Trim Switch replacement part help

[nick.martin]

I have an 87 Dixie Bandit 170 with a Mercruiser 140 and Alpha 1 drive (sterndrive). My trim switch located on the control lever in acting up intermittently. Does anyone know where I can find this replacement micro switch without having to replace the whole control? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

How do you know it's the switch and not the wiring, or the solenoids on the trim pump, or the pump, or the ................

If you are sure the switch is bad, you need to figure out which control you have, then, if it's a Merc control just visit your local dealer and he can order you one. They are not an aftermarket part.

 

[nick.martin]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

I have throughly tested it and even split the wiring at the connection and directly tested it. It is 100% in the switch. I am not sure whos control it is. I will have to check. Thanks for the info.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

If you have a commander control like mine, this should be it: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...r=50&bdesc=REMOTE+CONTROL+ASSY+(W/POWER+TRIM) #20 is the switch assembly' However there are a couple of other things that can go wrong with the trim, the switch going bad is probably the least likely. If it is just the trim up that you are having trouble with, it could be your trim limit switch (most common problem area). You could also have trouble with the trim up and trim down solenoids that control the pump. Need to fully diagnose the problem before putting money into it. Good luck.

 

[pvmtsux]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

Even if you think it's 100% the switch and have not checked the trim limit switch, go do that before buying a new switch. If the wires on the trim limit switch are chewed up or the switch has gone you won't be getting power to the throtle switch because the trim limit switch is interupting the power flow. If the trim limit switch IS your problem, there are about a million posts on here on how to bypass it until you're ready to pull your outdrive and replace it.

 

[nick.martin]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

I had to bypass the limit as when I got it I found the wire pulled loose inside the insulation between the transom and the limit. I have to order that as well. I know it is the switch as it depends on how I apply pressure to make it work.
So I guess I cannot relace the limit without pulling the drive? That stinks. Maybe I can live without the limit again this summer.
I will check the link provided. Thanks

 

[pvmtsux]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

The limit switch is a safety device so you don't trim up to far while underway. I'm not sure who exactly is triming up all the way while running but...you can definatly live without it. I've had mine bypassed for 2 or 3 years now and have not experienced any issues.

I have heard of some people not pulling thier outdrive to replace the switch but they talk about having bent wrenches and such to reach an inaccessable bolt. If your so inclined I guess it can be done but the "right" way would be to pull the outdrive.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

So I guess I cannot relace the limit without pulling the drive? That stinks. Maybe I can live without the limit again this summer.
I will check the link provided. Thanks

Unfortunately, more than that. You also have to pull the bellhousing and remove the bellows to get to it. Major PITA! Best to do it when replacing the bellows. You can disassemble the limit switch and clean the contacts, and you may be able to splice in a new wire. Solder and a few layers of liquid tape. You can run without it, just be careful. Good luck.

 

[atcra]

Re: Trim Switch replacement part help

I have a Wellcraft 210 Eclipse and my trim switch went out during our Labor Day camping trip. Being that it was such a pain to replace the actual switch during that weekend in a campground my father in law and i put in a toggle switch on the panel next to the throttle arm. We cut the wires inside the arm and attached them to the new switch. It looks good and just takes a little getting used to when you trim it up and down. Good luck.