Trim switchs

[dozerII]

Hello, just purchased a Starcraft 201SS, with a Mercruiser 4.3LX ser # 0C519811. I have the trim button on shift lever and a trailer button on the dash. The problem is the one on the shifter will only lower the outdrive and the one on the dash will only lift it. Any ideas were to start looking for the problem? The boat has sat for a few years so I have to go through everything, including a new interior, but I would like to take it out on the water for shake down before the rebuild. I have to rebuild the carb and a few other jobs prior to this.
Glen

 

[achris]

Re: Trim switchs

Hey guys... I got it #10,000...

Just kidding you, but this is SUCH a common problem... The cause of the UP not working on the throttle lever/shifter (99.9% of the time) is the trim limit switch (on the gimbal ring) is open circuit, so the system thinks the drive is already in the full TRIMMED (not tilted) up position, hence the need to use the 'TRAILER' switch.

The 'shortcut' fix is to just make up a short (2") jumper wire with a bullet connector on each end and bypass the trim limit switch. The only precaution you need to be aware of it that the limit control is no longer in place, so when you are operating with the drive up BE CAREFUL!

The reason most people go this route is because the switches are expensive and a PITA to replace....

Chris.......

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trim switchs

The reason most people go this route is because the switches are expensive and a PITA to replace....

Ayuh,.... 2nd most common problem is corroded wirin' connections at the soleniods, 'n trim motor...

 

[picklenjim]

Re: Trim switchs

Ayuh,.... 2nd most common problem is corroded wirin' connections at the soleniods, 'n trim motor...

With all due respect if the wire connections were bad at the solenoid the trailer button wouldn't be working either.

Remove the outer cover on the trim limit switch and clean the contacts inside and that usually fixes it.

 

[dozerII]

Re: Trim switchs

Thanks so much guys, sorry for asking a question that has obviously been answered often.
Glen

 

[Don S]

Re: Trim switchs

View attachment A1 Trim Troubleshooting .pdf

 

[palace]

Re: Trim switchs

another common one is that wires get spliced inside the controls. unplug the trim wires from the the controls, jump the trim wires (green grass=down blue sky=up) if everything works then it is the switch or possible spliced wire. You can also jump at the selinoids as well.

Hey guys... I got it #10,000...

Just kidding you, but this is SUCH a common problem... The cause of the UP not working on the throttle lever/shifter (99.9% of the time) is the trim limit switch (on the gimbal ring) is open circuit, so the system thinks the drive is already in the full TRIMMED (not tilted) up position, hence the need to use the 'TRAILER' switch.

The 'shortcut' fix is to just make up a short (2") jumper wire with a bullet connector on each end and bypass the trim limit switch. The only precaution you need to be aware of it that the limit control is no longer in place, so when you are operating with the drive up BE CAREFUL!

The reason most people go this route is because the switches are expensive and a PITA to replace....

Chris.......

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trim switchs

With all due respect if the wire connections were bad at the solenoid the trailer button wouldn't be working either.

Remove the outer cover on the trim limit switch and clean the contacts inside and that usually fixes it.

Ayuh,... Agreed Jim,... I'm just sayin', Generally speakin'.....

 

[dozerII]

Re: Trim switchs

Thanks Again for the info, I checked in the trim limits on the gimbal housing, cleaned the contacts and no go. I will continue to dig deeper.
glen

 

[achris]

Re: Trim switchs

Just throw a jumper wire on the connection points (at the trim pump). If it works, it the limit switch and/or the wires running to it.. That's the quickest and easiest diagnostic tool....

 

[tylermcclintock]

Re: Trim switchs

Thanks Again for the info, I checked in the trim limits on the gimbal housing, cleaned the contacts and no go. I will continue to dig deeper.
glen

be sure your are checking the limit switch and not the sender. The limit switch will be located port side.

 

[dozerII]

Re: Trim switchs

Been a while since I posted this, complete gut on the boat, just installed the new transom. I was cleaning up the trim pump to reinstall on the transom. Next to the solinoids there is a female 3 prong plug with a fused red wire, a green and a blue, obviously these are ment to be the control wires. This was not hooked up and there is no sign of the plug anywhere in the harness. I'm starting to think this is going to be a wiring nightmare. Can I buy this male plug and is this the way to wire it properly?
Glen