1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

[rtcoop]

I went to take my boat out today for the first time since november and when I went to raise the motor nothing happened. When I push the tilt/trim button I don't hear anything. Its like its not getting any juice at all the trim motor. Everything else works fine. The motor kicks over fine and all the other electronics turn on. I looked for a fuse but the only thing I could find was a fuse that was next to the battery. I checked it and it was good. If it had been bad the other electronics that run off the battery would not have worked. I noticed there are two things on the outboard motor that look like relays that the wires run through before going to the trim motor. Is it possible those are bad? I may be mistaken in the way I believe the wires run through the outboard motor to the trim motor. Any ideas?

Thanks for the help!

 

[anple]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

I would check the Trim Switch and wires. My 1997 Force 120 uses Commander Classic 3000 Controller, I had to disassembly the Control Handle and reconnect wires because they were broken.

 

[rtcoop]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

Thanks for the reply. I will check that when I go home for lunch and post and an update. I did find a manual online for the controller and it looks pretty simple to take apart.

 

[rtcoop]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

I checked the wires and trim button and they were all intact. Do the trim wires run straight to the motor?

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

1999 force 120 should have a 2w single ram trim system. If you follow the motor wires back into the engine you should find a bullet style quick disconnect where they attach into the relays. Unplug the two wires. If you have three wires going to the motor then stop. Do not follow these directions for 3w motors. You will fry something if you do.

take the blue wire and touch it to batt+ going into starter solenoid. touch the green wire to ground. the trim system should lift. If it does not then double check that you have good 12V+ and ground. If the power is good and the motor does not spin then the motor is broken. If the motor does spin when you hotwire it then you probably have bad relays. you can buy new mercury force compatible (standard bosch style 5pin 12v automotive relays) off ebay for a couple bucks each. a new motor will run you $160-$250. American made motors cost more. Chinese motors don't last as long. Pick your spot.

 

[rtcoop]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

I found the wires going to the motor, but they aren't long enough to reach the starter solenoid. One wire is blue and the other green. Which one is positive and and is it ok to use another piece of wire to help reach the solenoid?

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

I found the wires going to the motor, but they aren't long enough to reach the starter solenoid. One wire is blue and the other green. Which one is positive and and is it ok to use another piece of wire to help reach the solenoid?

there is no positive with a 2w motor. you conect it and it spins. you reverse it and it spins the other way. we don't care which way it spins for troubleshooting. if it spins in either direction then the motor is okay. If it does not spin then it is bad and needs replacing.

 

[rtcoop]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

It worked! It shot a little spark but the motor did raise. Could it be the wiring itself or is it probably the relay? It's looks like there are two relays. Would I need to get both? Thanks!

 

[rtcoop]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

I replaced the relays today and it didn't fix the problem. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[RRitt]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

check power into your switch.
turn on key, push button, check power out of switch
go to relay, push button, check power into relay
switch to relay output, push button, check power

 

[rtcoop]

Re: 1999 force 120 trim/tilt problem

As it turns out the switch itself is bad. I don't know how but it is. I just rigged up another switch for now. Maybe I can find a replacement for the bad one soon. Thanks for the help guys!