96 Alpha One gen 2 trim stuck until I short terminals

[on delay]

1. Engine year, make, type, Full Model number, or a serial number if possible.
1996 Mercruiser 4.3LX gen 2 4bbl GM 262 V6. ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER 0F770317
2. Type and model of outdrive, Merc, Volvo, OMC, etc.
Mercruiser Alpha One gen 2 DRIVE SERIAL NUMBER 0F869867
3. EXACTLY what it's doing wrong, worded correctly and with proper punctuation so we can figure out the question.
The trim (power trim pump motor, not auto) stops responding to the trim and trailer buttons. The solenoids do not click. If I jump the up terminal and battery terminal going to the pump I get a nice spark, the pump motor actuates, and afterwards the buttons all work properly. I have only tried up, to my recollection, as these are the most accessible terminals. The trim position sensor and trim limit sensor are functional and calibrated, though the wires are frayed. As far as I can tell all parts of this system are original. I haven't blasted everything with contact cleaner and dielectric grease but I should as it is all pretty grimey.

This happened once or twice before, I think at summerization both times. Today, it happened in the water, after hitting an underwater island. RIP my prop. It's probably a solenoid getting stuck, right? I should just replace the unit. But I'm wondering if any of y'all might have ideas why this happened after I backed up off of an underwater island. Maybe the lower unit getting slammed forward jammed a solenoid?

Thanks in advance.

 

[nola mike]

If both up and down probably not both solenoids. Wouldn't "jam" from hitting something. First thought would be bad switch/wiring from switch. See if you're getting 12v from green/grd and blu/grd from the switch when activated. Iirc there's a sticky around here for troubleshooting. Also, connections need to be fully removed to clean. You're too late for dielectric grease/contact cleaner

 

[on delay]

Thanks, will do. I did not see voltage on the blue control line at the little block by the starter that I assume is relays, not sure I was probing the right spot, not sure if that solely indicates a fault in the wires or if there's an issue at the sensors, my manual has low res wiring diagrams so I can't read the colors. Should have mentioned all that. Left my multimeter clamps at home too, just needles... Still, why the heck would jumping the starter fix it? Maybe reverse voltage on the relay, if it's a contactor ie not solid state that could make a reverse field and knock it out of a stuck spot. Well, thanks, I'll be sure to take things apart. Also having a starter/slave solenoid issue (takes turning like 10 times getting just a click to get it turning over). So definitely needs a good clean its never gotten.
My family would love to have a working boat, but I do like having an almost working one.