Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

[fat fanny]

My 96 alpha's trim button is not working in the up/out direction but trailer switch does. Switch on throttle lever checks out ok and all grounds and connections are lubbed and tight. So as stated in the service manual #14 pg 521 I check the solenoid out of the boat and got a high continuity reading thus as stated in the manual to replace solenoid But! the solenoid clicked as I connected the ground lead? does this still mean the solenoid is bad ? Also I jumpered across the positive 12v stud to the blue up/out stud and the drive moved ? A little puzzling. I do not want to start swapping out parts but the problem still has not been resolved witht the trim not going up when the throttle button is actuated. Any and all input would be great I usually don't ask for aid but this ones got me stumped especially when the forum has been littered with similar issues as of late.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

My 96 alpha's trim button is not working in the up/out direction but trailer switch does.

Whoa stop right there! If the trailer switch works, the solenoid is OK, because the trim and trailer use the same solenoid. The trim limit switch circuit is the problem. Look for the black wires going into two connectors, one with purple/white wire and one with two blue/white wires back near the transom. unplug the wires and jumper across the connectors with a piece of wire. Try the trim, if it works (should) your problem is the TL switch or wires.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Troubleshooting chart.

View attachment A1G2 Trim Troublelshooting.pdf

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Thanx stonyloam and Don for the reply I have been through all the service manual troublshooting and to no avail but I will work more with it tommorrow and will try the jumper. I'm still stumped on the high reading on the continuity test? Once again thnks!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

This is the way it works: When you press the trim up button 12V is applied to the G/W wire, to the black wire at the connector, through the trim limit switch (assuming the outdrive is not raised above the trim limit, in which case the circuit would be open) back out the other black wire to the connector with the two B/W wires, through a B/W wire to the up solenoid which activates and switches on the trim pump. When you hit the trailer button the current flows through a B/W wire to the connector and directly via the other B/W wire to the trim up solenoid. When you jumper between the connectors you bypass the trim limit switch and the trim up button works the same as the trailer button.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Really apprieciate the tips when it comes to the mechanicals I generally have no issues but the electricals I get a little stumpped but with the help here it makes the learning curve a little easier. I sure hop it's not the limit don't look forward to fihing the wire through the housing/transom. I will report back later this evening with my test results. Thanx again!

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Well after going back through the troubleshooting tips in the merc service manual and then jumping out the leads from the trim switch for the up/out and trailer switch it looks like I have a bad trim limit. For now I'll run the weekend hopefully just on a custom jumper across the leads until I can get a limit. Is it true that thier only sold in sets? and what is the chances of swapping one out without totally disassembling everything? and does anyone have any short cuts above and beyond the service manual proceedures? Once again thanx to stonyloam and Don.S

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

If you want to fool around a little with it, and the wires look OK, you can disassemble the trim limit switch and try to get it working. Take it off, flip it over and unscrew the screws holding it together. It is pretty simple inside, couple of copper contacts, and a wiper arm. You could try cleaning it up and maybe even GENTLY bending the arms a little to make better contact. Mark it before you take it off so you can get it back in the same place. If you do get it to work, the proper up limit length for the trim rams on a genII is 20 3/4 inches, center to center on the bolts. Have fun.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

I was thinking the same thing what could it hurt. Hopefully I can get some funtionality out of it if not I will run with the jumper across the leads.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Well checking back in with my limit/ solenoid issue. I decided to swap the up and down connection to opposite solenoids but to no avail same issue no up/ out movement! So at this point I directed my efforts to the limit itself I removed it from the drive and dissasembled it and noticed there were 2 copper brushes molded into the case which to my surprise were a slip fit and so I removed the top wire retaining screw and cap and pushed the wires inward toward the limit case and the brushes came up and out they are really simple a 1/16 hole with a set screw for the wire at this point I tested continuity from end to end and got a perfect tone on both wired and brushes. So after cleaning them both up and lubing w/ dialectric grease I re-assembled and tested and still got no movment I even tried manipulating the inverted sping contact tab and still got nothing! At this point I was some what baffeled then I noticed where the sping contact tab was located in it's original stack from the factory location not touching the brushes so I twisted the adjustment on the limit until I got contact and tho and behold I got movement!!! Now kepp this in mind I have never had any hard hit's or dead ends on the drive so what would cause this out of adjustment condition? Sorry for not having any pic's but my son wasn't home with his Iphone maybe tommorrow so the story can be told with some visuals. I thing everyone should remember is never to give up on troublshooting it will save ton'ss of cash and it's free I was ready to buy a solenoid then a set of limits at a cost of over $100 when all it cost me was about 3 hrs and some dialectric grease. I just wanna say thanks to stoneyloam for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[muc]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Might want to check the hinge pin to make sure its tight.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

I thought the same thing after writting my last post.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Great! Now all you have to do is set the proper trim limit. Run it down then back up till it stops. Measure center to center on the trim ram bolts. 20 3/4 inches is correct for the gen II. CCW to lengthen CW to shorten (I think LOL).

 

[tejastoolman]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

this just saved the day, read all of this on my phone (stranded) sittin out in the cove & hot sun on Texoma used some speaker wire to make a jumper and wala! It's fixed! WOO HOO happy boating!


thanks guys =)

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 2 trim limit solenoid test

Good to here glad my problem and resolution could help. And for all those who post a problem and don't reply to thier solution and follow up with a post this could have been you! I for one have learned allot from this issue and this forum in general.