Trim troubles

[craig newton]

96 Mercruiser 4.3 L 4bb V-6 Vortec with Alpha One outdrive. The up and down trim switch didn't work at all. Tried jumping solinoids and didn't even get a clicking sound. So I replaced the positive wire from the battery and the big fuse on the end of it. Then I replaced both solinoids, made sure the fluid level was good and jumped it again. Both directions it made all the right noises like it usually does when trimming but that's all it did. It didn't move at all. What do I check next?

 

[Scott06]

96 Mercruiser 4.3 L 4bb V-6 Vortec with Alpha One outdrive. The up and down trim switch didn't work at all. Tried jumping solinoids and didn't even get a clicking sound. So I replaced the positive wire from the battery and the big fuse on the end of it. Then I replaced both solinoids, made sure the fluid level was good and jumped it again. Both directions it made all the right noises like it usually does when trimming but that's all it did. It didn't move at all. What do I check next?

Is the pump coming on ? doyou get power to the pump from the solenoids?

 

[craig newton]

Is the pump coming on ? doyou get power to the pump from the solenoids?

I assumed the noise was the sound the pump makes when its being powered and working. If that is not true, how would I test to show power to the pump?

 

[04fxdwgi25]

If pump is running and solenoids do indeed energize, then I'd check the little white plastic check valves under the solenoids. One spec of crud in there stops them from working.

Are the rams on the drive any good? They do seize up if corroded.

 

[Scott06]

I assumed the noise was the sound the pump makes when it’s being powered and working. If that is not true, how would I test to show power to the pump?

The solenoids will click. A continuos hum is the pump working. hard to tell from info given. A volt meter and wiring diagram is needed if pump not running. If pump is running have you checked fluid level and condition

 

[craig newton]

If pump is running and solenoids do indeed energize, then I'd check the little white plastic check valves under the solenoids. One spec of crud in there stops them from working.

Are the rams on the drive any good? They do seize up if corroded.

96 Mercruiser 4.3 L 4bb V-6 Vortec with Alpha One outdrive. The up and down trim switch didn't work at all. Tried jumping solinoids and didn't even get a clicking sound. So I replaced the positive wire from the battery and the big fuse on the end of it. Then I replaced both solinoids, made sure the fluid level was good and jumped it again. Both directions it made all the right noises like it usually does when trimming but that's all it did. It didn't move at all. What do I check next?

I thank you all for responding. The trim is working again but only if I jump it at the solenoid terminals. It still doesn't respond at all using the up/down switch on the shift control arm

 

[Scott06]

I thank you all for responding. The trim is working again but only if I jump it at the solenoid terminals. It still doesn't respond at all using the up/down switch on the shift control arm

Does it work with the trailer button ? If so your trim limit switch is bad

 

[04fxdwgi25]

does it not just work in the up or both up and down? If only not in the up position, like Scott said, does the trailer button work?

Since it works by jumping at the pump, I would be checking the :
1. Trim limit switch on the drive unit (the wires rot off on those)
2. The trim control switch(s) (is yours on the dash or the controls?)
3. Wiring between switch(s) and the trim pump.

 

[Lou C]

On models where the trim control wires go thru the remote control handle the wires can break inside the handle due to the movement of the handle. On mine it was grounding out on the handle itself. Fixed with some liquid electric tape!