Tilt/trim solenoid/troubleshoot on 2003 50 2-stroke on pontoon boat

[ptbrakefield]

I've watched lots of vids, and I've looked at some threads, but not seen an answer to this question: if I hear the solenoid click, but nothing happens, might low fluid still be the problem? Function became more and more iffy as summer passed, but it stays in the water all summer. I had the trim set nicely, so it wasn't a big deal if it didn't work, but it would suddenly decide to operate. It would most often get stuck out of the water and I would manually lower it. I've not found any loose wires. The solenoid clicks when the switch is pressed, but nothing happens after that.

 

[boscoe99]

There is an electric side of the unit and a hydraulic side of the unit.

The relay provides electrical power to a electric motor that turns a hydraulic pump. A relay clicking typically has nothing to do with the amount of hydraulic fluid in the unit.

A relay clicking and nothing happening tends to indicate that either the relay is faulty or the motor is faulty. Perhaps both at the same time but that is extremely rare.

 

[99yam40]

contacts inside the T&T relay/solenoid do fail to make contact sometimes.
see if both the + and - are going thru to the motor when it does not do anything

 

[ptbrakefield]

It worked perfectly out in the driveway this evening... just a head scratcher.

My starting battery needs replacing, but I'm not buying a new one til spring. Can that have an affect? I charged it this afternoon just before the tnt started working again.

 

[boscoe99]

The contacts within the relay can become intermittent. Work one time and then not work the next time.

Why not do some trouble shooting to confirm the issue?

 

[99yam40]

It worked perfectly out in the driveway this evening... just a head scratcher.

My starting battery needs replacing, but I'm not buying a new one til spring. Can that have an affect? I charged it this afternoon just before the tnt started working again.

yes low / weak battery can have an effect.
not closing the relay as hard maybe not getting the burnt contacts together as good which causes more arcing burning of the contact surfaces

 

[ptbrakefield]

The contacts within the relay can become intermittent. Work one time and then not work the next time.

Why not do some trouble shooting to confirm the issue?

Trust me, I am. Just hoping to narrow it down, and I believe I have. Thanks for the help.