Re: trim tabs not working
Gator,<br /><br />I am sorry to hear that you are having a problem with your system, lets get it fixed! <br /><br />If both systems are non-responsive we need to check the black ground wire (at the pump and at the ATC). Check the Tabs ground first since getting the Tabs to function will help diagnosing the ATC. Also check the Tabs 20 amp fuse, as well as the 20 amp and 1.5 amp fuse for the ATC. You might find the installation instructions for the Tabs
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/online.html and ATC
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/onlineatc.htm helpful in locating the fuses and grounds.<br /><br />If the fuses and grounds are OK then use the Troubleshooting below to check out the system and let us know what you find.<br /><br />Tom McGow<br />Bennett Marine<br /><br />Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) any type. Hydraulic Power Unit is self bleeding, running the Trim Tabs up and down 3-4 times will purge air from the system.<br /><br />Fuse: 12 volt system use 20 amp in-line fuse on positive. (24v & 32v use proportionately smaller)<br /><br />Red= Port Valve <br />Green= Starboard Valve<br />Blue=Motor Forward (pump pressure)<br />Yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)<br />Black on HPU=Ground<br />Orange on Helm=Control Positive<br /><br />Troubleshooting<br /><br />1.If one side is not operating reverse hydraulic lines on the front of the Hydraulic Power Unit to determine if the malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic lines. If after reversing the lines symptom shifts to the other side the malfunction may exist in HPU. If the symptom remains on the same side, malfunction may exist with the actuator / hydraulic lines<br /><br />2. Is the unit receiving a solid 12 volts? Low voltage will some times cause the solenoids to not open preventing the tabs from moving even though the pump motor is running.<br /><br />3. Conduct the following test:<br /><br />Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows:<br /><br />Operation=Reaction<br />Orange (+), blue, red= Port trim tab down<br />Orange (+), blue, green=Starboard trim tab down<br />Orange (+), blue, red, green= Both trim tabs down<br />Orange (+), yellow, red= Port trim tab up<br />Orange (+), yellow, green=Starboard trim tab up<br />Orange (+), yellow, red, green= Both trim tabs up<br /><br />If the trim tabs function correctly for each wire grouping then the switch is at fault. Also note that any loose or missing screws on the back of the switch (whether a wire is connected there or not) can cause the pump to malfunction.<br /><br />This test may also be done right at the pump by substituting a "hot lead" for orange. There is usually a connector to the wire harness within a foot or so of the pump. You want to check this connection for corrosion. You may wish to cut the connector off on the pump side and try the test on bare wires.<br /><br />4. If you suspect corrosion on the wire connector near the pump, cut it out, test as above and reconnect using butt splices.<br /><br />5. If you conclude the problem is in the pump, contact me. Bennett Trim Tab Systems carry a five year warranty. We also offer a trade in program for units out of warranty. Contact us for further details after you troubleshoot the system.<br /><br />6. Check to see if there is a relay in line on the wiring harness near the hydraulic power unit. If there is it is an Interrupter Relay (IR1000). It prevents the system fuse from blowing if you try to actuate one trim tab up and the other down at the same time. After you test as outlined above, try removing the relay from the wiring harness and retest the unit. If it works the IR1000 will need to be replaced.
