trim gauge inactive

[07Searay]

Hello again guys. I have a small problem. I have a trim gauge showing no movement at all at the dash. The problem is that I can't even make heads or tails of the electrical schematics supplied with the boat. BTW it is a 2007 SeaRay 185 Sport. Obviously, yes, the lower unit is moving. I tried to trace wires and everything appears fine, no loose connections, no blown fuses. I have also noticed that the 'alarm' normally generated when I turn the key on no longer works and I can't even find it to check it out. Anyone know where that thing is located? From the schematic, it appears that one lead leaves the gauge and travels to/through an alarm. Any help or direction would be appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: trim gauge inactive

What kind of motor do you have? MerCruiser Alpha? All Alphas have a trim guage sender in the tilt pivot point on the outdrive. Here it is exposed to the water and can corrode. Most outboards have the tilt sender (if they have one, non-standard on some models), on the transom bracket, out of the water. Sometimes the sender wires get pinched. Look for a tan/orange wire (I think that is the standard color) for the trim sender.

BTW - Even when the trim gauges work, they are inaccurate IMHO. I trim by feel of the boat and sound of the motor.

 

[07Searay]

Re: trim gauge inactive

Since my last post I tinkered on the weekends and finally was able to make heads/tails of the manufacturer provided electrical diagrams. I believed that the problem was some way tied to my steering cable problem/replacement. I was right. While going back over the motor carefully I noticed a connector dangling which is not necessarily out of the ordinary as the harness has connectors for options that I don't have, ie fire suppression. So I checked it out closer, was able to identify wires, found its mate and voila! Now for part II of the problem.

While reattaching the gauge I Accidentally allowed the 12V to ground and popped a fuse. No problem right, replace it. But.....Now it doesn't turn over. I checked all other fuses and everything is fine. When I turn the key I get a click from a relay sitting on top of the engine but nothing else. I haven't even checked voltages anywhere because I am not exactly sure where to begin. Where do I begin?

BTW it is a Mercruiser 4.3 Alpha.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: trim gauge inactive

The Mercruiser may have a reset breaker on the engine. Mine was front starboard side and had a resetable 50A circuit breaker.

Alternatively you may trace the wiring from the slave solenoid (the one you hear clicking) to the starter on the lower starboard side, and see if it goes thru a circuit breaker on the way to the starter solenoid, mounted on the starter.

 

[07Searay]

Re: trim gauge inactive

Thank you. It does have a resettable breaker that is not in need of reset so I will try to trace the wires better. I haphazardly tried already but they are wrapped up pretty nicely inside the harness.

 

[07Searay]

Re: trim gauge inactive

Thanks again Chris. You were right. I couldn't reset the breaker and couldn't find any other problems, so still being under warranty, I took it back to them and told them it wouldn't start. The breaker has a red 'test' button that is on the top noticeable to all. What is not noticeable to all is a yellow reset 'lever' sticking out of the bottom of the breaker. I had been pushing the red button to no avail. Hopefully this will help others with similar non-cranking issues.