Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 up motor doesn't always engage

[Jacalore]

This just started - when pressing the "trailer" button or "up" toggle for raising the outdrive, no action. I can hear the solenoid click, but the motor doesn't activate. The "down" works. But if I press the button dozens of times, once in a while, it will activate and as long as I hold the button or toggle it'll work. So, the motor is good, the solenoid is good and the button - what could it be? Thanks.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 up motor doesn't always engage

Just a Guess........Does it work if you turn the steering wheel side to side.

Sounds like a short or pinched wire.....or the button is corroded inside and making a bad contact...or its on the way out.

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 up motor doesn't always engage

I'll have to check that, wheel position. Every time the button is pressed, the solenoid clicks, so I know the button is working.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 up motor doesn't always engage

I'll have to check that, wheel position. Every time the button is pressed, the solenoid clicks, so I know the button is working.

Ayuh,... then get out yer test light, 'n see what's wrong back at the pump,...

Could be nothin' but dirty corroded wirin' ends at the solenoid,...

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 up motor doesn't always engage

If it ever stops raining, that's exactly what I'll do! Thanks.

 

[Jacalore]

Re: Mercruiser 3.0L Alpha 1 up motor doesn't always engage

I think I've solved this problem. After checking, and rechecking all the connections and plugs and fuse holders, I took out the voltmeter. I measured across the solenoid (12.75vdc) but when the switch was activated, the voltage dropped to 4.25vdc. So, I hooked up a battery charger, after a few minutes tried the up/down/trailer switches - all worked without hesitation. I believe I have a battery that fails under load. Sound reasonable?