Troubleshooting Trim Problem

[jimshabbah]

First timer hear, so bear with me.
I have a '97 Mariah Shabbah with a 7.4l Mercruiser Bravo I. I am having problems with the trim going up intermittently. The drive will always go down with no problem, but will not go up every once in a while. When I push the up button on the shifter lever or the trailer button, it clicks (selonoid), but won't move. If I press it a couple more times, it will start working again. From other posts, I am leading towards the trim limit switch, but would like to know if I should be looking at anything else. Also, I have read some other posts mentioning jumping the limit switch. How difficult is that for a temporary fix until the end of the season?

 

[milkyway]

Re: Troubleshooting Trim Problem

I will leave the trim limit alone. The purpose of this is for you not to over-raise the drive when trimming while cruising.

I assume that the pump does not run even when the solenoid clicks. And since the pump always runs on the downward position, then the pump must be in good condition.

You might have loose or corroded connections or even loose or dirty solenoid connections. You might also have a faulty solenoid. Check these out first.

Switch the solenoids and see if the reverse now happens. If it does, then the solenoid is bad. Replace both solenoids. If solenoids are ok, then it must be the trim switch.

 

[sker crunch]

Re: Troubleshooting Trim Problem

Power Trim Pump Motor Runs In The IN/DOWN Direction, But Not In The
OUT/UP Direction-Both Trim And Trailer Switches Inoperative-(OUT/UP
Solenoid Clicks)
Cause Remedy
1. Loose or dirty solenoid connection. 1. Check connections “2” and “3.” Clean
and/or tighten as necessary.
2. Faulty Solenoid.
2. Check for battery voltage at terminal
“3” while trimming OUT/UP. If no
voltage is indicated, replace solenoid.
3. Faulty OUT/UP field winding. 3. Replace solenoid.
Index

Check Page 1C-13
Trim Troubleshooting

 

[Don S]

Re: Troubleshooting Trim Problem

Other than corroded solenoid connections, intermittent solenoids, you could also have a bad connector at the trim pump that connects the trim switch harness to the trim pump. It's round and has 3 wires. Blue/white stripe-Green/white strip, and red. They get corroded quite often and cause just what you describe.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Troubleshooting Trim Problem

Does the solenoid click when pushing the down trim button? yes? Jump the green wire and red wire on the down solenoid on the trim pump. If it runs, replace the solenoid.

 

[jimshabbah]

Re: Troubleshooting Trim Problem

Thanks a lot everyone, I will take a look at these possibilities before shelling out the money for a new trim limit switch kit.