Hi guys, so at the end of thr season I was only able to trim up the Bravo 1. If I got in the water and pushed diwn on it while someone is trimming down, it went down, but not without my help. It uses the common style hydraulic motor. Where is the issue usually in this case? Thanks

Ayuh,.... Most common is corrosion 'tween the seal gland, 'n the rod,.... or extremely dry ungreased pivot pins,....

the rams are usually the failure - the seals stick.
the pump has much more force in the 'up' direction. Mine both did this exact thing when I bought my boat used.

I bought 4 new SEI rams 4 years ago, and they've worked just fine. much cheaper than Merc ones. bolted right on.

https://www.sterndrive.cc/product/Fi...-98704A26.html
https://www.sterndrive.cc/product/Fi...-98703A26.html

Local hydraulic shop will have all the seals and O-rings you need if you're a DIYer, or they will likely rebuild them for you for a bit more $. I keep a $11 set of seals and scrapers in the boat. I paid a marine dealership $400 to rebuild 2 cylinders! Learned quickly!)
If the motor is not running going down, it's just the down soleniod or switch. 'Sometimes' the little ball valve in the valvebody sticks or leaks, but that's pretty rare.