Drive Won't Go Up

[JDWeekender]

Drive won't go up but goes down just fine. When trim up is pressed, there are no clicks or noises, but the trailer up button raises it properly. I've read a lot about solenoids, but aren't the trim up and trailer button using the same one? Trim switch on throttle maybe? Someone help me so I can go play!!! '87 230 Weekender, 454 with Alpha I.

 

[AFD]

from what i have read this is an indication of a bad trim limit switch. apparently it "thinks" the unit is already at the set height and wont go up but when the trailer switch is hit it overrides the limit switch to lift all the way up. I haven't had the problem but have read it on here before.

BTW...a 454 in a 230 must be an awesome ride !!!

 

[1990-270-da-lover]

+1 on the trim limit sensor, they will die occasionally because water makes it's way into the sensor and grounds out the sensor. Fairly cheap to replace.

 

[JDWeekender]

Thanks guys, I'll start there...and yes the 454 in my 230 is an awesome ride! I love passing really expensive ski boats.

 

[CliffA]

+1 on the trim limit sensor, they will die occasionally because water makes it's way into the sensor and grounds out the sensor. Fairly cheap to replace.

they are cheap but you have to remove the outdrive to replace them properly due to the routing of the wiring....my 'up' trim function and the trim gauge have not worked for a couple years....i intend to replace the sender the next time i pull the outdrive....i just use the trailer button to trim up the outdrive to get the boat on plane....i can tell by the sound the outdrive makes, and the feel of the boat and the engine rpm's when i have the boat trimmed properly so i don't need the trim gauge.....you must be carefull if you use the trailer button to trim the outdrive up and not go too far up and cause possible damage to the drive.....

cliff

 

[SteveRuss]

why not run a quick test before you tackle it? Jump the positive battery post on the trim assembly (under red boot) with the solenoid post that holds the blue/white up wire and if it trims up then the problem is the solenoid.

 

[scoflaw]

Had a similar issue on my previous boat, turned out to be a corroded wire. Check your continuity from the trim switch to pump

 

[GrandMaster]

As stated above you have to remove the drive to change the switch and you need to/should always replace all the senders and limit switches together since they will eventually all fail.

Best if you can work it out to schedule with some other work or maintenance being done that also requires drive removal.

 

[themikehyde]

I had the opposite problem Saturday, mine would not go down. When pressing the switch, just heard a click from the solenoid. Jumped the solenoid with a screwdriver to get it down so it did not ruin the day. Will get 2 on order, so I will have a spare on board for next time.

 

[SteveRuss]

Suggest you change them both. Since you have to disassemble everything anyway, why put back an old solenoid that will probably crap out sooner rather than later. At $20 per it's a cheap investment.

 

[themikehyde]

Steve, that is actually why I ordered two, to replace them both. The current good one will go to spare, for an emergency. Thanks.