My binnacle trim switch on a 2008 Merc 50 Sun Tracker pontoon works at some positions of the throttle lever, but not where you'd want it to, forward. I removed the cover, and can see the three trim switch wires, but that does not get me to where I can see why it's not connecting. Any thoughts on how I can get to that? Thanks
I was afraid it would not be simple, and I am not disappointed:
To access the trim switch wires in a 2008 Mercury 50 binnacle, you will need to open the binnacle control box by disassembling the handle and removing the back cover. Always disconnect the battery before beginning to prevent electrical hazards.
Step 1: Disengage the throttle handle
- Shift to neutral and press in the throttle-only button on the side of the handle.
- Move the control handle slightly forward to get it into the throttle-only position.
- While holding the button in, gently pry out the throttle-only button with a small screwdriver and remove it.
Step 2: Remove the throttle handle
- Locate the large retainer bolt that holds the handle to the main control module. A 7/16-inch or 11/16-inch socket or wrench may be needed.
- Unscrew and remove the bolt, then pull the handle off.
Step 3: Remove the back cover
- With the handle off, remove the screws holding the back cover of the binnacle in place.
- Lift the cover off to expose the internal wiring and connections. It is recommended to lay the unit on a flat surface and use a weight to hold the cables steady.
Step 4: Access the trim switch wires
- Inside the binnacle, you will see the wires leading from the trim switch located in the handle.
- On a 2008 Mercury, the wiring colors for the trim function are typically:
- Blue/white: Trim up
- Green/white: Trim down
- Red: 12V power supply
- Orange: Power Can 1 (for SmartCraft systems)
- You can use a multimeter to test the continuity and voltage if you are diagnosing a fault.
Step 5: Replace or repair
- If you are replacing the switch, you may need to unplug a connector for the trim switch wires.
- If you are repairing a wire, use marine-grade heat-shrink butt connectors to ensure a waterproof and durable connection.
- Once the repair or replacement is complete, carefully reassemble the binnacle by reversing these steps, ensuring all screws and components are properly secured.
