on to the next problem....trim up does not work

gardenstatesurfer

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
75
hi guys, <br /><br />again, thanks for all the past help.<br /><br />my trim up does not work, while my trim down does. i have a '90 V6 4.3L merc.<br /><br />any suggestions? i searched some old threads, perhaps the down solenoid? i am not getting a click at the solenoid when i push the up trim button, but like i said, down trim works fine.<br /><br />thanks in advance for any helpful advice......<br /><br />dave
 

jwaymer

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 17, 2005
Messages
36
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

Does the trailering button work (if you have one)?<br /><br />If so, it's probably just the switch (about $30.00 replacement part).
 

waterone1@aol.com

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 10, 2004
Messages
1,235
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

I could be the limit switch on the side of the drive or the "up" switch. You need to do some troubleshooting with a volt meter. If you have a trailer button that works, you can rule out the solenoid.
 

gardenstatesurfer

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Messages
75
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

i dont have a trailer button. i have a tilt and a trim. tilt works fine, as does trim down. i will try to do some troubleshooting as you recommend.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

Here is a link to the troubleshooting section of the Merc service manual. It has info on check the trim system to find the problem.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6C1R3.PDF <br /><br />And here is a link to the complete Alpha I sterndrive manual for future reference. <br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf <br /><br />Just run your cursor over the pages and when the cursor changes to the pointing finger you have found a link.<br />It works on the index and main cover page.
 

asylthe

Recruit
Joined
Jun 23, 2005
Messages
2
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

My trim up button does not work as well. The trim down button and the trailer button are both working. Would it be safe to say that my switch is broken? I looked at the troubleshooting portion of the Merc service manual but it didn't seem to reference this exact problem. I am sorry if this seems like a dumb question, but I purchased my first used boat 2 days ago. I do not know much about boating yet.
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

andrew <br /><br />you will get the best result starting a new post with your year model ect<br /><br />your boat may have a different system if its newer or older or a different brand<br /><br />tommays
 

paulrfrancisco

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 25, 2004
Messages
341
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

The tilt button is likely the trailer button, and the trim button is likely the running trim..<br /><br />If the Trim button works down but not up, but the tilt works up, it is most likely the sending units on the drive... The one on the port side (left), is for the trim/tilt control, and if you have a trim gauge, then that sending unit is on the starbord side.
 

asylthe

Recruit
Joined
Jun 23, 2005
Messages
2
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

I am sorry about that tommays. My boat is a 1988 18' Sea Ray Seville. The boat is powered by a Merc 4.3L V6 I/O motor. My throttle lever (excuse me if I'm not using the correct term) has three trim/tilt related buttons. The bow up and bow down features are on the same switch. You press the switch up for bow up and down for bow down. I would assume that bow up and bow down are the same as trim up and trim down. There is also a push button labled trailer. Yesterday I was using the trailer button in place of the bow up switch.
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768

LBJ

Cadet
Joined
Jun 14, 2005
Messages
26
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

Andrew,<br /><br />tommays was trying to tell you to start a new topic with your problem. Each problem should have its own thread of posts.<br /><br />By putting your post here you have hijacked gardenstatesurfers topic.<br /><br />Your problem can have it's own title which might make it easier to find for future problem owners.<br /><br />It just works better that way.<br /><br />Don't feel bad it is a common occurrence on all forums.
 

SeaRyan

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 29, 2005
Messages
48
Re: on to the next problem....trim up does not work

gardenstatesurfer the best way to test if it a remote control issue is to disconnect what should be a 4 pin connection between the trim motor and your remote. On the remote side you should take an OHM meter and test for a short circuit. thats basicly finding which of the four wires is a ground and then test the other three wires with that ground. Your OHM meter should zero out on each one "0.00" if it stays in overload "0.l" on any of them then it's a bad switch. If they are all fine then you need to test the other end connected to the trim with a circuit tester. basically test each of the 3 wire ( the fourth being the negative )for power.
 
Top