thumb tilt on omc control box

[jjoker213]

i have a 1984 Johnson with omc control box, thumb tilt for Up is not working, checked for power out of switch and none present, power only when going down, does anyone know if only switch can be replaced, if out can does control box need to be removed to access switch, or can cover of shifter be popped of for access

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

Normally you'd want to ask your question in the Johnson/Evinrude repair forum. You're in luck, however....

The box needs to be removed, the box "split" open, and the handle removed from the box to get access to the switch. Looking a a parts diagram may help, go to shop2.evinrude.com to find that.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

Check out shopevinrude.com and look up the parts for your controller which will be listed with your motor. There are multiple controllers that work for various years.

Sadly many of the older switches are no longer available.......

 

[cr2k]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

The box doesn't need to be split. Taking off the handle you can access the switch. Common to have a bad switch or broken wire. Check the RED wire for power, it feeds the switch. Blue (sky) UP-Green (grass) DOWN. It could also be a bad relay. Depending on what relay/s you have $20 to $300. Check for power at your relays before you go tearing in to the control box.

 

[jjoker213]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

it has no relay its direct, it does have a second rocker switch in back that does work in both up and down positions so i traced power back from that switch and no power on the green wire coming out of thumb switch, that is why i assume its the switch, there does not seem to be a way of accessing switch without removing control box, in thinking of just adding a second rocker switch by panel with relay, would that be a good idea

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

it has no relay its direct, it does have a second rocker switch in back that does work in both up and down positions so i traced power back from that switch and no power on the green wire coming out of thumb switch, that is why i assume its the switch, there does not seem to be a way of accessing switch without removing control box, in thinking of just adding a second rocker switch by panel with relay, would that be a good idea

Wrong. There is a control box between the motor and the switch. There are no direct tilt/trims. You really need to get a shop manual and I suggest http://www.outboardbooks.com/. The contacts in the switch throw the relays and change to power to the motor.
Your trouble shooting methods are wrong.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

it has no relay its direct, it does have a second rocker switch in back that does work in both up and down positions

The switches activate relays. Since the rear switch works for both up and down you can safely assume the relays are ok. Those relays are located in a separate relay enclosure, you should be able to find it by following the wires from your switch.

so i traced power back from that switch and no power on the green wire coming out of thumb switch, that is why i assume its the switch

That seems like a logical assumption. Either that or a broken wire.

there does not seem to be a way of accessing switch without removing control box, in thinking of just adding a second rocker switch by panel with relay, would that be a good idea

Just find a replacement switch, pull the control box, and replace the switch. It's not that big of a deal. You could use a panel mounted rocker switch instead of the control mounted switch, but there's a lot to be said for not having to take your hand off the throttle to adjust trim.

 

[jjoker213]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

thanks for the advice, i followed the wires and it seems like the rear rocker switch has six different blade connections, would that act like a relay, i could not find any other relay for tilt, anyways i am going to buy the switch and install it

 

[tumblweed9999]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

I've been looking at the " johnson Command Center" shifter I have from a 1978 setup. There are few " replacement " handles with a trim switch for OMC on Ebay, but I'm not certain it can be swapped out like a bolt on add on. Is there a place that sells a conversion handle with the trim switch for something that age? Or do I have to buy another style?
BRP wants $279 for a new remote control. and another $150- $180 for the legacy wire harness. I got all excited and stupid when I bought a 1975 70 hp motor that looks like " sat in a barn used 3 times,,, only driven to church on sundays look to it. . anyways..back on topic ( sorry) the dealer said find a remote control on Ebay and he'd swap out the motor. Bought the non TNT remote control off Ebay too hasty!! I added a " panther 130" after market t-n-t unit. the God Blessed trim switch is an Over sized wobbly Velco affair sticking on my shift handle. It has bounced off twice. I don't slow down for other boat Wakes... I'm certain I can wire an OMC switch to the panther relays. Continuity is continuity looks very similar to relays on a factory unit. This setup has got to go!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

Don't go crazy looking for relays: There may not be any. Early engines did use a direct power to switch system but by 1984 most brands used relays and circuit breakers. If your tilt motor has three wires going to it and if a black wire from the motor goes directly to battery or engine ground, then there will not be relays. The other clue is that the wires to the control box will be heavy gauge--probably about 10 gauge.

The switches themselves are Japanese manufacture and you MIGHT be able to find one similar enough to fit at a Radio Shack or other electronics store.

I do know that on Force engines, you must buy the switch wired with pigtails and it costs about 60 bucks, if not obsolete (for a 1 dollar switch).

Quite frankly, although the in-handle switch is way more convenient you will probably have much less aggravation simply wiring a new switch into the dash. IF you have a relay-less system, get a switch rated for 30 amps.

 

[bec1456]

Re: thumb tilt on omc control box

i have a 1984 Johnson with omc control box, thumb tilt for Up is not working, checked for power out of switch and none present, power only when going down, does anyone know if only switch can be replaced, if out can does control box need to be removed to access switch, or can cover of shifter be popped of for access

Can you post a picture of your controller. I recenty replaced trim switch on a 95 OMC. It wasn't hard to do at all. New assembly was about $50.