Volvo Penta DP290 Trim Indication

[orion1210]

Hi all,

My stbd trim idicator contantly reads 56. I've tried uncoupling the cog from the rack and turning either way with no effect. I'm wondering if 56 is a sign of a closed or open circuit somewhere... does anybody know what the indicator would read in either scenario?

Unforunately it doesn't look like I can remove the potentiometer without removing the transom shield from the boat so just want to rule out other possibilities first.

Cheers

 

[Sianna]

290 trim indicator normally only goes to 46 in beach mode, does the drive move up and down or is it stuck up? I only say this as mine was stuck up and wouldn't move down, it was a failed relay and power trim fuse.

 

[orion1210]

Thanks Flip, no the drive is behaving itself, purely an indication issue.

 

[Sianna]

Thanks Flip, no the drive is behaving itself, purely an indication issue.

no worries, it sounded a similar problem to mine but isn't

 

[BruceK]

You should be able to remove the potentiometer fairly easily. They do sometimes get a bit stuck with salt encrustation but gentle levering it (once removing the retaining bracket) out wont be too much of an issue. Of course if you are replacing, it's best done with the drive off and then remove the gear wheel and insert a long slim screwdriver and tap it out. You will destroy it that way but if it's already broken....

Check all the wiring connectors though, especially those at the gauge end. The manual says they cannot part but they most certainly can and on mine at least the loom is a little short and so I have to reseat the connections every couple of years. A good tell they are loose is when the numbers jump sporadically.

 

[orion1210]

Thanks Bruce, unfortunately there isn’t enough clearance above in the cut out of the transom to allow the sensor to be removed. I’m carefully considering grinding a bit away to give clearance.

I will try swapping the wiring to the gauges first though thanks before getting too serious!