1986 classic 50 power trim/tilt weird problem

[Aniez51]

I have a 1986 Mercury classic 50 in a bass tracker tx17 of the same year. I'm having power trim/tilt issues that's I can't figure out. The switch on the throttle makes the solenoid click but does not engage the motor. The two auxiliary trim/tilt switches (one near the motor and one on the bow) don't activate the solenoid (no click sound when switched). However, if I engage the switch on the throttle along with one of the auxiliary switches simultaneously, the trim tilt works. It's slower than it was when everything worked perfectly, but it does work. So it seems like a weird issue to me, hopefully somebody here can give me some input on where to start.

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

What is the voltage on the battery. Check the posts and the lugs attached to the posts.

 

[Tugdawg]

My boat a proline has a relay switch between the throttle buttons and the cowling buttons. Wire was corroded. Replaced and worked.

 

[Aniez51]

Thanks for the reply, and my batteries are in good shape all three giving me at least 12 volts at the posts.

 

[Aniez51]

Tugdawg, did you have similar problems to what I am having now? Also, where did you find that wire?

 

[Tugdawg]

My relay was on the back wall of my stern compartment. I have '95-27' Proline w/ twin johnsons(OMC). Tedious job of following wires from front to back without a diagram but fun!! Yours might be different and it sounds like a ground wire issue.