Coletti
St. Petersburg, FL

Re: Tilt motor runs wild ...

If that trim unit has relays, replace both of them. One is sticking in the closed position. After you disconnect everything and let it rest, it opens again.

If you want to test before buying new ones, reverse them. then the problem will be on the down side instead of up.

If they are still the square 5 prong relays, no need to buy new ones. Just go to a U-pull it junkyard. The same relays without the mounting tabs are used in Fords, Chevys, and Buicks. Cost--entrance fee to the junkyard--way cheaper than the 17 bucks each for new.