trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

[driftwood47]

I noticed that the up trim doesn't seem to work. It will move up by using the "trailor" switch so I know that the trim drive is working. The down mode works OK. Could cleaning the switch fix it or is there something simple I missed?

 

[Trent]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

More than likely your trim limit switch is the problem. Dont know what year you have but the wires rot over time. Need more info.

 

[driftwood47]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

Trent the mercruiser is a 2000 model. If I remember correctly-I ran into this problem before and it was something simple. Memory fades sometimes if I am away from salt water any length of time. Just kidding.

 

[outboardguy]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

If you look at the power trim pump you will see a round plug coming out of it with(red,green,blue)wires.Just behind that connection is a couple wires with bullet connectors.It is possible the bullet connectors got pulled apart.If thats not it then You will have to look into the trim limit switch Good Luck

 

[johnkc]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

if the boat is on a trailer right now are you sure the drive is all the way down in trim range ?we get a lot of calls this time of year with the same complaint .

 

[moose3776]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

mine is the same way, it wont work until in the water i guess it needs to be under load. wait and see if it works in the water.

 

[driftwood47]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

Trent,Johnkc,&Moose3776,<br />Guys, Thanks for the info. The boat is on a trailor and was NOT trimmed down within range of the trim switch. Lowering the drive fixed the problem. Just goes to show how importent it is to get near salt water often. It restores poor memory. Thanks again.

 

[milkyway]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

I am new to boating so pardon any errors in description. I have a mervruiser alpha 1.<br /><br />on retrieving the boat yesterday, the outdrive took a lot of time to come up. i thought it would not come up at all but it did.<br /><br />then last night, i removed 2 batteries and charged them overnight ( first time to do this). I installed the fully charged batteries today and wanted to run the engine to check battery and alternator. I plugged the freshwater plug to the drive for cooling system, but when I hit the trim tab down switch, there was no click, no sound, no movement at all. Engine started without problem, but the outdrive would not move. I usually got a buzzing sound whenever I hit the up or down switch. But this time it was totally quiet. No action at all when I hit the switch? Is it the switch? the pump? The fuse on the positive wire that connects to the positive terminal of the battery is ok. The wire from the switch is connected to the ignition. <br /><br />Where do I start to diagnose this? Please help.

 

[milkyway]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

I am new to boating so pardon any errors in description. I have a mervruiser alpha 1.<br /><br />on retrieving the boat yesterday, the outdrive took a lot of time to come up. i thought it would not come up at all but it did.<br /><br />then last night, i removed 2 batteries and charged them overnight ( first time to do this). I installed the fully charged batteries today and wanted to run the engine to check battery and alternator. I plugged the freshwater plug to the drive for cooling system, but when I hit the trim tab down switch, there was no click, no sound, no movement at all. Engine started without problem, but the outdrive would not move. I usually got a buzzing sound whenever I hit the up or down switch. But this time it was totally quiet. No action at all when I hit the switch? Is it the switch? the pump? The fuse on the positive wire that connects to the positive terminal of the battery is ok. The wire from the switch is connected to the ignition. <br /><br />The pump is connected right behind the batteries. I am sure I did not accidentally hit anything.<br /><br />Where do I start to diagnose this? Please help.

 

[milkyway]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

Can someone give me some leads here? This is Ernie. When there is absolutely nothing happening when I press the down or up trim switch, what's the first few things should I check? I also observed some leaking fluid in the trim pump area. But even if the pump is malfunctioning, should there be at least some sound or indication that power is present?

 

[texomatom]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

Make sure you don't have a wire left off of the battery. You should have a + and - wire coming from the trim pump - I believe these connect directly to the battery - Make sure one of them isn't laying in the bilge.<br /><br />Tom

 

[milkyway]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

Tom,<br /><br />I connected back the red wire to the positive terminal and the black wire is on the ground post of the battery. I have 2 batteries and the both the negative posts are connected to each other, ansd the pump's black wire is connected to one of these. The red wire has a fuse and I checked it was not burned. But I will still dobule check tonight to be sure the're all tight.<br /><br />Any more other tips?

 

[milkyway]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

The red wire is on battery 1 and the black wire is on battery 2. I have a dual battery switch. Would it make a difference if I move the black wire to battery 1, considering that the negative posts of the 2 batteries are connected?

 

[milkyway]

Re: trim switch-mercruiser alpha 1

yes you were right. there was another red wire that was sitting on the floor. i thought there was only one. now i'm rolling!! thanks.