'95 115 Evinrude Crossflow- Dead key ignition & won't trim??

[Traxion]

Yesterday I put the boat in the water, trimmed the motor down, then went to start. When I turned the key I head a very slight electrical "pop" noise and then the key was dead. I also lost the ability to trim from both the remote control and at the motor. Occasionally I get a very faint/weak beep of the warning horn when I turn the key but not all the time.

I used the emergency tilt valve to get her home.

Any ideas on where to start here? I've got the manual but I have not had a chance to take a look or dig in yet. I'm guessing either ignition switch or trim relays possibly?

Thanks for all the help!

 

[emdsapmgr]

You probably blew the 20 amp main engine fuse. When it goes, nothing on the engine will work, including the trim. Pays to keep a spare in the glove box so this does not happen 5 miles from home. Any chance you have additional electrical parasitic loads going through the key switch? Such as bilge pump, radio, gauges, horn, etc.

 

[Traxion]

Thanks for the input. I do need to check the fuse, haven't done that. The more I've thought about it, I had it happen once on the previous trip where I turned the key, heard a little snap, then it didn't work. Turned the key again and it was fine. So I'm still leaning towards ignition switch maybe?

Far as the fuse goes, I don't have anything else running through the switch that should cause additional load. If it blew there would have to be a short somewhere. I'll look at that too.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Also check the fuse holder itself. Esp on the older units from the late 70's the fuse holders tended to accumulate rust and sometimes won't transfer current well, even tho the fuse was good. Probably not a problem on your later model engine, but worth checking. It's possible the key switch is the culprit, too. Esp if the boat is outside uncovered. Rainwater can get into the switch and affect it's functioning.