1998 Johnson 90 hp tilt/trim switch stuck "ON"

[left hook]

...The tilt/trim motor stayed running today while my 98 Johnson 90HP SPL engine was off. If I pushed the tilt/trim switch (on the throttle) in the "UP" position, then the tilt/trim motor would stop running. However, as soon as I let go of the switch, the tilt/trim motor would run without actually raising or lowering the engine. So, I disconnected the + battery for the engine, but as soon as I reconnected the wire it was back to the same thing. So............... I left the + battery cable disconnected for awhile(2 hours), then reconnected it and everything was working properly. Great, problem fixed.....................NOT! It did the same thing later in the day. I'm thinking electrical issue, but don't know where to start. NOTE: I have tilt/trim switched on the throttle, engine and bow. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: 1998 Johnson 90 hp tilt/trim switch stuck "ON"

Changed quite a number of shorted switches on the lower engine covers. Just disconnect one at a time until you find which one is shorted out. You only need to disconnect the red wire going to the switch.

 

[left hook]

Re: 1998 Johnson 90 hp tilt/trim switch stuck "ON"

Regarding the switch on the throttle...........do I have to take the entire starboard panel off to access the wire or is there an easier way to disassemble the throttle to access the switch?

 

[boobie]

Re: 1998 Johnson 90 hp tilt/trim switch stuck "ON"

As Haffiman said, disconnect one switch at at a time to find out where the prob is when it's acting up. The one in the control handle may be okay. And yes, you have to take the control box off to get at the switch in the handle.

 

[left hook]

Re: 1998 Johnson 90 hp tilt/trim switch stuck "ON"

Thank you. I'll get at it and post my findings when I'm finished.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1998 Johnson 90 hp tilt/trim switch stuck "ON"

A lot of time the toggle switches get water in them. This will cause the motor to trim up. Alternatively, you might switch the relays and see if the problem follows.

 

[left hook]

Re: 1998 Johnson 90 hp tilt/trim switch stuck "ON"

Ok. When I originally started this post I should have mentioned that I had left the stern light on all night before I took my boat out and this trim problem started. Apparently the battery was low, but it still started the engine. I trickle charged this battery all night two nights ago and took the boat out yesterday. I did not have any trim problems whatsoever. I'm guessing that was the problem ?? I wanted to post my findings in case someone else had the same issue.