See full version: Problems With Outboard Motor Trim; Tilt
If you find that your motor won't hold trim in either direction, or if you see a small leak around the seal of the hydraulic cylinder, install a new hydraulic manifold assembly. Should the problem persist, however, install an O-ring set for your particular model. If the symptoms still persist, swap out the hydraulic motor for a new one. Here, too, remember to check the manual release valve first.
Check the manual release valve, located on the manifold, usually in the center of the manifold. The manual release valve is the joker, the trickster of the tilt and trim system. All potential problems with the system may result from the manual release valve not being closed, or being partially closed, so make checking this valve the first step you take when going after a problem with the tilt and trim system. The valve is also the easiest of the system's parts to swap out. Before swapping any other part, swap the the manual relief valve for a new one.
If the tilt trim unit moves slowly in one direction or if the unit's hydraulic cylinder -- the piston that moves the motor -- leaks while the system is moving up, swap out the hydraulic manifold assembly for one that you know is working order. Only do this after checking the manual release valve and, if necessary, replacing it.
The trim and tilt system of your boat's outboard motor has its own set of problems, many of which you can fix on your own. Simple fixes include adding a set of O-rings or swapping out parts that you can unbolt from the system and replace with new parts. [links]
When the unit won't move up or down and the manual release valve is in order, check the electrical power supply, starting at the breaker box and working your way to the butt connectors at the motor and from there to the ground. If the circuitry is in order, become a parts-changer: swap out the hydraulic motor for a hydraulic motor you know works. Should the problem persist, swap out the hydraulic manifold assembly for a correctly working one.
Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history. here
'''''''''The trim limit switch has got nothing to do with trimming the motor down, it is just an adjustable switch to limit the motor height so you don't hit the back of the boat, it is wired in series with the up button.
I tried to decode what your tsturm instructions exactly means but couldn't find it. the image you posted is too small . Could you enlighten me? here
i have two switches, one in the onconsole and one on the motor itself. They behave the same way.
Something I noticed before it stopped "going down", is that it went more "up" than usual. here
You could try gently tapping the relay with the handle of your screwdriver while pressing the down button, they sometimes come to life, but otherwise just use the relief valve as townsends said that'll get you back to the ramp. more
Both thick green and blue wires are grounded when no buttons are being pressed.
Did some research and confirmed with Rodbolt. Pulled it out and replaced it with new, been fine ever since. [links]
When you press "DOWN" the relay switches the thick green wire from being grounded to positive, the thick blue wire remains earthed and the motor will spin in the opposite direction. more
Your safety didn't lock it in the up position did it? There should be a metal safety tab on your transom, it may have locked in. more
Any ideas? It is obviously something electrical but I'm unsure of what it would be.
Well what I have found over the years is a trim switch. usually on the control handle gets wet, or moisture in it and shorts out causing trim to raise up. Now the bad news if it ran long enough it may have burnt out the trim motor. Merc and Johnson/Evinrudes have a manuel release on the trim valve body, loosen it up( large flatblade screw inside a hole of the transom bracket )and let the motor down about half way , then close the release valve and try to trim it up. If nothing happens the motor may be burnt out, if it goes up you need to find which switch is shorted out, and I'm betting on the control handle. Let me know if you neeed any more help.[links]
Next, try trimming down and pressing down on the motor yourself. I have a trim button on my motor so one person can do it, if you don't, you might need someone to help you. more