Need to take boat out, but trim stuck down & no clicking when switched. 2004 Merc 3.0

[pickl3d]

Need to take boat out, but trim stuck down & no clicking when switched. 2004 Merc 3.0

Hi All,

I have a 2004 Bayliner 175 with the trim stuck down and when I use the trim switch, I don't hear any clicking from the solenoid or whatever it is that would normally click. This started first thing this season - I put her in and the trim was stuck up which made for a very slow ride home. Once home I cleaned the battery connections and everything worked fine until now. I've since cleaned the connections at the battery again and also replaced the battery (needed one anyway) but I'm still not getting any response from the switch. Otherwise the boat starts and runs normally. What should I check next?

 

[wahlejim]

The connections at the trim pump and the ground. Clean them to shiny metal and see what happens.

 

[pickl3d]

Ok I will do that next, thanks. I'm somewhat guessing as to where the trim pump is though... lower left of the engine?

 

[wahlejim]

Usually starboard side by the transom

 

[poconojoe]

The trim motor has two solenoids. One for up and one for down. They have a tendency to get pitted or dirty. This may or may not be your problem. The good thing is that they are very inexpensive. Around $20.
Could also be your switch or you trim motor.
As stated, clean all the connections first. Then check the solenoids.
On another note:
In an emergency situation, that is if you need to pull the boat out of the water, you can always disconnect the rams and securely tie up the drive. Then you can properly repair it when get home.

 

[pickl3d]

It was the ground to the motor, first wire I tried and easiest to get at! Thanks for the help, happy to know where to start should it happen again.