Tilt/Trim Switch

[swansont]

I finished putting my repaired Alpha 1 drive on Sunday. When I tried to use the tilt/trim switch it wouldn't operate in the up mode, on the up/down switch, but would go all the way up with the trailer button. I'm thinking the up/down switch has gone bad on the up mode. Anybody had this problem, am I on the right track?

 

[vipzach]

Re: Tilt/Trim Switch

It goes down using the up/down switch though? Try putting the front of your trailer lower, then lower the drive to the ground and try the up switch.

 

[swansont]

Re: Tilt/Trim Switch

Yes, the down works fine, I have ran the full range a couple times. Before I removed the drive it had seemed like the up range was getting shorter, but I couldn't be sure. Now there's nothing. Checked fluid, it is fine, didn't know if just half the switch could go out or if there is different wiring for the up switch and the trailer switch, if it could be the wiring.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Tilt/Trim Switch

Those trim limit switches are located in the tilt pin area of the outdrive, and exposed to water. They simply corrode until they do not make contact anymore. No contact = no trim. The solution is to either fix them, replace them, bypass them or use the trailer button instead.

 

[swansont]

Re: Tilt/Trim Switch

Thanks Chris, do you know, is this a difficult or worthwhile fix? The trailer button works fine, just a matter of keeping an eye on the indicator.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Tilt/Trim Switch

swanson, Normally the I/Os will ventilate before you trim them too high. That eliminates the need for the limit switch, since you never trim the outdrive that far. I just bypassed mine. There is a place in the wiring harness (near the pump) where you can bypass the trim limit switch with a short piece of wire with bullet connectors. Look for the wire that runs to the outdrive, it plugged into a purple wire on the pump harness, if I remember correctly.<br /><br />Alternatively, you can remove the starboard(I think) cover over the tilt pin, and renew the switch guts. I have no idea of the price or difficulty (since the wiring through the transom plate could be bad)of this fix.

 

[swansont]

Re: Tilt/Trim Switch

Thanks Chris, I will take a look at it this weekend. Hope you all enjoy the holiday weekend (mine starts this afternoon) and let's be safe out there!