Tilt/Trim gauge not working - The Hull Truth

floridabill · 11-24-2007, 08:51 AM

I have a tilt/trim gauge that has stopped working suddenly. The engine is a Mercruiser 135hp with 45hours on it.Any suggestions on how it works and to trouble shoot to fix it.

Thanks

rkeene007 · 11-24-2007, 09:13 AM

my guess would be loose connection

parrott · 11-24-2007, 12:26 PM

Not sure where it is located on a mercruiser, but find the sensor and move it by hand to see if the guage works. Most have plastic arms and sometime they break. Just went through this on my F150. On mine the sensor was bad. Nice thing about twins is you can try one on the other to see if it's bad.

rwidman · 11-24-2007, 06:10 PM

Quote:

floridabill - 11/24/2007 10:51 AM

I have a tilt/trim gauge that has stopped working suddenly. The engine is a Mercruiser 135hp with 45hours on it.Any suggestions on how it works and to trouble shoot to fix it.

Thanks

Other than the obvious "buy a service manual"?

I have a 2003 Volvo I/O. The sensor is on the starboard side of the housing that attaches the outdrive to the transom. It's held in place by two screws in slots to allow for adjustment. There is a cable that's routed through to the engine compartment where there is a plug and socket that connects the trim sender to the gauge.

Pull this plug apart and the gauge should go to full "up". Take whatever will work (clip leads, paper clip, screwdriver, etc.) and short the two connectors leading to the gauge together. The gauge should read full "down". (I neglected to state that the ignition switch must be "on" for these tests).

If it passes these tests, the problem is with the trim sender or the wiring to the trim sender. If the gauge does not move for the tests, the problem is with the gauge, the wiring to the gauge, or power to the gauge.

If it's under warranty, let the dealer fix it. The sender is about $60.00 and running the wire up through the outdrive housing is not the easiest thing you will ever do to your boat. My replacement sender is still in the box. Been there a couple months so far.

Eyehooker · 11-24-2007, 07:59 PM

Get a service manual and read-- thats the easy way-- plus it has photos