Power trim and tilt on 1150

Mrfixit290

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Apr 4, 2020
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21
I am trying to test the ptt system, nothing happens when I hit switch on mercontrol. I checked the voltage at the unit it self and I am getting 12 v. I put a jump wire across the two large connection on the solenoid and the motor ran. I also checked the voltage going from the ground and the green wire while holding the ptt switch down and got 0. Can I assume that the solenoid is bad?
 

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Texasmark

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Dec 20, 2005
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I had one but it has been a long long time ago. Don't remember on that one but I don't remember a TT switch on the starboard side of the lower cowling like later models......which would allow you to see if that switch did or didn't make the down trim work and then know if your remote switch or connection to it is the smoking gun.

If your color code is blue sky up, green grass down, and you put your meter on the same terminal on both relays and executing the correct trim switch position, one gave you voltage to the/that relay and the other (green) didn't then I would suspect the switch in the control. Quick check is to swap blue and green wires at the relays. If the UP switch position on the control now makes the trim go down, you have a bad switch in the control.

If that doesn't work then do you have 2 trim relays? If so, and they are identical, put the wiring back where it was initially and swap the relays. If you get down trim then yes the original down relay is malfunctioning. Just for grins, unplug both and reinsert them, basically burnishing (cleaning) the relay contacts.....if plug in type. That may be your problem. If lug and screw type I doubt it but the terminal crimp at the screw could be corroded and not passing current......or allowing you to measure voltage at the lug or screw/nut on the down relay.
 

Mrfixit290

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I do not have two trim relays. The ptt will not trim up or down, so I am not sure that switching the leads will work.
 

Texasmark

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I do not have two trim relays. The ptt will not trim up or down, so I am not sure that switching the leads will work.

It really would be nice if you could shoot 4 more pictures: Left side showing wiring to large terminal, front showing wiring to the front two large terminals, and right side showing wiring to the large terminal. Last picture showing where wires enter the motor proper.

With the red insulated plug installed, measure the voltage across the front 2 terminals and then measure the voltage across the 2 on the side. Give us that info along with the pictures requested. You are probably correct in that you have a bad relay, but it's probably expensive and you surely don't want to spend your money and not have it cure your problem. If you have the time, let's work through this.
 

Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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28,398
Your PTT switch is homemade. That is suspect.

You have only one solenoid, so if the switch doesn't work in the down direction, and the motor runs, when you jumper it, the switch is the likely issue.

Do you get voltage on the solenoid small terminal, when the switch is pressed? Does the solenoid have a good ground on the other small terminal?
 

Mrfixit290

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It really would be nice if you could shoot 4 more pictures: Left side showing wiring to large terminal, front showing wiring to the front two large terminals, and right side showing wiring to the large terminal. Last picture showing where wires enter the motor proper.

With the red insulated plug installed, measure the voltage across the front 2 terminals and then measure the voltage across the 2 on the side. Give us that info along with the pictures requested. You are probably correct in that you have a bad relay, but it's probably expensive and you surely don't want to spend your money and not have it cure your problem. If you have the time, let's work through this.

Here are the pictures!
 

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Mrfixit290

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Joined
Apr 4, 2020
Messages
21
Your PTT switch is homemade. That is suspect.

You have only one solenoid, so if the switch doesn't work in the down direction, and the motor runs, when you jumper it, the switch is the likely issue.

Do you get voltage on the solenoid small terminal, when the switch is pressed? Does the solenoid have a good ground on the other small terminal?

How do I check the ptt switch? The ground on the solenoid looks good. I will have to recheck on the voltage, I believe I did not get any voltage. Can i get a new ptt switch?
 

Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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The MerControl you have never incorporated a PTT switch. Motors of that vintage usually had a 3 button PTT console on the dashboard.

Testing your PTT switch is easy in the trim down position. Put a voltmeter on the connection to the green wire at the PTT pump. The other side of the voltmeter is connected to ground. When you toggle the PTT switch "Down" you should see +12VDC.

Testing the switch in the "UP" position is more tricky, as your motor may have a trim limit switch. The trim limit switch would be located on the starboard trim bracket. See if you have some wires from that.
 

Mooredom91

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Joined
Feb 22, 2017
Messages
36
I have the exact same Mercontrol. I am replacing my ignition switch and choke button this weekend. The trim switch is def a homemade addition like Chris 1956 said. If you going to buy a new switch I would honestly just get new controls. May cost more but it will save you the hassle you going through now, every year. But you can buy a new switch tape it up like the one you got now. I would prefer a direct connect from a extra battery on board tho.
 
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