Testing Gauges and Sensors??

[U Rest U Rust]

1989 Mercruiser 5.0 I/O.
Having issues with the tilt/trim gauge or sensor. The gauge stays in the top position with or without power. How do you just test the gauge? With voltage applied or with an ohm meter?? If thats not the problem, how would I test the sensor??

The Tilt/Trim mechanicly works fine.

Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Testing Gauges and Sensors??

The gauge is basically an ohmmeter itself. Most common failure I've seen is a loss of ground between the motor and bracket. On those, I run a wire from a ground on the block to and attach it to the ground wire on the sender.

 

[scoathy]

Re: Testing Gauges and Sensors??

Could the trim position sensor need adjusting?

Mine was doing the same thing even when trimmed down while cruising the lake.

I found the trim position sensor on the starboard side of the lower unit and with power applied to the gauge I loosened the two set screws and manually adjusted the sensor out watching the gauge as I did so.

I had to take it off, adjust down and then reattach it but it works up and down now. With no power the gauge sits in the up position... it seems as if it had been removed and reapplied in the wrong position or had been turned while the lower unit was being repaired 3 weeks ago.

Good Luck