Volvo SX Outdrive problem

[rosta]

When I switch on the starter batteries the port outdrive trim motor starts and the leg raises itself, as far as the swim platform. I can return the leg to the down (vertical) position by holding the override and down button but as soon as I release the buttons the leg starts raising itself again.

I'm guessing the problem is probably the trim sensor. So would re-setting the trim limit control fix it? In the short term how can I stop the leg going up so that I can sort the problem out?

Any help woul be appreciated. Thanks

 

[volvopaul]

Which version of SX is it ? Is the trim pump inside the boat or outside built into the transom shield ? And what engine.

 

[rosta]

Hi Paul

Thanks for getting back to me.

The outdrives are model SX-M and the pumps are inside the boat. The engines are GLP-D s.

 

[volvopaul]

Ok do you have trim switch on throttle lever if so the wiring wears causing the loom to short , I'd be looking there first

 

[rosta]

The trim switches are on the dashboard, they are the old volvo type with an up, down and override switch.

I tried to isolate the problem. First I unplugged the dashboard switches but the leg still raised itself. So then I re-connected the switches and unplugged the trim sender connection from the trim limit control unit but with the same result .

Could it be the trim limit control unit that's faulty? Do they often fail?

 

[volvopaul]

The trim switches are on the dashboard, they are the old volvo type with an up, down and override switch.

I tried to isolate the problem. First I unplugged the dashboard switches but the leg still raised itself. So then I re-connected the switches and unplugged the trim sender connection from the trim limit control unit but with the same result .

Could it be the trim limit control unit that's faulty? Do they often fail?

It's obvious supplying a feed to the trim relays that power the pump in that direction , I'd be looking at the two relays and it's associated wiring .

 

[Momac]

One of the relays under dashboard has become faulty - probably.
I say this as the identical fault was reported very recently on another forum - although on a dpe leg - and fixed by replacing a relay.

 

[rosta]

I thought I'd finish off this thread with the outcome; I hope it will help anyone with the same problem.

The relays are in the fuse boxes mounted on top of the engines; there are 3 relays - starter, outdrive up and outdrive down but it wasn't difficult to spot the failed relay (see image)!

However when I (expensively) replaced the relay the problem continued! I checked the wires going into the relay with a multimeter and found one wire was permanently live which meant that the problem was in the trim/tilt mechanism. I'm not sure whether the relay has overheated as a result the trim/tilt being stuck in the on position or if there was a power surge, which fried the relay and the trim/tilt.

Unfortunately the trim/tilt unit isn't supplied any more by Volvo, so it was Ebay to the rescue. I sourced the part from the US which took 3 days to get to the UK, 4 days to clear customs but was delivered the next day. All working fine now.

Many thanks for the advice.

 

[volvopaul]

I thought I'd finish off this thread with the outcome; I hope it will help anyone with the same problem.

The relays are in the fuse boxes mounted on top of the engines; there are 3 relays - starter, outdrive up and outdrive down but it wasn't difficult to spot the failed relay (see image)!

However when I (expensively) replaced the relay the problem continued! I checked the wires going into the relay with a multimeter and found one wire was permanently live which meant that the problem was in the trim/tilt mechanism. I'm not sure whether the relay has overheated as a result the trim/tilt being stuck in the on position or if there was a power surge, which fried the relay and the trim/tilt.

Unfortunately the trim/tilt unit isn't supplied any more by Volvo, so it was Ebay to the rescue. I sourced the part from the US which took 3 days to get to the UK, 4 days to clear customs but was delivered the next day. All working fine now.

Many thanks for the advice.

Not a bad guess then, glad your sorted