Trim only works when engine is running

[Rwebber77]

Hey all, been a while since I have posted here so I hope I include all of the information you need for an accurate response. I am helping my brother fix a couple of issues with his "new to him" boat and I came across something I've never seen. The trim buttons only work when the engine is running, which is really inconvenient in shallow water launching.

The boat is a '92 GW Invader and it has a Mercruiser 4.3LX with an Alpha I. On the back of the throttle lever there are two wires coming from it, they are both yellow with red.

My question is this, is there an easy way to wire the trim so it works regardless of whether or not the engine is running?

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trim only works when engine is running

The boat is a '92 GW Invader and it has a Mercruiser 4.3LX with an Alpha I. On the back of the throttle lever there are two wires coming from it, they are both yellow with red.

Ayuh,... Leave them Alone,... That's neutral safety...

Find where the Big Red wire from the trim pump comes from, 'n hook it to the battery...

 

[Rwebber77]

Re: Trim only works when engine is running

Thanks Bond-o, I'll do that!

 

[Rwebber77]

Re: Trim only works when engine is running

Alright, I checked out the big red wire and it's already connected directly to the battery. I do have a couple of images that show "what's goin on here". I will link them below so you can take a peek. Thanks a million for your direction on this!

Close-up image 1
Close-up image 2

 

[thumpar]

Re: Trim only works when engine is running

Does it work with the key on but the engine not actually running?

 

[Don S]

Re: Trim only works when engine is running

You may have to go under the dash to find this one. Normally power for the buttons comes from the trim pump and the fuse going to the red wire on the harness from the trim pump to the throttle control.
What some manufacturers do is cut the red wire near the throttle control, then hook it up to the purple wire under the dash, either on the switch or one of the gauges. You are just going to have to trace the wires out to find it.

 

[Rwebber77]

Re: Trim only works when engine is running

No, the engine has to be running to operate the trim.

 

[Rwebber77]

Re: Trim only works when engine is running

There is a bundle of wires coming out of the throttle control (red, blue, green, and not sure of the last), is that the red wire you are referring to that manufacturers cut and run to the dash? I found the purple wire under the dash, and that purple wire is connected to all of the gauges and is hot when the key is turned to accessories.