racerone, Sometimes your replies are a bit blunt, sometimes a bit short . Examples of this would be "get a manual" ,"yes or no " or "get a wiring diagram and go over the wiring ". Speaking of myself and others I imagine these type of answers can be dismissive. Not because they are incorrect but because we are lazy and just want the answer, not the work involved in finding the answer. This morning seeing the answer above I thought well no sh..t check the wiring diagram. I know this motor pretty well so why check the diagram. But I did. I broke out the OEM OMC manual for this engine and followed and read. I never considered the trim gauge, nor the trim sender switch might be considered. The gauge has never worked so I never considered it. I did think my issue had to do with ignition on / off but did not see any correlation as both the cowl switch and the binnacle switch both operate the trim and tilt while the ignition is off . I will be checking the trim gauge, ignition switch, the striped wires and the purple wires. I know that the striped wires provide the current to operate the relays which in turn operate the TT motor. These were checked with engine off at the relay but never with ignition on at the gauge. I am guessing ( again ) that this will lead me to both the problem and solution of my issue. I will post my results as I get to it. I appreciate your replies and this time the slap in the back of the head. When I cant find my keys or my glasses I ask my wonderful wife where they are. When she replies "did you look for them " I reply "yes" even though I did not. I want the keys or glasses handed to me.