Bravo power trim electrical problem...?
01-21-2019 | 06:48 AM
#1
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Thailand
Bravo power trim electrical problem...?
A little help needed please.....
Boat hasn't been used for a while and I know the batteries are low. On the ramp, I tried to trim the drive up and I could hear a relay clicking but that's all, no pump. Backed her down the ramp and the engine fired up but only j u s t. Engine running fine, volt gauge moved to 13 volts with a few more revs. Drive still wouldn't move, only clicking from a relay.
Decided to give the boat a run anyway and after 5 minutes running with the drive tucked a little, I tried the trim again and she worked. Had a good run for 2 hours, all rev ranges but plenty between 3500-4000 and the trim worked perfectly.
Is it possibl the batteries were too low to activate the trim pump but could just turn the engine over? After some running and a bit of charge coming back to the batteries, she was fine. It's like there's a 'low voltage sensor' on the pump. Maybe it's just an electrical issue and it was a coincidence the problem cleared after a decent run. I don't know but I'm sure someone here will know all about it.
It's a 496ho and a Bravo 1 X, everything stock standard.
Than you, RR
.
Boat hasn't been used for a while and I know the batteries are low. On the ramp, I tried to trim the drive up and I could hear a relay clicking but that's all, no pump. Backed her down the ramp and the engine fired up but only j u s t. Engine running fine, volt gauge moved to 13 volts with a few more revs. Drive still wouldn't move, only clicking from a relay.
Decided to give the boat a run anyway and after 5 minutes running with the drive tucked a little, I tried the trim again and she worked. Had a good run for 2 hours, all rev ranges but plenty between 3500-4000 and the trim worked perfectly.
Is it possibl the batteries were too low to activate the trim pump but could just turn the engine over? After some running and a bit of charge coming back to the batteries, she was fine. It's like there's a 'low voltage sensor' on the pump. Maybe it's just an electrical issue and it was a coincidence the problem cleared after a decent run. I don't know but I'm sure someone here will know all about it.
It's a 496ho and a Bravo 1 X, everything stock standard.
Than you, RR
.
01-21-2019 | 11:18 AM
#5
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From: Tygart Lake, WV
Yep, the click you heard indicates the solenoid working. Due to corrosion. Saltwater app right? The contacts did not pass enough electrical current to your trim pump. Common problem. It will be hit/miss until it quits working. Either clean or replace your solenoid.
01-21-2019 | 11:43 AM
#6
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The question begging to be asked is "Does the up and down act the same?"
If both are same it's a wiring/connection /voltage related problem, if only the up or down most likely a solenoid related problem.
Remember
blue=up as in blue sky and
green=down as in grass on the ground.
If both are same it's a wiring/connection /voltage related problem, if only the up or down most likely a solenoid related problem.
Remember
blue=up as in blue sky and
green=down as in grass on the ground.
01-21-2019 | 11:56 AM
#7
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From: Worldwide
The question begging to be asked is "Does the up and down act the same?"
If both are same it's a wiring/connection /voltage related problem, if only the up or down most likely a solenoid related problem.
Remember
blue=up as in blue sky and
green=down as in grass on the ground.
If both are same it's a wiring/connection /voltage related problem, if only the up or down most likely a solenoid related problem.
Remember
blue=up as in blue sky and
green=down as in grass on the ground.
3 bolts hold the 2 of them in.
You could also have some corrosion/issue with the trim buttons and their connections. They can and do corrode too.
01-21-2019 | 06:35 PM
#8
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Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Thailand
Thank you all for the good responses, along the lines of what I expected. I'll have a closer look tomorrow, cleaning terminals and back of the switches too. I'm not a great tool man but I can at least clean corrosion from terminals. Beyond that, I'll probably get the Merc dealer to check and replace solenoid as necessary.
Good point about working up AND down, didn't pay much attention because it was already down so I kept hitting 'up'. Something else to check tomorrow.
Thanks again, RR.
.
Good point about working up AND down, didn't pay much attention because it was already down so I kept hitting 'up'. Something else to check tomorrow.
Thanks again, RR.
.
01-21-2019 | 07:49 PM
#9
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Portland, OR
Thank you all for the good responses, along the lines of what I expected. I'll have a closer look tomorrow, cleaning terminals and back of the switches too. I'm not a great tool man but I can at least clean corrosion from terminals. Beyond that, I'll probably get the Merc dealer to check and replace solenoid as necessary.
Good point about working up AND down, didn't pay much attention because it was already down so I kept hitting 'up'. Something else to check tomorrow.
Thanks again, RR.
.
Good point about working up AND down, didn't pay much attention because it was already down so I kept hitting 'up'. Something else to check tomorrow.
Thanks again, RR.
.
01-21-2019 | 08:08 PM
#10
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9,594
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From: Ft. Worth TX
condensation and or corrosion can cause this. Secondly make sure the ground for it is tight and very clean No corrosion period, Make sure the power wire is the same. Loose connections can do that as well. Also check the solenoid connections.
When stacked wires for the battery connections - Biggest laid down first to the smallest terminals stacked is how all that should be connected.. Just saying
Long periods of NON use of the trim is common for this to take place. And sometimes just checking what was mention above -- all of it making sure everything is good and a strong battery - one is good to go alot of times. If it keeps happening especially in short order, then I would change out the up and down solenoids .
When stacked wires for the battery connections - Biggest laid down first to the smallest terminals stacked is how all that should be connected.. Just saying
Long periods of NON use of the trim is common for this to take place. And sometimes just checking what was mention above -- all of it making sure everything is good and a strong battery - one is good to go alot of times. If it keeps happening especially in short order, then I would change out the up and down solenoids .
