Volvo Penta Trim Sensor Wiring??

[clubrulz]

Hi all,

I have been browsing this forum for days now reading all the posts related to the trim sensor problems with the Penta SX drives. Here is my situation. We have a Crownline 180 (2005) just purchased and the trim gauge is erratic. It mostly stays in the all up position with the occasional correct reading followed then by bouncing everywhere.

What I have learned from this forum:

1. Test the gauge. Done (Open circuit gauge reads UP, jump the Signal to Ground gauge reads DN)
2. Test the sensor. I have done this by using a DVM and checking resistance by doing the following. Unplug the sensor in the engine compartment. I probed across the two sensor wires and got OL. I then probed each wire to Ground and got OL and 6.4 Ohms. Thought OK 6.4 is low but maybe just needs calibration. I watched the meter as I trimmed up and down and the 6.4 ohms did quickly change during outdrive travel but always settled back around 6.4 Ohms regardless of the position.
3. Removed the trim sensor by turning the outdrive and loosening the two bolts. After inspection, the white wire is clearly broken. Hanging on by maybe one copper strand.

My thoughts?when probing the sensor wires, should it not read some resistance value from wire to wire? These wires are just one side and the slider of a potentiometer, right??

If the white wire isn?t used, does it matter if it is broken?? Can I not just cut it off and seal the end to not allow the pot to short?

The big question, can a person run a new sensor wire through the transom without removing the outdrive?

Finally, mine says PN 3855535 on it. My understanding is the new drop in replacement would be PN 3849411??

Thanks in advance?.

This is our first IO and I expect I will be a regular on here?LOL

 

[bruceb58]

My suggestion is don't bother fixing it. I won't the next time my sensor goes bad.